Samkrama Deepthi ’25

Samkrama Deepthi ’25 : The Radiance of Transition 

“Let Us Celebrate Each Other,” 

the Chavara Cultural Centre, New Delhi, in collaboration with the CBCI Office for Dialogue & Desk for Ecumenism, Panchajanyam Bharatham, and HRDS India 

17 August 2025 | Kerala School, Vikaspuri, New Delhi

Celebrating the auspicious culmination of the holy Month of Ramayana (Karkkadakam) and the Ramayana Global Festival, along with the vibrant beginning of the Month of Chingam and the joyous festival of Onam. 

The event honoured the profound spiritual significance of the Ramayana month among our Hindu brethren — a sacred period symbolising reflection, devotion, and renewal — while joyfully welcoming Chingam and Onam as expressions of prosperity, gratitude, and hope. True to its theme, “Let Us Celebrate Each Other,” the evening became a vibrant platform that showcased India’s extraordinary cultural and spiritual diversity.

Adv. R. Venkataramani, Attorney General of India, and presided over by Rev. Dr. Mathew Koyickal, Deputy Secretary General, CBCI. Distinguished Guests of Honour included H.E. Mr. Reuben Gauci, Ambassador of Malta to India; H.E. Mr. Karlito Nunes, Ambassador of Timor-Leste to India; Shri Shyam Sharma, MLA – Hari Nagar; Swami Sarvalokananda (Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi); Swami Atma Nambi (President, HRDS India); Sh. Krishan Vidyarthi Ji Maharaj (Valmiki Mandir & Ashram, Delhi); Mr. Enrique Descalzi (Embassy of Peru); Shri Paramjit Singh Chandok (Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee); Marazban Nariman Zaiwalla (Zoroastrian Representative); Rabbi Ezekiel Isaac Malekar (Jewish Community, New Delhi); Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok (Former Deputy Speaker, Tibetan Parliament); Maulana Muhammad Ajazur Rahman Shaheen Qasmi (World Peace Organisation); Brahma Kumari Husain; Jangchup Choeden (International Buddhist Confederation); Nilakshi Rajkhowa (Baháʼí House of Worship); Mr. Sanjay Jain (All India Council of Religions for Peace); Swami Chander Devji Maharaj (Global Saint Samaj Kalyan Foundation); and Adv. M.S. Oberoi (Former Public Prosecutor, Delhi High Court). 

The programme featured a rich array of traditional performances: a solemn Ramayana Recital, the graceful Thiruvathira by Matru Bharati, an elegant Group Dance by Kala Bharathi Gurukulam, a vibrant Kuchipudi performance by Vaishnavi Padmakumar of HRDS India Dance Academy, and a captivating Mohiniyattam presentation by Pratibha of Nrithalaya, Paschim Vihar. The evening was further enriched by the energetic Ganamela led by Vinod Kumar (Kannur) and team, the traditional Margamkali by Kajol Elizabeth Kunjumon and team, the dynamic martial art demonstration of Kalaripayattu by Sathvam Kalari Sangam, and the powerful rhythmic resonance of Chenda Melam by Delhi Panchavadyatrust under the leadership of Vadyapraveen Dr. Cheruthazham Kunhirama Marar. Together, these performances beautifully reflected the diverse cultural tapestry of India.

The celebration witnessed the participation of more than 700 attendees, including religious leaders, diplomats, cultural scholars, artists, and families — making it one of the most vibrant and inclusive cultural gatherings of the season.

The evening concluded with a traditional Onam Sadhya, fostering fellowship, warmth, and community bonding in the true spirit of Kerala’s harvest festival.

Samkrama Deepthi ’25 stood as a radiant testament to India’s pluralistic heritage and the Chavara Cultural Centre’s enduring mission to build harmony by celebrating the sacred traditions of one another.