RSS to begin centenary year celebrations with Vijayadashami in Nagpur

Starting from this Vijayadashami to the next, the Sangh will observe a ‘Shatabdi Varsha’, highlighting its growth from a small meeting at Dr Hedgewar’s residence with 17 colleagues to a national organisation with more than 83,000 shakhas today.

For the first time, the RSS will organize three simultaneous route march (pathasanchalan) on September 27 as part of its centenary celebrations.

The route marches will begin at 7pm from three different locations in Nagpur—Kasturchand Park, Yashwant Stadium, and the Indian Hockey Ground on Amravati Road. All three will converge at Variety Chowk, Sitabuldi, at 7:45pm, where RSS chief (Sarsanghachalak) Dr Mohan Bhagwat will oversee the marches near the Mahatma Gandhi statue. After the review, the processions will return to their respective starting points.

Like every year, the Vijayadashmi festival will be held at the Reshimbag Ground in Nagpur at 7:40am on October 2. Massive security preparations have been made keeping in mind the large crowd that the festival is set to witness this year. Former President Dr Ram Nath Kovind will attend this year’s celebration as the chief guest while Dr Mohan Bhagwat will deliver the guiding address on this occasion.

This year’s festival will witness large-scale participation, with thousands of volunteers expected to take part in full uniform. Last year, 7,000 swayamsevaks attended in full uniform; this year, the participation from thrice that number is expected. Dignitaries from India and abroad will also be present, underscoring the global attention the centenary celebrations have drawn.

As the Sangh enters its centenary year, a series of year-long programmes will be carried out under the theme of ‘five-point transformation’ (Pancha Parivartan). This will focus on environmental initiatives, the promotion of social harmony, the encouragement of self-reliant systems, the strengthening of family awareness, and fostering civic responsibility. In addition to these focus areas, a range of social service programmes and seminars will be organised across the country throughout the year.

The organisation said that the centenary year marks not only a moment of pride for its volunteers but also a broader celebration for society, reflecting the growing trust and participation the Sangh has received from all the communities.

“The centenary year is not just about the Sangh,” said Sunil Ambekar. “It reflects the collective spirit of society, the pride in our nation, and the resolve to work towards a stronger and self-reliant Bharat.”