Culture is the heartbeat of a community, and when empowered rural youth come together to celebrate their shared heritage, the result is nothing short of inspiring.
From September 18 to September 20, 2026, the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama (Divyayan Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Morabadi, Ranchi) organized the Block-Level Vivekananda Seva Sangh Cultural Competition 2026–27. Spanning four major rural centers across Ranchi and Khunti districts, the three-day festival mobilized 47 participating cultural troupes and more than 2,200 enthusiastic rural youths, elders, and community leaders.
Here is an overview of the energy, talent, and community leadership on display throughout this vibrant celebration.
Day 1: Burmu Block Lights the Spark (Sept 18, 2026)
- Venue: Karanjuwatoli, Burmu (Ranchi)
- Participation: 10 Cultural Groups | ~430 Participants
The cultural journey commenced at Karanjuwatoli in Burmu. Ten spirited teams took to the stage, showcasing traditional music, folk dance forms, and artistic expressions deeply rooted in the soil of Chota Nagpur.
- Winners: Kothatoli
- Runner-up: Sidrol
The opening day was graced by Sri Suresh Kumar Baitha (MLA, Kanke Vidhan Sabha), Sri Siddhartha Majumdar (Advocate, Jharkhand High Court), Swami Bhaktishananda (RKMA), and local panchayat representative Smt. Sita Devi (Mukhiya, Murupiri Panchayat). Speakers highlighted Swami Vivekananda’s message of self-reliance, moral strength, and cultural pride among rural youth.
Day 2: Parallel Waves of Energy in Murhu & Bero (Sept 19, 2026)
On the second day, the celebrations branched out into two blocks simultaneously—Murhu in Khunti district and Bero in Ranchi district.
1. Maliyada, Murhu Block (Khunti)
- Participation: 6 Cultural Groups | ~240 Participants
- Winners: Katingkel
- Runner-up: Echadih
In the historic land of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the cultural gathering at Maliyada witnessed vibrant traditional performances. Dignitaries present included Sri Ramsurya Munda (MLA, Khunti Vidhan Sabha), Swami Bhaktishananda (RKMA), Sri Abhay Kumar Dubey (Income Tax Officer), and grassroots leaders Sri Prti Tuti (Mukhiya, Godatoli) and Sri Sukhram Sarukad (Mukhiya, Hindipidhi).
2. Kathartoli, Bero Block (Ranchi)
- Participation: 13 Cultural Groups | ~660 Participants
- Winners: Puriyo
- Runner-up: Vidhya Niketan School
Bero demonstrated immense community spirit with 13 groups participating before a crowd of over 600 people. Presided over by Swami Ishwarananda (RKMA), the event brought together traditional community leadership, including Sri Jagre Oraon (Padha Sarkar) and Sri Jayram Kachhap (Gram Pradhan), reflecting the deep harmony between traditional indigenous governance and youth empowerment programs.
Day 3: A Grand Finale at Angara (Sept 20, 2026)
- Venue: Barwatoli, Angara (Ranchi)
- Participation: 18 Cultural Groups | ~870 Participants
The grand finale at Barwatoli in Angara Block proved to be the largest gathering of the entire circuit. With 18 cultural troupes competing, the atmosphere was electrifying.
- Winners: Bandhuwadih
- Runner-up: Barwatoli
The concluding ceremony was attended by a distinguished panel of monastic leaders, senior civil servants, and regional representatives:
- Dr. Nisha Oraon, Additional Commissioner, Income Tax Department
- Swami Bhaveshananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Ranchi
- Swami Bhaktishananda, RKMA
- Sri Vedant Kotsav, Director, Abuwa Adhikar
- Sri Kameshwar Bediya, BDO, Ormanjhi
- Sri Jay Prakash Lohra, Deputy Director, Youth Culture & Sports Dept., Govt. of Jharkhand
- Smt. Sandhya Munda, Deputy Director, Health Dept., Govt. of Jharkhand
- Smt. Deepa Oraon, Angara Pramukh
- Sri Rajendra Sahi Munda, Zila Parishad Member (East)
- Sri Anuradha Munda, Zila Parishad Member (West)
- Sri Bhuneshwar Bediya, Mukhiya, Nawagarh Panchayat
- Smt. Anita Gadi, Ex-Pramukh, Angara
Addressing the gathering, Swami Bhaveshananda emphasized that cultural identity and community unity are foundational to rural transformation—the bedrock upon which Divyayan KVK fosters sustainable agriculture, livelihood generation, and character-building education.
Competition at a Glance
| Block & Location | District | Groups | Footfall | Winner | Runner-up |
| Burmu (Karanjuwatoli) | Ranchi | 10 | 430 | Kothatoli | Sidrol |
| Murhu (Maliyada) | Khunti | 6 | 240 | Katingkel | Echadih |
| Bero (Kathartoli) | Ranchi | 13 | 660 | Puriyo | Vidhya Niketan School |
| Angara (Barwatoli) | Ranchi | 18 | 870 | Bandhuwadih | Barwatoli |
| Total | 2 Districts | 47 | ~2,200 | — | — |
Looking Ahead
The Vivekananda Seva Sangh initiatives spearheaded by Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Divyayan KVK continue to serve as a catalyst for village-level leadership and cohesion. Beyond prizes and accolades, these block competitions ensure that indigenous folk traditions, collective discipline, and youth camaraderie remain vibrant across Jharkhand’s rural heartland.
Congratulations to all participants, village organizers, and winners who made this edition memorable!