Spirituality is the beginning and the end word of the Indian civilization. This civilization has grown, thrived and continues to thrive on spirituality based on Sanatan Dharma. The annual 'Bhakta Sammilani' or the 'Convention of Devotees' organized by Nilachal Saraswat Sangha, Puri, in different parts of India, is an institution for the true pursuance and enrichment of the principle Sanatan Dharma. The innovative and non-sectarian concept was of, one of the brightest sages of India, Srimat Swami Nigamananda Saraswati Deva, which took shape as early as in 1916 A.D. with the view to transfuse 'Prana-shakti' or 'life-force' in society and revive its spiritual vigor. It's unique in that the Bhakta Sammilani is conceptualized as an institution where the essence of Sanatan Dharma is actually 'practised' and not 'preached'. Swami Nigamananda Deva had envisioned it as a 'practice field' for building true Sevaks of humanity.
The first ever Bhakta Sammilani (Sarbabhauma) was started by Srimat Swami Nigamananda Saraswati Dev in 1916 A. D. at the 'Kokilamukh Saraswat Math' in Assam which was established by Sri Sri Thakura himself in 1911. Since then, the 'Sarvabhauma Bhakta Sammilani' is being held by the ' Saraswat Math' and the 'Utkal Pradeshik Bhakta Sammilani' (since 1947) is held by the Nilachal Saraswat Sangha in different places of India and Orissa, respectively. It has taken shape of a silent spiritual movement, as envisioned by the sadguru himself, bringing together people from all walks and beliefs in an unprecedented experience of expansion of 'individual self' in 'many'. The true nature of Sammilani is summarized in these words of Sri Sri Thakura – "Bhakta Sammilani is a personification of evolution of collective feeling of the devotees. Here, 'bhav' (divine feeling) of one individual completes the 'a-bhav' of another. I intend to bestow on you absolute Joyfulness; the Sammilani is instituted with this objective alone. I wish, the spirits of universal brotherhood be established in the hearts of my disciples and devotees; and subsequently, find its expression in the whole of the human beings. There hasn't been an effort like this, earlier, in our country to organize such Spiritual Conventions." Here, in the Sammilani the individual 'ego' cannot help losing out in the expanse of the 'collective self' .
From the analysis of their works, it's can be inferred that, the great souls who had appeared in the 19th century India; focused on inspiring patriotism in people by awakening them spiritually. Likewise, Sadguru Swami Nigamananda Deva had sought to awaken and inspire the people en mass through combined sadhana by directing them to lead an ideal family life and to establish Sangha-shakti. Thereby, he sought to awaken and strengthen a society from within wherefrom would emerge true Sevaks of peoples with humane outlook. We are yet to learn the skills of employing Sangha-shakti or collective-power or team-power in enriching the larger society in our country. Sri Sri Thakura has shown the way to follow with the help of these Bhakta Sammilanis. Learning to utilize the power of 'sangha' or 'team' is another principal objective of the Bhakta Sammilani.
In every Age, a society needs ideal human beings for its actual progress. Everywhere in the world the absence of true human beings is continued to be felt across the spiritual, social or political spheres. For the complete awakening of the society and the country as a whole Swami Nigamananda Deva had instituted this 'Sammilani' of devotees or enthusiasts for the reinforcement of the ideals of: Ideal Family Life, Establishment of Sangha-shakti and Bhav-binimaya (Right Communication of ) amongst the people. His Ideal of spiritual progress, that's "Attaining Jnana or true knowledge through Seva or service" is practiced in the arena of the Bhakta Sammilani in many ways than not.
The Bhakta Sammilani achieves the great objective of instilling an unmatched feeling of togetherness while helping all in inner-progress with the support from each other.
List of all Pradesika Bhakta Sammilani
1947 (1)Aankoli, Berhampur
First Sammilani: Sammilani was held in the village Ankoli near Berhampur City in the district of Ganjam on full moon night of the month of Magha (10 th month in hindu calendar) in the year 1947. Sri Banamali Dash, the then president of Nilachala Saraswata Sangha, Puri, hosted the flag at the sammilani and also presided over the internal meetings. About 50 devotees joined the samminani. Counting other interested attendees, the total number of attendees were 100. Ichhamani Devi who was directly initiated by Sri Sri Thakura, presided over the session for the female devotees. Raja Sahib Shri Ramachandra Anangabhima Dev, the king of Paralakhemundi, presided over the general session.
1948 (2)Jobra, Cuttack
Second Sammilani: The Second annual Sammilani was held at the banks of Taladanda Kenal near present day “NigamaSmruti Kutira” at Jobra Cuttack on full moon night of the month of Magha (10 th month in hindu calendar) in the year 1948. Shri Banshidhar Behera, a prominent contractor and a devotee of Shri Shri Thakura, invited everyone for the sammilani. About 200 devotees joined the sammilani. Pandit Lingaraj Mishra, the editor of Samaja, presided over the general session.
1949 (3)Banahara, Gopa, Puri
Third Sammilani: The third annual sammilani was held at the village Banahara, part of Gop Thana in the district of Puri in thw month of February, 1949. Around 300 devotees joined the sammilani. Srijukta Radhanath Rath, a member of loksebak mandal, presided over the general session. This time, Sri Prafulla Bhanjadeo, the king of Baster, who was directly initiated by Sri Sri Thakur also joined.
1950 (4)Digapahandi, Ganjam
Fourth Sammilani: The fourth annual samillani was held at the village of Digapahandi in Ganjam district on the month of Magha, 1950. About 400 devotees joined the program. Shrijukta Madan Mohan Rath,a prominent educator, presided over the general session.
1951 (5)Jobra, Cuttack
Fifth Sammilani: The Fifth annual sammilani was held at Nigama Smruti Kutira, Jobra, Cuttack on month of Magha, 1951. About 500 devotees joined the sessions. Pandit Godabarish Mishra presided over the general session.
1952 (6)Erabanga, Gopa, Puri
Sixth Sammilani: The sixth annual sammilani was held at the village of Erbong, a part of Gop thana in the district of Puri. In the month of Magha, 1952. About 600 devotees joined the sessions. Dr.Prana Krushna Parija presided over the general session.
1953 (7)Padmapura, Sheragarh, Ganjam
Seventh Sammilani. The seventh annual sammilani was held in the village of Padmapur near Serdarh in the district of Ganjam at the month of Magh, 1953. Abount 500 devotee joined the sessions. Srijukta Mahendra Pattanayak presided over the general session.
1954 (8)Jobra, Cuttack
Eighth Sammilani: The eighth annual samillani was held at Nigam Smruti Kutir, Jobra, Cuttack during the month of Magha, 1954. About 700 devotees joined and retired professor Sri Ratnakar Pati presided over the general sessions.
1955 (9)Biratunga, Gopa, Puri
Ninth Sammilani: The ninth annual sammilani was held at the village of Birtung within Gop Thana and in the district of Puri during the month of Magha, 1955. About 500 devotees joined and Loknath Mishra,MP presided over the general session.
1956 (10)Jobra, Cuttack
Tenth Sammilani: The tenth annual sammilani was held at Nigama Smruti Kutira, Jobra, Cuttack on month of Magha, 1956. About 800 devotees joined the sessions and Swami Bichitrananda Das presided over the general session.
1958 (11)Biratunga, Puri
Eleventh Sammilani: The eleventh annual sammilani was held at the village of Birtung during the month of Magha, 1958. About 700 devotees joined the sessons and Srijukta Bichitrananda Pradhan, the then education minister of Odisha presided over the general session.
1959 (12)Jobra, Cuttack
Twelfth Sammilani: The twelfths annual sammilani was held at Nigama Smruti Kutira, Jobra, Cuttack on February 22, 23 and 24, 1959. About 1000 devotees joined the sessions and Sri Radhanath Rath, the then development minister of Odisha presided over the general session.
1960 (13)Kendupatana, Cuttack
Thirteenth Sammilani: The Thirteenth annual sammilani was held at Kendupatana in Cuttack District on February 11, 12 and 13, 1960. More than 1000 devotees joined the sessions and Dr.Harekrushna Mhatab, the then Chief Minister of the state of Odhisha presided over the general sessions. Many long-standing household devotees and acetic disciples from Bengal joined these sessions.
1962 (14)Chatara, Jagatsinghpur
Fourteenth Sammilani: The Fourteenth annual sammilani was held at Chatara village of Jagatshighpur in the district of Cuttack on February 19, 20 and 21, 1962. More than 1500 devotees joined the sessions and Radhanath Rath, the editor of daily newspaper Samaja, presided over the sessions. Bhagirathi Mohapatra, member of the upper house of Indian Parliament and Sarala Devi, his wife and female leader addressed the general session.
1963 (15)Biratunga, Puri(Formality)
Fifteenth Sammilani: The fifteenth annual sammilani was held at Birtung in the district of Puri on February 8, 9 and 10, 1963. Bidhirakhya sammilani. Shrijukta Banamali Dash, the president of Nilachala Saraswata Sangha, presided over all the sessions.
1964 (16)Jobra, Cuttack
Sixteenth Sammilani: The sixteenth annual sammilani was held at Nigama Smruti Kutira, Jobra, Cuttack on January 27, 28 and 29, 1964. More than 2000 devotees joined the sessions and Shrijukta Satyapriya Mohanty, the then Education Minister of Odisha, presided over the sessions. Shri Shriharsha Mishra, the joint-editor of Samaj, joined as the chief guest.
1965 (17)Biratunga, Puri
Seventeenth Sammilani: The seventeenth annual session was held at Birtung on February 14, 15 and 16, 1965. About 1000 devotees joined the sessions and Sri Radhanath Rath, Editor of Samaj, presided over the general session.
1966 (18)Biratunga, Puri
Eighteenth Sammilani: The eighteenth annual sammilani was held at Birtung on February 4, 5 and 6, 1966. There was no general session. Since Banamali Dash bhai’s death and with no permanent representative president nominated yet, Shrijukta Baman Charan Parida bhai performed the work of representative President and presided over all sessions.
1968 (19)Sora, Balasore
Ninteenth Sammilani: The nineteenth annual sammilani was held at Soro in the district of Balasore on February 13,14 and 15, 1968. More than 3000 devotees joined the sessions and Professor Shrijukta Gangadhar Sarangi presided over the general session.
1969 (20)Biratunga, Puri(Formality)
Twentieth Sammilani: The twentieth annual sammilani was held at Birtung on February 1, 2 and 3, 1969.Bidhirakhya. Shrijukta Pratap Chandra Mohanty presided over the general session.
1970 (21)Matia, Pattamundai
Twenty-first Sammilani: The twenty-first annual sammilani was held at the village of Matia in Pattamundei of Cuttack district on February 20, 21 and 22, 1970. More than 5000 devotees joined the sessions and Shrijukta Sarat Chandra Mishra, a renowned doctor, presided over the general session.
1971 (22)Samantarapur, Bhubaneswar
Twenty second Sammilani: The twenty-second annual sammilani was held at Shri Shri Nigamananda Asana Mandir in Samantrapur in Bhubaneswar on February 9, 10 and 11, 1971. More than 3000 devotees joined the sessions and Shrijukta Baradakanta Mishra presided over the general session. Shrijukta Hrudananda Ray joined as the chief-speaker and Kabichandra Kalicharana Pattanayak joined as the chief guest.
1972 (23)Kendupatana, Cuttack
Twenty-third Sammilani: The twenty-third annual sammilani was held at Kadamkanta of the village of Kendupatana in the district of Cuttack on January 29. 30 and 31, 1972. More than 3000 devotees joined the sessions and Shrijukta Biswanath Das, the then Chief Minister of Odisha, presided over the general session. Many special devotees and ascetics from Odisha and outside of Odisha joined these sessions.
1973 (24)Biratunga, Puri(Formality)
Twenty-fourth Sammilani: The twenty-fourth annual sammilani was held at the village of Birtung in the district of Puri on February 15 and 16, 1973. Bidhirakhya Sammilani. More than 2000 devotees joined the sessions. Shrijukta Pratap Chandra Mohanty presided over the general session.
1974 (25)Biratunga, Puri(Formality)
Twenty-fifth Sammilani: The twenty-fifth annual sammilani was held at the village of Birtung in the district of Puri on February 5, 6 and 7, 1974. It was the silver anniversary of Pradeshika Sammilani. More than 3000 devotees joined the sessions. Shrijukta Satyapriya Mohanty presided over the general session.
1975 (26)Burla, Sambalpur
Twenty-sixth Sammilani: The twenty-sixth annual sammilani was held at Burla in the district of Sambalpur on February 24, 25 and 26, 1975. More than 3000 devotees joined the sessions and Shrijukta Dayanidhi Mishra, retired civil surgeon presided over the general session. Shri Laxminayaran Padhi and professor Govinda Chandra Udgata were are the primary speakers and Professor Hrudananda Ray joined as the chief guest.
1976 (27)Jobra, Cuttack
Twenty-seventh Sammilani: The twenty-seventh annual sammilani was held at Nigamm Smruti Kutir, Jobra in Cuttack District on Fubruary 14, 15 and 16, 1976. More than 4000 devotees joined the gathering and Shrijukta Brahmananda Biswal, the then Law Minister of Odisha presided over the general session. Professor Srimati Manorama Mohapatra joined as the primary speaker.
1977 (28)Biratunga, Puri
Twenty-eighth Sammilani: The twenty-eighth annual sammilani was held at the village of Birtung in Puri District on February 3 and 4, 1977. More than 4000 devotees joined the sessions and Srijukta Brahmananda Biswal, the then Agriculture and Co-operative minister, presided over the sessions. The primary speaker was Lokanath Sarangi and the chief guest was Professor Srimati Manorama Mohapatra.
1978 (29)Biratunga, Puri
Twenty-ninth Sammilani: The twenty-ninth annual sammilani was held at the village of Birtung in Puri District on February 23, 24 and 25, 1978. More than 3000 devotees joined the sessions and Shri Nilamani Routray, the then Chief Minister of Odisha presided over the general session.
1980 (30)Jagannath Pura, Talcher
Thirtieth Sammilani: The thirtieth annual sammilani was held at Jagannathpur Asana Mandit in Talchel Thermal on February 1 and 2, 1980. More than 4000 devotees joined the sessions and Shri Pratap Chandra Mohanty, the then revenue, education, irrigation and power minister of Odisha.
1981 (31)Biratunga, Puri
Thirty-first Sammilani: The thirty-first annual sammilani was held at the village of Birtung in Puri District on February 18 and 19, 1981. Bidhirakhya sammilani. More than 1500 devotees joined the sessions.
1982 (32)Biratunga, Puri(Formality)
Thirty-second Sammilani: The thirty-second sammilani was held the village of Birtung in Puri District on February 8 and 9, 1982. More than 3000 devotees joined the sessions.
1983 (33)Biratunga, Puri(Formality)
Thirty third Sammilani: The thirty-third sammilani was held at the village of Kakatpur on February 26 and 27, 1983. More than 4000 devotees joined the sessions and Shrijukta Satyapriya Mohanty presided over the general session. Shri Niranjan Pattanayak, the then industry minister, was the chief guest and professor Shri Rajkishor Ray joined as the primary speaker.
1985 (34)Biratunga, Puri
Thirty-fourth Sammilani: The thirty-fourth sammilani was held the village of Birtung in Puri District on February 5, 1985. Bidhirakhya Sammilani. More than 1500 devotees joined the sessions.
1986 (35)Biratunga, Puri
Thirty-Fifth Sammilani: This Sammilani was held at Biratung asana mandira,Puri on February 23 and 24. More than 3000 devotees joined the sessions. D.G. Police Shri Shyamasundar Padhi was the president for the general session. Shrimati Manorama Mohapatra was the chief speaker.
1987 (36)Satsikshamandir, Bhubaneswar
Thirty-Sixth Sammilani: This Sammilani was held at Satsiksha Mandira, Bhubaneswar on February 12,13 and 14. More than 5000 devotees including guests attended the sessions. Dr. Radhanatha Ratha, the then Secretary of ’Samaj’ was the president for general session. The secretary of ‘Prajatantra’ Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab and Shri Soumyaranjan Pattanaik, the secretary of ’Sambad’ joined as speakers.
1988 (37)Nimaparah, Puri
Thirty-Seventh Sammilani: This was held at Nimaparah, A town under Puri district on February 1st and 2nd. More than 5000 devotees attended the sessions. Shri Niranjana Pattanaik, the then cabinet minister of odisha presided general session.
1989 (38)Balasore
Thirty-Eighth Sammilani: This Sammilani was held at Balesor Saraswata sangha on February 19,20 and 21. More than 4000 devotees attended the sessions. Professor and Historian Dr. Manmatha Natha Das was the president of General session. Chief guest – Dr. Dhyaneshnarayana Chakrobarti. Chief Speaker – Shri Rajkishor Rai and Dr. Jayaguru Goswami.
1990 (39)Asureswar, Cuttack
Thirty-Ninth Sammilani: This Sammilani was held at the new asana mandir near Gorakshyani, Asureshwara of Cuttack district on 8,9,10 February. More than 5000 devotees attended the sessions. President of Mahila sangha was Shrimati Ichamani Devi, Speaker for Mahila sangha was Dr. Jayaguru Goswami, Professor, Jadabpur University, Kolkata. President of General session – Shri Durga Madhav Mishra, the then famous odia writer and DIN, Police department. Other respected speakers were Swami Jnanananda Saraswati, Shri Rajkishore Rai, Shri Rajat Kumar Kar, Shri Jajneshwara Nath.
1991 (40)Sambalpur
Fortieth Sammilani: This was held at Sambalpur asana mandir on 29,30 and 31 January. More than 5000 devotees attended the sessions. President of general session – Shri Rabi Rai, Honourable Speaker of Parliament. Chief guest – Professor Dr. Raghabananda Naik. Cjief Speaker – Shri Shriballav Panigrahi. The president of Welcome committie – Dhri Ghanashyam Rath, Famous lawer of Sambalpur.
1992 (41)Oupada, Cuttack
Forty-first Sammilani : This Sammilani was held at Oupada sakha Sangha under the undevided Cuttack district on 17th,18th and 19th February 1992. More than 5000 disciples were joined n this session. The General session was presided by the ex-chief justice of the Supreme Court of India Mr. Ranganath Mishra. The other respected speakers joined in this session were Swami Jnyanananda Saraswati Maharaj, The *** minister of Orissa Sri Nalinikanta Mohanty, *** Swami SiddhaNath Ji, and Professor Srikant Das.
1993 (42)Chatara, Jagatsinghpur
Forty-second Sammilani : This Sammilani was held at Chatara Sakha Sangha of Jagatsingpur District on 5th, 6th and 7th February 1993. More than 5000 devotees and guests attended this Sammilani. The General session was presided by the Gajapati Maharaj Of Puri Sri Divya Singh Dev. The other respected speakers joined were Dr. Tribikram Pati and Sri Shantanu Kumar Acharya.
1994 (43)Shaktinagar, Rourkela
Forty-third Sammilani : This was held near ShaktiNagar Asana Mandir of Rourkela, Sundergarh on 25th, 26th and 27th Feb 1994. Around 5000 devotees and guests attended this Sammilani. The general session was presided by The King of Baripada Shri Pradeep Chandra BhanjaDeo. The other respected speakers joined were Shree Gorachand Mishra, Shree Durga Madhab Mishra and Shree Gobinda Chandra Senapati the ex Police Chief Director.
1995 (44)Chittola, Balasore
Forty-fourth Sammilani : This was held at Chittola Sakha Sangha Asana Mandir of Balasore District on 14th, 15th and 16th Feb 1995. Around 5000 devotees and guests attended this Sammilani. The welcome committee secretary was Shree Jogendra Chandra Das. The general session was presided by The Gajapati Maharaj Of Puri Sri Divya Singh Deba. The other respected speakers joined were Swami Shiba Chidananda and Shree Kartikeswara Mohapatra, MLA.
1996 (45)Matia, Pattamundai
Forty-fifth Sammilani : This was held at Nigam Smruti Mandir, Matia Sangha , Pattamundai, KendraPara on 3rd, 4th and 5th Feb 1996. More than 6000 devotees and guests attended this Sammilani. The general session was presided by the Education minister of Orissa Shree Bhagabata Prasad Mohanty. The other respected speakers joined were Swami Jnyanananda Saraswati Maharaj, Professor Shree Gouri Kumar Brahma, Shree Shankarsana Mangaraj from All India Radio, Cuttack, and Local MLA Shree Ganeshwara Behera. Bimala Maa(The adopted daughter of Shree Shree Thakur Maharaj) joined in this Sammilani.
1997 (46)Madhubana, Baripada
Forty-sixth Sammilani : This was held at Baripada,Madhuban on 21st, 22nd and 23rd Feb 1997. More than 5000 devotees and guests attended this Sammilani. All the sessions till the Mahila Adhibesana on 3rd day were completed in a discipline manner. After that at 3:15 PM a severe fire accident happened in the camps where the Bhai’s were residing and hence the General session and closing session could not be commenced.
1998 (47)Satsikshamandir, Bhubaneswar
Forty-seventh Sammilani : This was held at Satsikshya Mandir, Bhubaneswar on 10th and 11th Feb 1998. More than 3000 devotees and guests attended this Sammilani. The general session was presided by The Gajapati Maharaj Of Puri Sri Divya Singh Deba. The other respected speakers were Swami Jnyanananda Saraswati, Swami Shiba Chaitanya Maharaj, Professor BidhuBhusan Das and Professor Shree Chandra Sekhar Rath.