Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad : A New Chapter of Cultural Renaissance

The ‘Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav’, held from 13^th to 15^th December 2025 at ‘Bharat Mandapam’ in Indraprastha (New Delhi), was not merely an event, but a historic clarion call for India’s cultural renaissance. With the resolve ‘Dharmena Jayati Rashtram (A Nation that abides by [Sanatan] Dharma is victorious)’ placed at the forefront, the Mahotsav was organised jointly by ‘Save Culture Save Bharat’ Foundation and Sanatan Sanstha. Over 3,000 devout Hindus, 800 Hindu organisations, Saints and Seers, Union Ministers, and youth participated in this 3-day Mahotsav. Against the backdrop of the reinstallation of Prabhu Shriram in Ayodhya, this Mahotsav is being viewed as a decisive step towards giving direction and momentum to the cultural awakening that is sweeping the Nation. The occasion emerged as an inspiring celebration of valour, faith, and patriotism.

Swarajya’s call of valour : A true revival of history

The principal attraction of the Mahotsav was the exhibition ‘Swarajya ka Shouryanad (Swarajya’s call of valour)’. For the first time in New Delhi, over 1,500 weapons from the 17^th Century – from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s times – were displayed. These included 8 weapons sanctified by his touch, the gun used by Mangal Pandey, and cannons from the Battle of Panipat. A live enactment of the slaying of Afzal Khan and the Manipur Thang-Ta martial art reverberated and filled the auditorium with the spirit of valour. When students and youth held these weapons, they felt that the responsibility of the brave rests upon their shoulders. Some recalled the struggles of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Rani Lakshmibai, and resolved to dedicate themselves to the service of the Nation. Exhibition of the rare relics of the Somnath Jyotirlinga and the ‘Vande Mataram’ Exhibition created a deep sense of faith amongst the devout.

Charged moments and seekers’ sacrifice

Throughout the Mahotsav, various sessions, deliberations, and cultural presentations took place. Each session, which commenced with Shankhnad, Vedic chanting, and lighting of lamps, addressed the issues of Security, Culture, and Valour. Over the past 25 years, Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale (Founder of Sanatan Sanstha) has guided thousands of seekers to chant God’s Name, on vyashti-samashti (Individual and collective) sadhana (Spiritual practice), and a sattvik (Spiritually pure) way of life. The dedication demonstrated by these seekers through Exhibitions, voluntary service, guidance counters, and disciplined management left a deep impression on the minds of visitors. Expressing confidence that the mission of Sanatan Sanstha will make the Nation stronger, Shadani Darbar Peethadhishwar Param Pujya Yudhishthirlal Maharaj and Union Minister of State for Power Mr Shripad Naik shared their views.

A new voice to National consciousness

The main sessions of the Mahotsav addressed not only religious issues, but also contemporary National issues. Several speakers presented forthright views on temple security, terrorism, cultural identity, environmental protection, and demographic imbalance, calling upon Hindu society to remain alert. It was asserted that while the Nation faces internal and external challenges and the Army and Government are fighting on two fronts, the people must fight on the remaining fronts. Conveying the message that in the struggle between Dharma (Righteousness) and adharma (Unrighteousness), Dharma will ultimately prevail, the Mahotsav lent a clearer and more resolute voice to National consciousness.

Alongside this, many Saints & Seers, writers, and social activists emphasised through dialogue that the vision of Ram Rajya will not be realised merely through hailing of slogans, but through the sattvik conduct of every citizen. A Nation founded on the pillars of sadhana, morality, service unto society, and mutual unity alone can truly become a ‘Sanatan Rashtra’ – this was the underlying theme echoed across various sessions.

Society’s march towards Ram Rajya

The Mahotsav strongly underscored the message that to experience Ram Rajya in reality, a foundation of Dharma within the collective psyche of society is essential. This Mahotsav did not merely conclude an event, but awakened in many hearts a sense of National pride, self-respect, and gratitude towards Sanatan culture. Many youth returned carrying the message that through sadhana, the path of preparing oneself for the protection of the Nation is open to all. This itself stands as the true success of this Shankhnad.

– Mr Abhay Vartak (Spokesperson, Sanatan Sanstha)