1. Vijayadashmi Mahotsav: Although all festivals are of equal importance for the swayamsevaks, this one holds a special place in their heart as the RSS was founded on Vijayadashmi (27 September 1925). Every year, Vijayadashmi falls on a different day according to the Hindu calendar. The festival of Vijayadashmi is celebrated almost in every part of the country and there are several tales and legends associated with it, the most popular being the defeat of the demon king Ravana by Lord Rama, one of the most revered God figures in India.

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According to the Hindu epic Mahabharata, the Pandavas’ 14-year exile had come to an end this day and they had worshipped their weapons. In the Hindi heartland, this ceremony is called Shastra-Pujan. The RSS swayamsevaks perform this symbolic ceremony of Shastra-Pujan on this day. This is to inculcate the qualities of bravery and valour among the swayamsevaks.

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The festival is associated with the rich cultural history of India and there are several ancient tales, anecdotes and legends associated with it. All of them, however, have a common message: “The victory of good over the evil.”

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There has been a tradition in the RSS that the sarsanghchalak delivers a public speech at Nagpur on this day in a function where thousands of RSS swayamsevaks are present.

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2. Makar Sankranti: It is one of the most important festivals for Hindus and is celebrated in the month of Magh (January). The ascent of the sun begins to the north on this day. This movement is known as Uttarayan also. The festival marks the commencement of the sun’s journey to the Northern Hemisphere (Makara raashi).

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The RSS celebrates this as a festival for several reasons. This is the time period which signifies journey from darkness to light, from falsehood to truth and from death to elixir of life. Indians take a holy dip in rivers on this sacred day. Historically, this festival is associated with several important events. After the daily routine at RSS shakhas, a mix of sesame seed and jaggery is distributed among the swayamsevaks. Senior RSS functionaries deliver lectures about the importance of this age-old festival for society at the shakhas. At times, several shakhas get-together and celebrate it together as well.

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“This is the time when swayamsevaks have to think what they have done individually for the country. A new beginning has to be made on this occasion and … swayamsevaks should take a resolve that they will work selflessly for the welfare of the society,” it says in Sangh Utsav.

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3. Varsh Pratipada Mahotsav: The RSS marks this as the Hindu New Year. According to the traditional Indian knowledge and scriptures, Lord Brahma had begun creating the universe on this particular day. There are several important events associated with this day. Emperor Vikramaditya had defeated the Shaka invaders and forced them to flee from India. So a new Hindu calendar had begun on this day, called Vikrami Samvat.

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This remains one of the most popular calendars in several parts of the country, especially in rural India, for various reasons. Lord Rama’s coronation as king of Ayodhya is believed to have happened on this day. Also, one of India’s greatest modern era reformers, Maharishi Dayanand set up Arya Samaj on this day.

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In the Sangh Utsav, it says, “This festival marks the end of an old year and the beginning of the new year. So it is time to review the work of the past year and plan for the upcoming year.”

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The swayamsevaks wear full RSS uniform on this day, and before the Saffron Flag is hoisted, a special salute, called ‘Aadya Sarsanghchalak Pranam’, is given in memory of RSS’ founder. The RSS band ‘Ghosh’ plays wherever possible. Several RSS shakhas often get together on this occasion and competitions are held. Key RSS functionaries deliver intellectual discourse on this day. At times, a leading figure from society is also called as the chief guest.