After his memorable work in the West, Swami Vivekananda landed at Colombo on the afternoon of January 15, 1897, and was given a right royal reception by the Hindu community there.
First Public Lecture in the East (Colombo) – Swami Vivekananda
The very existence of everything is God. Existence cannot be non-existence. The Gita says, “The unreal never is. The Real never ceases to be.” This is the gospel truth. There is no reason that one cannot realize God. It is possible if one has intense longing, right efforts, perseverance, and a true guru…One can test the greatness of a person by observing his small actions or behavior. A straw best shows how the wind blows.
(p.203, Spiritual Treasures, Swami Turiyananda’s letter dated 15th January 1920)
Colombo, Ceylon (presently Sri Lanka), Ind
January 15, 1897, Friday
The ship carrying Swami Vivekananda reached Colombo in Ceylon (presently Sri Lanka)
- In the morning, Swamiji was delighted to see the seacoast of India (in those days, Ceylon was a part of British India). After some time, they reached the harbour of Colombo with its majestic cocoa palms and yellow-sanded beach. Swamiji reached Colombo around 4 o’clock in the afternoon.
- A great reception was arranged by the representatives of various religious sects and social bodies at Colombo for Swami Vivekananda. Swami Niranjanananda, Mr T. G. Harrison (an English Buddhist) and three Tamil gentlemen approached the ship from shore in a steam launch to welcome Swamiji.
- Swami Vivekananda’s reception, on his arrival at Colombo. (S.N.97.2)
- Swamiji stayed in a bungalow, a newly built residence of Mr Ratnasabapathy, in Cinnamon Gardens. From that time the bungalow at 96, Barnes Place, Colombo -07 is known as Vivekananda Lodge.
- Swamiji sent a wire, ‘My love and gratitude to my countrymen’ in reply to the welcome message by the Madras reception committee. (CW9 p.112)