co-passenger on the trip, that reveals an important and well-known work of Tata's, which was inspired by Swamiji: the founding of the Indian Institute of Science at Bangalore. The wooden staircase and the lotus woodwork of Victoria Public Hall in Chennai, where Vivekananda gave inspiring speeches to a large congregation, have been brought over. A few displays away from this is a show on Miss Josephine MacLeod, who met Swamji in the U.S. in 1895 and served India for 40 years thereafter. She played an important role in the Ramakrishna movement. At this enclosure is a crystal image of Swamiji that was done by Paris jeweler René Lalique. Activities The Belur Math conducts medical service, education, work for women, rural uplift and work among the labouring and backward classes, relief, spiritual and cultural activities. The center also celebrates annual birthdays of Ramakrishna, Vivekananda, Sarada Devi and other monastic disciples of Ramakrishna. The annual celebrations of Kumari Puja and Durga Puja are one of the main attractions. The tradition of Kumari puja was started by Vivekananda in 1901. Visiting Belur Math has been opened for visitors and devotees from 18 August 2021. Timings : Morning: 8.00 to 11.00 am | Afternoon: 4.00 to 5.45 pm It was temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, from 22 April to 17 August 2021, and earlier from 24 March 2020 to 9 February 2021, with a brief opening during the phased unlock process from 15 June to 2 August 2020, and from 10 February to 21 April 2021. Presidents Swami Brahmananda 1897–1922 Swami Shivananda 1922–1934 Swami Akhandananda 1934–1937 Swami Vigyanananda 1937–1938 Swami Shuddhananda 1938–1938 Swami Virajananda 1938–1950 Swami Shankarananda 1951–1962 Swami Vishuddhananda 1962–1962 Swami Madhavananda 1962–1965 Swami Vireshwarananda 1965–1985 Swami Gambhirananda 1985–1988 Swami Bhuteshananda 1988–1998 Swami Ranganathananda 1998–2005 Swami Gahanananda 2005–2007 Swami Atmasthananda 2007–2017 Swami Smaranananda 2017–Incumbent See also Kalighat Kali Temple Dakshineswar Kali Temple Gazi Pir Baranagar Math Baranagar Ramakrishna Mission References Further reading External links Buildings and structures in Howrah Headquarters in India Hindu monasteries in India Hindu pilgrimage sites in India Hindu temples in West Bengal Ramakrishna Mission Swami Vivekananda Tourist attractions in Howrah district