Led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal today celebrated the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda through a host of events, including blowing of conch shells, religious discourses and processions.

Banerjee paid floral tributes to the social reformer at a programme at 'Junglemahal' under West Midnapore district, calling upon youths to be motivated by Vivekananda's ideals.

Governor M K Narayanan unveiled a commemorative plaque paying tributes to the leader at the Baranagar Ramakrishna Mission Ashram near here.

Narayanan also took part in a programme there to mark the occasion, coinciding with the National Youth Day, organised by the ashram.

Speaking on the occasion, Narayanan described Swami Vivekananda's speech at the Chicago World Parliament of Religions as the "stuff of legend".

"Swamiji also stood for universal religion. He did not see any conflict in religion," he said, adding education for Swamiji was the vehicle by which character was formed, strength of mind expanded and self reliance imparted.

As part of the celebrations, the state government organised several programmes including a morning procession from College street to Vivekananda's house in north Kolkata and another procession from Golpark in south Kolkata to Race Course.

At the state secretariat, Finance Minister Amit Mitra garlanded his portrait.

Different government and non-government offices also organised programmes on the occasion.

The chief minister had earlier announced the day as a holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act.

Women blew conch shells at several places to commemorate Vivekananda's time of birth.

Events were also organised by different schools and academic institutions, besides the Ramakrishna Mission, of which he was the founder, at different places.

Sri Ramakrishna Satyananda Alambazar Math, the second Math of his Global Ramakrishna Movement, also celebrated the occasion through a series of seminars, youth retreats, devotee retreats and various cultural performances.

Sports and cultural activities were also organised by clubs and organisations across the state to mark the occasion.