For six long years, devotees in Kozhikode carried a single prayer in their hearts: “When will Amma come again?”
That prayer was answered on the evening of May 30, as Amma arrived at the Mata Amritanandamayi Math in Vellimadukunnu following her programs in Mangaluru. As her vehicle entered the Ashram grounds, hundreds of devotees lined the pathways with folded hands, flowers and radiant smiles. For many, it was their first glimpse of Amma since the pandemic years. Tears of joy mingled with chants and prayers as the long-awaited reunion finally became a reality.
Led by Swami Vivekamritananda Puri, devotees welcomed Amma with a traditional Poorna Kumbha reception. Senior monks, brahmacharis, brahmacharinis and Ashram residents joined local volunteers who had spent months preparing every detail of the Brahmasthanam Festival. Their efforts transformed the Ashram into a vibrant spiritual home ready to receive thousands of visitors over the coming days.
By the next morning, streams of devotees from across Kerala and beyond filled the Ashram grounds. The Brahmasthanam Temple, established by Amma as a place of worship open to all regardless of caste, creed, religion or gender, once again became a gathering place where people from all walks of life came together as one family.
“Humility is our true state of being; the ego is artificial. This is why we unknowingly feel an attraction towards a humble person. On the other hand, we automatically try to avoid a person with an air of superiority.” Amma said addressing the gathering.
“Usually, we make our ego the center of our existence. All our effort is poured into strengthening it. But when we make God the center of our existence, we become God’s shadow.”
The programs then flowed into meditation, satsang and bhajans, creating an atmosphere of peace and devotion throughout the Ashram. Volunteers worked tirelessly behind the scenes to care for visitors, guide arriving devotees and ensure that everyone was comfortably accommodated. Meals were lovingly served to all who came, reflecting Amma’s teaching that service is an expression of love.
“Compassion is a necessity, not a luxury.”
Amma
Throughout the two-day festival, Amma’s message centred on humility, patience, tolerance and open-mindedness as the foundations of a meaningful life.
“Reduce the weight of the ego,” Amma said. “Discover the source of love within, and share it generously with others.”
Amma also reflected on the lessons humanity continues to receive through pandemics, natural disasters and climate change. She called upon people to cultivate cooperation with fellow human beings, companionship with Nature and communion with God.
Speaking about the deeper purpose of human life, Amma reminded devotees that love is humanity’s true nature and the force that unites all beings.
“This human life is meant to be born in love, to live in love and to eventually end in love,” she said. “Compassion is a necessity, not a luxury.”
The festival also reflected Amma’s longstanding commitment to caring for the environment. Ahead of World Environment Day, AYUDH, the youth wing of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math, launched a statewide tree-planting initiative inspired by Amma’s message: “This earth is our Mother. Nature is our Mother.”
The initiative was inaugurated by Mathrubhumi Chairman and Managing Editor P. V. Chandran and Managing Director M. V. Shreyams Kumar through the distribution of saplings to AYUDH volunteers. For decades, the Math and AYUDH have viewed environmental protection as a form of worship, carrying out neighbourhood clean-ups, river restoration projects, organic farming initiatives and large-scale tree-planting campaigns. The new effort continues that tradition by encouraging young people to transform devotion into action through care for Mother Nature.
As the programs unfolded, the heart of the Mahotsavam remained Amma’s darshan. One by one, thousands came forward to receive her embrace. Some carried prayers for loved ones, some sought comfort during difficult times, while others simply longed to spend a few moments in Amma’s presence. Many emerged with tears in their eyes and renewed hope in their hearts.
The flow of devotees never seemed to cease. Long lines patiently wound through the Ashram grounds as Amma continued embracing each person who came before her. Darshan stretched late into the night and into the early hours of the morning, a testament both to the devotion of the gathered crowds and Amma’s boundless compassion.
The two-day Brahmasthanam Festival concluded with thousands once again gathered in Amma’s presence for bhajans, meditation and prayer. The atmosphere remained filled with gratitude as devotees reflected on a reunion they had awaited for six years.
Many distinguished guests participated in the programs and offered their respects to Amma. Among them were Mathrubhumi Chairman and Managing Editor P. V. Chandran, Managing Director M. V. Shreyams Kumar, Joint Managing Editor P. V. Nidheesh, BJP State Committee Member K. V. Sudheer and 24 News Associate Executive Editor Deepak Dharmadom.
As the last person in the darshan line received Amma’s blessings and the celebrations drew to a close, Kozhikode was left with more than memories of a festival. For the thousands who gathered, Amma’s return was a reminder of the enduring bond of love that transcends time, distance and circumstance—a bond that had remained alive through six years of waiting and blossomed once again in her presence.
Amma’s Bharat Yatra 2026 now continues to Thrissur, where her children eagerly await the next opportunity to gather in her presence.
