Amma returned to her children in Wayanad, Kerala, bringing great joy to their hearts after nine years of patiently waiting. Following a 12-hour journey by road, she reached Mananthavady for a two-day Brahmasthanam Temple Festival from October 30 to 31, 2026.
As the traditional sounds of Panchavadyam vibrated through the air, people gathered to receive Amma, making an atmosphere radiant with love and gratitude. In the cool nights and pleasant days, their sincere devotion created a sacred beauty in the celebrations.
In her message, Amma spoke about humanity’s relationship with Mother Nature, warning against taking our Earth’s patience and generosity for granted. Her words reminded everyone of the need to live with greater humility, respect, and responsibility towards the natural world.
Amidst the sanctity of the experience, this year’s festival marked 25 years since Amma performed the Prana Pratishtha of Mananthavady’s Brahmasthanam Temple. She was welcomed with garlands by MLA I.C. Balakrishnan, MLA Usha Vijayan, Palliyara Raman, Swami Hamsanandapuri, and Swami Ravicharanananda Giri, among others.
Over the days, financial aid and sarees were distributed to members of Amrita SREE, Amma’s women’s self-help groups. Amma also launched new humanitarian initiatives, led everyone in Manasa Puja (mental worship), meditation, and devotional singing. She then began giving darshan, embracing all those who had come to meet her.
₹2-crore initiative for women’s cancer care
Amma began a healthcare initiative with a simple aim: that a woman in a remote hamlet receives the same quality of care as a woman in a city. She dedicated ₹2 crore ($211,000) for Amrita Hospital, Kochi, to improve cancer care for tribal women in Wayanad.
The project focuses on cancer prevention, early detection, and access to essential medical care. It includes cervical cancer screening research, supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and ten free screening camps for breast, oral, and lung cancer supported by Amrita Hospital’s Telemedicine Department.
Amma was honoured with garlands by Dr. Dhananjay Diwakar Sagdeo, Chief Medical Officer of the Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission in Wayanad, and Mananthavady Municipal Chairman, Shri Jacob Sebastian.
Dr. Prem Nair, Group Director of Amrita Hospitals, presented the women’s cancer care initiative to Dr. Sagdeo. Dr. Sagdeo has spent decades providing medical care and serving Wayanad’s tribal communities, and for this, was awarded the Government of India’s Padma Shri in 2021.
Pledging for a drug-free India
Another significant moment was a pledge taken by more than 70 members of AYUDH, Amma’s youth organisation, to work towards a drug-free India. The initiative is part of the Government of India’s Nasha Mukt Yuva, a youth-led movement that encourages every citizen to make a pledge for a healthier, drug-free India, thus working collectively to become a developed nation.
Standing on the stage in Mananthavady, the young volunteers pledged never to use drugs and to discourage others from substance abuse. They also resolved to help others struggling with addiction return to healthy lives.
When Amma joined them in taking the pledge, the entire gathering rose to their feet, stretched out their hands, and united in the vision of a country free of the consequences of drugs and addiction. This collective action across generations turned the young volunteers’ pledge into a powerful part of the country’s fight against drugs.
Dancing with love for Amma, in body and soul
As is now tradition, school children with Amrita Vidyalayam staged colourful dances and mime performances. Local tribal communities also offered their age-old customs as Amma continued embracing the thousands of people who arrived.
The most enchanting moment was a large Thiruvathira performance by the women and girls. With great joy, they moved in concentric circles before Amma, offering love and devotion through the graceful movements of their traditional dance and music.
Until she arrives again
Amma set forth from Mananthavady in the early morning hours of November 1st, bringing the Kerala leg of her Bharat Yatra 2026 to a close. Her children of Wayanad lined the way with folded hands and teary eyes, remembering the sacred time over which Amma came straight from the road to be with them.
Now Amma travels on to Mysuru, where the next Brahmasthanam Mahotsavam awaits.
