Through a confluence of stars, this year’s Navaratri coincided with Amma’s 72nd birthday celebrations on September 27th. As well, there was a truly rare and powerful alignment—the traditional nine nights of worship to the Divine Mother actually stretched across 10 nights and 11 days.
From September 22 to October 2nd, this made for unique observances that were both reverent and joyful. Devotees practised the traditional rites of austerity and fasting, while at the same time expressing devotion to Amma as a Guru in the form of a mother to all.
By the time Vijayadashami arrived, the final day that honours the triumph of good over evil, thousands gathered in Amritapuri to celebrate the light of Amma’s compassion.
“Vijayadashami is the culmination of conquering inner and outer evils to enthrone God within. To enthrone God within does not mean bringing God from the outside. It means awakening the divine presence that is always within us but which we fail to recognise due to the impurities of the mind,” said Amma in her message.
Amma arrived in the Ashram hall at 8:30am and guided a symbolic first writing ceremony, where everyone was invited to imagine writing Hari Sree Ganapataye Namah in the letters of their mother tongues. Illustrating the birth of learning, this included people from nations around the world.
She then led heartstirring bhajans to Saraswati Devi, the Goddess of knowledge and arts, and a profound meditation for world peace.
The height of the festivities bridged into a Nadopasana (musical worship) led by Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, Amma’s most senior disciple, alongside 300 musicians and singers. With deep reverence, they expressed gratitude and happiness to Amma through the beauty of sound and rhythm.
The set included a surprise dance performance where Radha and Krishna rose from the crowd with enchanting, blissful movements. Soon after, dozens began a circle of Dandiya Raas, Gujarat’s traditional dance form with the rhythmic striking of sticks.
The Nadopasana came to an end with fierce devotion through Jai Ma Ambe, a powerful bhajan that honours the victory of the Divine Mother over evil. Tears flowed from many eyes, including Amma’s as she pulled the edge of her sari to wipe them away.
Amma then received dozens of children to conduct their official Vidyāraṃbhaṃ, the ancient rites to initiate children into the world of letters and learning. As she guided their fingers through plates of rice, some smiled and some cried, but all of them were blessed.
