Amma’s first visit to Atlanta

June 28-29, GA, Atlanta – American Yatra 2015

Amma was welcomed to the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) with traditional chanting and an offering of Purna Kumbha. This was Amma’s first visit to the Southeast US.

Dr. Jagadish Seth, Senior Professor at Emory University welcomed Amma to Atlanta on behalf of its citizens. Member and Board President of Interfaith Community Initiatives, Ms. Angela Rice spoke to the large crowd: ‘I feel honored and humbled to stand before you sharing this historic occasion, the first time Amma has visited the Southeast. It is an honor for the Southeast to have a person of such magnitude, one of the pre-eminent spiritual leaders of our time, grace our soil and our souls. And we are so very happy that she landed in the Atlanta region. We greet her with the hospitality of the south.’

Satsangs groups from all over the region, including Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Birmingham, South Florida, Gainsville, and Raleigh had the opportunity to put on cultural performances. Children from Amrita Balakendra chanted various sacred Vedic chants. The Atlanta satsang joyfully performed wonderful dances invoking the glories of Durga.

A professional dance group known as the Third Eye Dancers presented four traditional Bharatanatyam dances on Devi. Later, Nimesh Patel (from Empty Hands Music) led everyone in a soulful song asking everyone to ‘spread the seeds of goodness in the world through selfless service, music, and love.’

At the end of the programs, everyone left with open hearts and the hope that Amma will make Atlanta a regular stop on her North America Tour.