17-19 October, Winterthur, Switzerland – Europe Yatra 2025
After six years, Amma returned to Europe. The longing of devotees was visible in their tears as they welcomed Amma into the program hall with deep love.
On the journey from Amritapuri to Zurich, during the layover, Amma found time to sing bhajans with the group.
Upon arriving at the hall, Amma led volunteers and devotees in meditation and bhajans, with joyful clapping and gentle swaying. Afterward, Amma served prasad—pasta, beans, salad, and rice.
The next day, Amma was officially welcomed to Zurich. Devotees formed an aisle to the stage, holding white cloth flowers tied to long twigs. The hall resounded with the a big Swiss Alp Horn, cowbells, yodeling, and Talerschwingen, while Indian and Swiss flags waved in greeting. Among those present were the Indian Ambassador to Switzerland, Mridul Kumar; Dr. Agosti, founder and chief physician of the Hirslanden Headache Center and a member of the Canton of Zurich parliament; and actress Zoë Pastelle, one of Switzerland’s best-known content creators.
Dr. Agosti released a German book on Amma titled “Lead us to immortality.” Speaking on the occasion, he said: “I have visited many hospitals in my profession – and I myself work at the largest private clinic in Switzerland. But what I saw in Faridabad [Amrita Hospital, New Delhi] made a deep impression on me. More than 2,600 beds. Over 500 smart intensive care units. 81 departments, and 8 centers of excellence. Its really a a medical marvel. And yet – the most impressive thing was not the technology. It was the spirit that can be felt there. No matter who I spoke to – every doctor, every nurse was full of enthusiasm and dedication. Despite its enormous size, there is a warmth, compassion, and joy in serving that is rarely found. Of course, the hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technology – with robots such as the Da Vinci Xi, which enable highly complex operations. But the heart of this clinic is not made of steel or silicone. It beats with love.”
Addressing the crowd, Zoë Pastelle said: “Amma, In your speech at the Parliament of World Religions in Barcelona, you said: ‘Love is our true essence. Love knows no boundaries such as religion, skin color, nationality, or caste. We are all pearls strung on the same thread of love. To recognize this unity and to carry the love that is our true nature into the world — that is the goal of human life.’ These words are more relevant than ever in our world, where the gap between rich and poor is widening every day, where there is so much violence and harmony in nature is disrupted. I hope that we all awaken to this all-encompassing love. So that our world is peaceful, that our beautiful planet is protected, and that our children can also experience this beauty.” The hall responded with thunderous applause.
For three days, Amma led meditation, bhajans, satsang, and darshan. On the final day, a special Atma Puja was conducted for world peace and harmony.
When Amma came for the Atma Puja, devotees welcomed her with waving flashlights on the eve of Diwali. Amma said that “actullay we should be lighting within our hearts- the lamp of love and faith. then the wars, violence and conflicts wont happen in the world.”
The crowd overflowed the main hall, and the adjacent dining hall was also filled with devotees watching on the big screen. Infants and elders alike braved the cold, with temperatures between 4 and 10 degrees. The youngest noted infant was 15 days old. Many waited for hours to see Amma, shedding tears of reunion, love, hope, and conviction.
Some who met Amma as children 20–25 years ago are now part of the organizing team. Many families familiar with the ashram came with their own children, continuing the bond.
One devotee brought a photo from 25 years ago, when Amma performed his annaprasham in Amritapuri. Amma smiled and took a new photo with him.
Each day, many took mantra from Amma—nearly 900 in total. One touching moment was a family receiving mantra together; the oldest was 6 years and the youngest child was under two and not yet speaking, yet Amma gave mantra to the baby, honoring the parents’ commitment to spiritual values.
A Swiss man came alone in a wheelchair. Formerly a hockey player, a car accident left his legs paralyzed and his hands difficult to control. Amma showered him with love and attention. It was his third time meeting Amma.
Each night after darshan, Amma danced a few steps to the tune of the bhajan “Rarari rarari taka,” filling hearts with joy.
As the program concluded in the early morning of 20th, Amma drove to the Swiss ashram by the River Rhein. Amma had visited and stayed there 12 years ago. She distributed prasad and performed a small puja before proceeding to Barcelona for the next stop of Europe Yatra.
-KaliCharan
See Photos
