30–31 October 2026, Mananthavady, Keralam – Bharata Yatra 2026
After a long wait of nine years, Amma returned to her children in Wayanad. Following a 12-hour journey by road, Amma reached Mananthavady for the two-day Brahmasthanam Festival, marking the silver jubilee of the temple she had consecrated in 2001.
Amma was welcomed with the traditional sounds of Panchavadyam. Devotees had gathered to receive her after many years, and the atmosphere was filled with joy and devotion. The cool nights and pleasant days of Wayanad added to the beauty of the celebrations.
The festival marked 25 years since Amma performed the Prana Pratishtha of the Brahmasthanam Temple at Mananthavady, making her return particularly special for the local devotees.
“Nature is a great power”
In her satsang, Amma spoke about humanity’s relationship with Mother Nature and warned against taking her patience and generosity for granted.
“For generations, humanity has been harming Mother Nature. Yet, the Mother has continued to forgive her children, showering them again and again with compassion and love. But it seems unlikely that this will continue much longer.
“We have begun to mistake nature’s patience and compassion for weakness and limitation. We have forgotten that nature is a great power, capable of punishing just as she is capable of protecting.
“Perhaps Mother Nature has begun to feel that if she continues to forgive us, we will never change our ways. So, at least from now on, learn to bow before nature with humility. Learn to treat nature with respect and love.”
Amma’s words reminded everyone of the need to live with greater humility, respect and responsibility towards the natural world.
On both days, Amma gave satsang, led everyone in Manasa Puja and meditation, and sang bhajans. She then began giving darshan, embracing those who had come to meet her.
A pledge for a drug-free India
One of the significant moments of the festival was a pledge taken by more than 70 members of AYUDH, Amma’s youth organisation, to work towards a drug-free India.
Standing on the stage, the young volunteers pledged that they would neither use drugs nor encourage their use. They also resolved to discourage others from drug abuse and help those affected return to a healthy life.
When Amma joined them in taking the pledge, the entire gathering rose to its feet, stretched out their hands and joined in the collective resolve for a drug-free, developed India.
The participation of people across generations turned the young volunteers’ pledge into a shared commitment.
₹2 crore initiative for women’s cancer care
Another important event was the launch of a ₹2 crore cancer care initiative by Amrita Hospital, Kochi, aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for women.
The initiative focuses on cancer prevention, early detection and access to appropriate medical care.
A cervical cancer screening research project, supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), forms part of this initiative.
In addition, ten free medical camps will be organised in the tribal regions of Wayanad, with the support of Amrita Hospital’s Telemedicine Department. These camps will focus on the early detection of breast, oral and lung cancers among women.
The initiative aims to bring essential screening and medical support closer to women in remote communities, where access to specialised healthcare can be difficult.
Throughout the two days, the celebrations continued alongside Amma’s darshan.
Children from Amrita Vidyalayam presented colourful dances and mime performances. Members of local tribal communities also offered traditional dances and cultural programmes while Amma continued embracing devotees.
One of the memorable moments was a large Thiruvathira performance by local women devotees. With great enthusiasm and joy, they danced together before Amma, offering their love and devotion through the graceful movements of the traditional dance.
The stage remained alive with music and cultural offerings as devotees continued to come for darshan.
For the people of Wayanad, the festival was more than the silver jubilee of a temple. It was also the joy of welcoming Amma back after nine long years.
After two days of satsang, bhajans, meditation, cultural programmes and darshan, Amma departed from Mananthavady for Mysuru, the next destination of Bharata Yatra 2026.
-KaliCharan
