27 Aug – 06 Sep 2025, Amritapuri – Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations
Ganesh Chaturthi was celebrated at Amritapuri with deep devotion and joy. The day began with a Gaja Puja, where the ashram elephant was worshipped and lovingly fed with an abundance of fruits and treats.
A beautifully crafted idol of Lord Ganesha was installed in front of the Kalari, where for ten days vibrant bhajans and special pujas were conducted each evening. The children of the ashram added extra spirit to the celebrations with their enthusiastic singing of bhajans.
“Ganesha teaches us the qualities of a true seeker: an endless hunger for Truth, the ability to grasp both the subtle and the gross, and mastery over desire. To ride the mouse is to rule the mind.” —Amma
On the final day, devotees offered their pranams to Lord Ganesha by breaking coconuts—symbolising surrender, purity, and the shattering of ego—while seeking His blessings for wisdom and success.
Amma gracefully blessed the Ganesha idol as it was carried in a joyful procession from the Kalari to the sea via Darshan hall. Hundreds of devotees from around the world joined the colorful event, chanting and singing in blissful devotion.
The idol was then immersed in the Arabian Sea at the Ashram’s beach, signifying the return name and form into the formless cosmic ocean and reminding all of the eternal truth—moving from dualities to the oneness of Satchidananda.
-KaliCharan