6–7 November, Bengaluru – Bharata Yatra 2026
After the Brahmasthanam Festival in Mysuru, Amma arrived in Bengaluru for the next stop of her Bharata Yatra 2026. She was welcomed with the traditional Purna Kumbham ceremony. Devotees gathered to welcome Amma, and the celebrations included colourful cultural offerings inspired by Karnataka’s rich traditions.
The two-day Brahmasthanam Festival brought together Amma’s satsang, bhajans, meditation and darshan, along with programmes supporting women, medical assistance for those in need and a youth pledge for a drug-free India.
Each day, Amma was welcomed onto the stage by performers dressed as Yakshagana characters and Bharatanatyam dancers. They danced as Amma entered, offering a traditional welcome and their respectful pranams.
“Amma has inspired millions through both words and actions”
Karnataka Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar attended the celebrations as the chief guest and offered his respects to Amma. Welcoming Amma to the city, he said: “Having received the Mother’s darshan, having sought Amma’s darshan and her blessings—the good fortune that all of you and I have received, I consider this to be my utmost fortune, my true blessing,” he said.
Speaking about the place of a mother, guru and God in human life, he said:
“The remembrance of a mother is the source of love. The remembrance of a guru is the source of knowledge. The remembrance of God is the source of devotion. The remembrance of these three is the foundation of humanity. And humanity is the path to liberation (moksha)—this is what I firmly believe.”
Referring to the medical assistance certificates presented by Amma on stage, the Chief Minister said he was deeply touched to see people from different communities receiving support without any distinction of caste or religion.
“Just a moment ago on stage, Amma presented certificates. There was no distinction of any single caste or religion to be seen. Humanity is what defines human birth. Children of all castes and all faiths received those certificates, qualifying them for further medical treatment, as we all witnessed just now.”
He welcomed Amma on behalf of the people of Karnataka and compared her service to the spiritual ideals that have inspired Bharata through the ages.
Recalling Swami Vivekananda’s meditation at Kanyakumari, he said that Amma, embodying the spirit of Mother India through her service to humanity, had come from Keralam to bless everyone.
Reflecting on the importance of mothers and spiritual guides, he said that a mother is the very meaning of sacrifice. A mother corrects us when we make mistakes and gives us courage when we fail. He described a mother’s embrace as a temple and said that everyone needs a mother’s blessings.
He spoke of Amma as a light of awareness and described spirituality and culture as the true strength and wealth of the country.
He also reflected on why people visit temples. They go seeking peace of mind, tranquillity and the fulfilment of their prayers, he said. In Amma’s presence, devotees had the opportunity to receive that blessing directly through her darshan.
“Some people teach us through words; some inspire through their actions. Amma has inspired millions through both. So, I would like to thank Amma. Amma’s life gives us a simple yet powerful message of love, compassion, and selfless service to humanity.”
He added that the institutions Amma has established through her life of sacrifice have become an important contribution to humanity.
“Whenever we serve humanity with love, we do not just serve people; we give meaning to our lives,” he said, concluding with his respectful pranams to Amma and a prayer for peace, health and happiness for all.
“It is compassion that makes us human”
In her satsang, Amma spoke about the importance of compassion and the need to recognise the suffering of others.
“It is compassion that makes us human. If each person could understand the needs of the living beings around them and act in their service, this world would become heaven. Children, always remember that compassion is a necessity, not a luxury. Without compassion, society’s very existence is threatened.”
Amma’s message reminded everyone that compassion is not merely a noble quality to admire, but something essential to our daily lives and the well-being of society.
On both days, Amma sang many bhajans in Kannada, bringing special joy to the local devotees. She also led everyone in Manasa Puja and Ma-Om meditation, giving instructions in Kannada.
Throughout the festival, Amma continued giving darshan, embracing the devotees who had gathered to meet her.
Support for women and medical care
During the celebrations, members of AmritaSREE self-help groups received sarees and annual financial assistance to support their group activities. Dignitaries on the dais joined in distributing the assistance to the women.
Certificates for medical assistance were also presented to beneficiaries, reflecting Amma’s continuing efforts to bring healthcare to people in need, irrespective of their background.
A collective pledge for a drug-free India
Members of AYUDH, took an anti-drug pledge on stage in Amma’s presence.
The young volunteers promised that they would not use drugs of any kind, would discourage others from using them and would work towards building a drug-free India as part of the vision of Viksit Bharat.
As the pledge was taken, the dignitaries on the dais and the devotees gathered in the pandal joined the young volunteers in making the collective resolve.
The participation of the entire gathering gave the youth’s commitment a wider expression of shared responsibility.
Karnataka’s cultural heritage comes alive
Students from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and Amrita Vidyalayam presented a variety of classical and cultural programmes on both days, offering their talents before Amma.
One of the most memorable performances came during the second night, when teachers and students presented Yakshagana, Karnataka’s traditional dance-drama.
Dressed in elaborate, colourful costumes and carrying traditional stage weapons, the performers brought the characters to life through energetic movements and dramatic expressions.
It was around 3 a.m., yet the pandal was filled with enthusiasm. Far from being tired, the audience cheered, clapped and joined in the excitement of the performance. The lively rhythms and spirited presentation kept everyone engaged, even at that late hour.
While the cultural programmes continued, Amma remained on stage, giving darshan to her children.
The Bengaluru celebrations brought together the devotion of thousands, the beauty of Karnataka’s cultural traditions, and Amma’s message that compassion must find expression in our actions.
Amma’s darshan continued until 5:30 a.m. After completing the two-day Brahmasthanam Festival, she left Bengaluru by road for Hyderabad, the next destination of Bharata Yatra 2026.
-KaliCharan
