Mata Amritanandamayi turns 71; no celebrations, Rs 15 crore for Wayanad

KARUNAGAPPALLI: Mata Amritanandamayi will turn 71 on Friday. Her birthday, Amritavarsham, is typically celebrated with grand festivities. However, due to the recent landslides in Wayanad, the celebrations have been toned down as a mark of respect and solidarity with the affected people. Devotees have respected Amma's wish to keep the birthday celebrations simple and unostentatious.

Special arrangements have been made at various places for devotees to witness the ceremonies. The events will take place at the spacious prayer hall in Amritapuri. On the occasion of Amritanandamayi's birthday, a Rs 15 crore project has been formulated to provide technical and rehabilitation assistance to Wayanad.

The birthday programs of Mata Amritanandamayi will begin with Ganapati Homam this morning, followed by Lalita Sahasranama Archana. A Guru Pada Puja will be performed after Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri's Satsang. Following Amma's birthday message, announcements of charitable activities will be made. Additionally, the Amritakeerti Award will be presented, and a mass wedding ceremony will also take place. Under the leadership of Mata Amritanandamayi, a global peace prayer, meditation, and devotional singing will be held. 101 couples will tie the knot in a mass wedding ceremony, blessed by Amma. The Paduka Puja (worship of the sacred sandals) will be attended by saints of the ashram.

All ashrams around the world have completed preparations for Mata Amritanandamayi's birthday celebrations. Programs associated with Amma's birthday in Amritapuri will be telecasted live. Due to restricted celebrations this year, devotees flocked to seek Amma's blessings in advance. The Amritapuri area is under tight police security.