OCTOBER 2024

Navratri Pooja: The Divine Goddess

The celebration of Navratri Pooja in the Sahyadris is a unique blend of divine energy and nature's grandeur. The rhythmic beats of Dhaak resonate through the mountains, while the fragrance of Dhuna and camphor fills the air. During these nine sacred nights, Guru's discourses on Shakti illuminate the essence of the divine feminine energy that pervades all creation.

The Kalash Ceremony marks a significant ritual, concluding on Dashami (Dussehra). Local villagers gather to receive prasadam and new clothes, embodying the spirit of community and sharing that defines this festival. It is a time when the boundaries between the spiritual and mundane dissolve, and all come together in devotion.

Shri Lakshmi Reverence follows, with a special focus on 'Santushthi' (satisfaction) as taught by Guru. This teaching emphasizes that true prosperity comes from inner contentment, and through this understanding, we consecrate the divine energy of Maa Lakshmi in our hearts and homes.

NOVEMBER 2024

Deepavali: Festival of Lights

Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, was observed with the sacred Ama Usha Havan at dawn, dedicated to Shree Maha Kali. This powerful ritual marks the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and the awakening of the divine consciousness within each sadhak.

During the Havan rituals, sadhaks offered 108 deeyas (lamps), bilva patras (sacred leaves), and hibiscus flowers to vanquish inner ignorance. Each offering symbolizes the surrender of ego and the illumination of the inner self through Guru's grace.

Bhai Dooj, traditionally celebrated as a bond between siblings, was reinterpreted by Guru as Atma Dweej—a spiritual rebirth (Dweej means 'twice-born'). Disciples apply sandalwood paste to each other's foreheads, recognizing their shared divine essence and the sacred bond that unites all seekers on the spiritual path.

The month concluded with Raas Purnima, where worship of Guru as Shri Krishna was observed with a special Havan ritual at the Kochin Ashram. This celebration embodied the divine play of love and devotion that characterizes the relationship between Guru and disciple.

DECEMBER 2024

Bhagavat Paath & Uttarann Utsav

December witnessed the profound Bhagavat Paath—five days of morning sessions featuring Sanskrit recitation of sacred texts, translated into Malayalam, Hindi, and Marathi. These sessions brought the timeless wisdom of the scriptures to life, making them accessible to devotees from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Evening interactive sessions with Guru provided opportunities to clarify spiritual understanding and deepen the insights gained during the morning recitations. These intimate discussions allowed sadhaks to resolve doubts and strengthen their spiritual practice.

The month culminated in Uttarann Utsav, our foundation day celebration filled with divine discourses and humanitarian efforts. This annual event reaffirms the mission of Uttarann—to uplift souls and serve humanity through spiritual wisdom and compassionate action.

As part of our charity and outreach initiatives, blankets and sweaters were distributed to villagers in need. A special "Bhavasan" (meditation and breathing) session was conducted for school children, planting the seeds of spiritual awareness in young hearts.