16 aug 2008, amritapuri
the festival season has begun in amritapuri. actually it began two weeks ago when amma came back from the japan-usa tour.  two days back, it was independence day. that night, after dinner, witnessed a lot of cultural programs.

today is raksha bandan – the day sisters tie rakhi on the wrist of their brothers with a vow that they should protect them. sishya ties to their guru.

today is also ‘avani avittam’ when the brahmins replace the old sacred thread with a new one. many were lining up in front of amma for the replacement of the thread.
next week is krishna jayanti. the day you will bump into little krishna’s every where you go, along with gopis and gopas. then onam. then ganesh chaturthi, the festival of ganesh. then the biggest festival – amma’s birthday. immediately afterwards the durga puja and vijaya dashami… then it is time for europe to celebrate–amma’s annual vist
yes life is a celebration here. with amma it’s everywhere.

~ dhyanamrita