Devi Bhava New York
Well, actually, Devi Bhava is really Tuesday. But from the size of the crowd that had come to see Amma on the first program day, it certainly felt like it was.
It’s not surprising given that the program was on a Sunday which happened to be the 4th of July. The combination made for two of the biggest fireworks show in the area. Many people made a day of it – come for the Internal fireworks – ignited by Amma’s embrace – then head down the block to the Hudson River and watch an external firework show.
Two hours before the program’s scheduled start at 11am, people began arriving. And by the time Amma entered the hall at 11am sharp, the floor, as well as the balconies, were filled.
Amma gave darshan from 11am until 11:30pm that evening. A full 12-1/2 hours.
Around 9:30pm, even while inside the hall, one could hear the explosions coming from the fireworks just a few long city blocks away. Those who stepped outside could actually see the colorful displays in the distance.
Once the fireworks were over, millions of people started to head home. 34th street – just outside the hall – was a sea of bodies heading to Penn Station, the main transpiration hub in New York City. A few devotees stepped outside just to watch the spectacle.
The nice thing is that, while no more tokens were being handed out, many of these passers-by happened to notice Amma’s picture which was on two marquee displays along the street. Many stopped to inquire about the next program. So who knows – maybe they’ll come back….
– Sri Pati
The internal fireworks happens near AMMA are more beautiful than the External one
Great update, Sri Pati.
Sounds like a magical moment – thank you for sharing!
Nice story Sri Pati!
Thanks for sharing… It’s like NY was celebrating Amma was there… 🙂
Wonderful description. I am so happy just to read and know and imagine the scene. I can guess, what must have been the immense joy of the devotees there at the New York Devi Bhava! Thanks for this wonderful note.
Amma was so kind to us in NY this year. For those of you who have been to NY, the Manhattan Center is a large hall with a 3-story balcony, which is our waiting area for the large crowds of devotees that come to experience Amma’s Darshan. When the hall is at full capacity, we have no choice but to hold people in a waiting line on the street. Oftentimes, the crowd gets so massive, that this waiting line on the street extends beyond visibility and people often wait outside on the street for hours. As one can imagine, this is difficult for many people, particularly as the sun is pretty strong in July. This year, Amma’s grace flew outside the hall to all on the street – people were so gracious and patiently waiting for their turn to enter the hall. Amma gave us patience and love, so everyone’s focus was single-pointedly on seeing Amma. As part of the Greeting team on the street, it was such a pleasure seeing the overflowing love, patience and grace that Amma’s children demonstrated, even in the grueling heat and bustling energy of New York City.
Thank you Amma for helping the Greeting team serve your children!
Sonia