Amma's Onam Message, 2001

Amritapuri witnessed a unique and unforgettable Onam celebration when thousands of devotees, sang devotional songs and danced in tune with the steps of their beloved mother Mata Amritanandamayi Devi. It was a moment of fulfilment for the devotees who had gathered to receive Onam prasad from the hands of their Spiritual Master.

"We celebrate Onam to commemorate a glorious past. All of us yearn for a time like that of King Mahabali, a time when prosperity, joy and love blended. But in order to realise this dream we need to put forward creative and sustained effort.” Amma reminded the thousands gathered in the sprawling prayer hall.

"We have lost the true spirit of Onam. Let each of our actions be a yajna for universal good. May the new clothes we wear be that of Dharma and faith. May our hearts be united in love and joy, and make life an everlasting Tiruvonam. Thus we can retrieve the lost Onam.

Life becomes a festival when gaiety and culture blend. Onam delivers the message of both.

During Onam, we arrange an ornamental design of flowers from the day of Attam. Actually this flower welcome for the Lord should be within us. The Lord will have His dearest flower design when each and every heart resonates with compassion and love.”

After Amma’s words of blessing, all received the Onam feast as prasad from Her. At last came the chance of Ram, the baby elephant of the ashram. Ram’s antics as he rushed to eat the prasad from Amma’s hands became another feast for the eyes of the devotees.