Ganesh Chaturthi at MACC

Sep 22, 2018 1:30pm-8:00pm (ended)

MA Center Chicago celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi on  Saturday, September 22
1:00 – 2:30 pm | 5:00 – 8:00 pm

Ganesh Chaturthi (also known as Vināyaka Chaturthi, Gaṇēśa Chaturthī, or Vināyaka Chaviti) signifies and honors the holy birth of Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed god. Celebrated for 10 days, it is observed this year from September 13 through 23. The festival celebrates Lord Ganesh as the god of New Beginnings and the Remover of Obstacles as well as the god of wisdom and intelligence. The celebration culminates with the immersion of the idol of Lord Ganesh in running water. This ceremony called ‘visarjan’ or ‘nimajjan’ is symbolic of the cycle of life and death.

Daytime
1:00-1:30 pm - Welcoming Lord Ganesh to MACC Premises
1:30- 2:30 pm - Special Ganesha Puja and Ganesha Arati led by Sripada Joshi

Evening
5:00-5:30pm – Shantamritaji’s talk (recording)
5:30-5:50 pm –Ganesh Puja and Ganesha Ashtotharam
5:50-6:35 pm - Ganesh Bhajans
6:35-6:45 pm - Ganesh Ārati
6:45-6:55 pm - Amma Ārati
6:55-7:35 pm – Ganesha Visarjan/Nimajjan (Immersion) – Procession from Satsang hall
to the area where Lord Ganesh's Idol will be immersed
7:35 - 7:45 pm - Prasadam
8:00 – 9:00 pm - Dinner

Saturday
Aug
16
10:30am - 12:00pm
Location: South Lodge Community Room at MA Center Chicago Join us Saturday mornings for an open yoga class with simple, gentle Amrita Yoga postures/asanas. No prior experience or training in Amrita Yoga is necessary.  "The purpose of Yoga is for our inner well-being. It does not belong to any... more ›
Saturday
Aug
16
2:00pm - 3:00pm
The Amrita Book Club of North America gives participants an opportunity to dive more deeply into Amma’s teachings. The club meets twice a month on the first and third Saturdays from 2 pm to 3 pm via Zoom to explore Amma’s books and books written by Amma's senior disciples. All are welcome to attend... more ›
Saturday
Aug
16
3:00pm - 4:00pm
"A river that flows through many branches will not have a powerful current. If the branches are redirected and the river is redirected to flow only through the main stream, the force of the current will increase greatly. It may even be possible to generate electricity from such a strong current.... more ›
Tuesday
Aug
19
10:00am - 11:00am
The purpose of Yoga is for our inner well-being. It does not belong to any particular faith or religion. It was passed on to us by the ancient seers for the well-being of humanity.  Yoga helps us reconnect with nature and eventually become one with God. - Amma Please join us for gentle chair yoga... more ›
Friday
Aug
22
A Multi-Day Event
Carrying Amma's message of universal love, compassion, and peace, Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri will visit North America from August 12 to September 1, 2025. Swamiji is Amma's most senior disciple and has travelled the world with her since 1987. For more information about Swamiji's 2025 North... more ›
Saturday
Aug
23
10:30am - 12:00pm
Location: South Lodge Community Room at MA Center Chicago Join us Saturday mornings for an open yoga class with simple, gentle Amrita Yoga postures/asanas. No prior experience or training in Amrita Yoga is necessary.  "The purpose of Yoga is for our inner well-being. It does not belong to any... more ›
Saturday
Aug
23
3:00pm - 4:00pm
"A river that flows through many branches will not have a powerful current. If the branches are redirected and the river is redirected to flow only through the main stream, the force of the current will increase greatly. It may even be possible to generate electricity from such a strong current.... more ›
Sunday
Aug
24
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Join the MA Center Chicago knit and crochet group to help people in need of warm hats, scarves, and more. The group meets from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm on the second and fourth Sunday of each month in the South Lodge Community Room.  All skill levels are welcome, and if you are unable to attend the... more ›
Tuesday
Aug
26
10:00am - 11:00am
The purpose of Yoga is for our inner well-being. It does not belong to any particular faith or religion. It was passed on to us by the ancient seers for the well-being of humanity.  Yoga helps us reconnect with nature and eventually become one with God. - Amma Please join us for gentle chair yoga... more ›
Saturday
Aug
30
10:30am - 12:00pm
Location: South Lodge Community Room at MA Center Chicago Join us Saturday mornings for an open yoga class with simple, gentle Amrita Yoga postures/asanas. No prior experience or training in Amrita Yoga is necessary.  "The purpose of Yoga is for our inner well-being. It does not belong to any... more ›

All are welcome to join the ashram residents for daily spiritual practices in the satsang hall:

WHITE FLOWER MEDITATION

Sunday through Friday at 5:50 pm (starts with 10-minute silent Ma Om meditation)

Amma requests everyone to regularly practice this meditation once or twice a day for the benefit of the entire world. Join us live or via Zoom: https://bit.ly/maccmed 

Meeting ID: 828 7832 9402

Passcode: 092753

One tap mobile

+13092053325,,82878329402#,,,,*092753# US
+13126266799,,82878329402#,,,,*092753# US (Chicago)

EVENING BHAJANS

Sunday-Friday at 6:30 pm (in-person only)

  • Guru Stotram chanting
  • Bhajans (devotional singing)
  • Closing prayers and arati