Amma’s Birthday Celebration & Diwali with Swamiji & Swamini; Maha Lakshmi Puja by Swamini - In person only

All day celebration to honor Amma's 69th birthday and Diwali with Swami Dayamritananda Puri and Swamini Ambikamrita Prana. The schedule includes Paduka Puja and activities throughout the day.

Food From Home will serve an Amritavarsham Meal Box with popular Amma's birthday selections for lunch and dinner. The meals are free but RSVP is required for planning.
RSVP for lunch and/or dinner by Saturday, October 15, 10 PM PDT.

Schedule:

9:30-12pm: Morning activities

• 9:30-11am: Guru Paduka Puja with chants and Bhajans
• 11am -12 pm:  Prasad distribution and Chai break

12-1 pm: Mid-day activities

• Gentle Amrita Yoga
• Guided nature walk - Become fully present, through walking and gentle guided activities. Children and adults welcome (bring good shoes, a hat, and a water bottle)

1-2:30 pm: Lunch break

• 'River of Love'  - a documentary on Amma’s life

2:30-4 pm: Afternoon activities

• Face painting
• Balloon animals
• Henna
• Bubbles
• Bounce house
• Make Amma a birthday card (which will be given to Amma in November)

3:30-4:30 pm: Chai break and snacks

• 4:30 - 6 pm - Maha Lakshmi Vedic Puja for Diwali
  by Swamini Ambikamrita Prana

Swamini Ambikamrita Prana will be performing a Vedic Puja dedicated to Maha Lakshmi, the Goddess of Auspiciousness. It is a Diwali tradition to perform a Lakshmi puja. To register for a sankalpa (special intention) to be made on your behalf, or for a loved one, during the puja, please sign up using the link provided below. In-person attendance is encouraged. The Livestream link to view the puja live will be provided for those who register. 
Registration is available for a sankalpa (special intention) to be made during the puja on your behalf, or for a loved one. Register here before Oct 22 at 12:30 PM PDT.

Register here >

Evening activities

• 6-6:30 pm:    Amrita Balakendra performance
• 6:30- 7pm:    Swamiji's Satsang
• 7-8 pm:    Final Bhajans and Arati
• 8- 9:30 pm:    Dinner and Amma's birthday cake under the stars, Dandiya dancing to celebrate Diwali

Throughout the day:

• Chanting of the Archana 1,000 Names of the Divine Mother (11am-1pm and 2-4pm)
• Opportunities for Seva (selfless service)
• Amma's Pantry bag exchange

Note:

Prepare for Delays and Alternate Routes until 5:00 PM: Crow Canyon Road Construction:Crow Canyon Road will be closed to through traffic between Norris Canyon Road and Bollinger Canyon Road starting Monday, September 12 through early November on weekdays between 8 am and 5 pm. Please see details here.

BART pickup and the MA Center library will not be available at this time and we apologize for any inconvenience. Please stay tuned for updates on when we are able to resume these services.

Beginning on Saturday, July 30, public livestreams of Saturday programs are discontinued to encourage in-person community attendance. Livestreams of Swamiji's classes, monthly Karthika puja, and special events will continue. 

Please contact the MA Center, San Ramon Events team if you have any questions: macsrevents@ammagroups.org.

GUIDELINES AND PRECAUTIONS SPECIFIED BY THE MA CENTER BOARD

The MA Center Board has announced that Satsangs may now resume provided they follow the guidelines and precautions below. We must all remember that the health and safety of all who wish to attend satsang should remain uppermost in our minds and hearts.

1.  These protocols were prepared in consultation with medical professionals, together with examination of the CDC guidelines. Satsangs may require stronger guidelines at their discretion in addition to adhering to county and local guidelines.

2. If you feel at all sick, have fever, or have been exposed to anyone who tests positive for Covid-19, please do not attend.

3. Everyone must wear their mask at all times. Masks need to be properly fitted over nose and mouth, N/KN 95 or double masking is recommended.

4. Everyone must maintain social distancing, 6 feet apart, except members of the same household.

5. Arati prasad should be individually wrapped and offered at the altar.

6. Meals, prepared in accordance with current health department guidelines, will be offered in a sealed container.  We encourage you to take meals home. Outdoor seating will be available if you wish to eat on the ashram premises and everyone must maintain proper distancing while eating. Meals cannot be eaten indoors.

Om Namah Shivaya

Swami Dayamritananda Puri
On behalf of the MA Center Board