Normally on this day, hundreds of thousands of people from around the world gather in Amritapuri and participate in programs dedicated to selfless service. However, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and other natural calamities that have caused immense hardship for everyone, officials of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math have decided to forgo any such celebrations.

Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, the Vice Chairman of the Math, said, “We are asking Amma’s devotees around the world to observe September 27th as ‘A Day of Sadhana’ aimed at the peace, welfare and health of all beings.”

Swami Amritaswarupananda also said that devotees from all 193 United Nations-member countries are participating.

In Amritapuri, ashram residents are performing special ceremonies for the peace, welfare and health of the world. Five-hundred and four sannyasis and brahmacharis will perform these yajnas and prayers. On the 27th, there will be Gurupaduka Puja and prayers for world peace led by Amma as well as Amma’s annual birthday satsang. These programs will be webcast live, worldwide.

Despite the challenges the world is facing, Amma remains a source of inspiration for people, with hearts full of love and compassion, to selflessly serve those in need.