Art of Living Foundation (Mauritius) Navaratri Celebrations 2023

Art of Living Foundation (Mauritius) Navaratri Celebrations 2023

This year marks the 10th Navaratri celebration in Mauritius, a truly significant milestone in our spiritual journey.

Navaratri carries profound importance, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and the divine over the mortal. We are immensely grateful for the blessings and guidance of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji, which have made this annual celebration possible, infusing us with the divine energy that unites us.

Additionally, the invaluable presence of Swami Vishnupadha and the two revered pundits, Yogesh Ji and Ganesh Ji, who officiated the ceremony, has illuminated our lives and deepened the significance of this auspicious event.

Furthermore, the tireless dedication and selfless service of our management and devoted volunteers have paved the way for these celebrations, fostering a sense of unity and devotion among all participants.

Day 1: (Friday, 20th October)

The Navaratri celebrations at the Art of Living Centre in Wooton, Curepipe, began on the auspicious occasion of the first day.

The day commenced with a soulful beginning, the Guru Puja, chanted by Swami Vishnupadha. This start set the stage for a spiritually enriching journey.

• The day featured the majestic Sri Maha Ganapati Homam, sacred ceremony invoking Lord Ganesha’s blessings, ensuring health, wealth, and the removal of obstacles in our path.
• Devotees then immersed in the profound Sri Navagraha Homam, where offerings were made to the nine celestial planets, amplifying their positive influences and mitigating any negative effects on our lives. In the evening, the devotees participated in a series of sacred rituals.
• The VAASTHU SHANTI HOMAM aimed to purify and harmonize the environment, fostering positivity and tranquility.
• Sri Chandi Devi Kalasha Sthapanam invoked the blessings of the Divine Mother, providing strength and protection.
• The recitation of Sri Durga Saptashati sought the divine presence of Goddess Durga, granting courage and safeguarding.
• The Chandi Homa initiated a profound journey, removing obstacles, and inspiring inner strength and purity. It was an evening filled with spirituality and blessings.

The esteemed presence of Lady Sarojini Jugnauth, the spouse of the late President of the Republic, added a touch of grace and honor to the inaugural ceremony of the Navaratri celebration. It was a day filled with blessings, prayers, and a sense of unity.

Day 2: (Saturday, 21st October)

The morning commenced with the Sri Maha Rudra Homam, a ceremony dedicated to invoking divine energy and achieving harmony within ourselves and the environment.

• This was followed by the recitation of Sri Durga Saptashati Parayanam, contributing to the spiritual atmosphere.
• The evening commenced with the Sri Maha Sudarshana Homam performed to attain health, prosperity, and spiritual well-being.
• Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Parayanam involved the recitation of a thousand names of Lord Vishnu, bringing spiritual resonance.
• Sri Durga Saptashati Parayanam honored Goddess Durga’s presence, providing strength and protection.
• The Navakshari Homam was dedicated to the nine-syllable mantra, invoking its divine significance.

On the second night, our Navaratri celebrations received a remarkable and honorable guest—His Excellency Mr. Prithvirajsing Roopun, G.C.S.K., the esteemed President of the Republic of Mauritius, along with his esteemed family. His Excellency’s presence at this grand event underscored the festival’s significance as a unique platform for cultural exchange, unity, and global harmony.

This auspicious occasion was graced by the Bharatnatyam performance, a beautiful expression of devotion and artistry, making it a night to remember for all attendees. The evening was filled with profound spiritual significance.

Day 3: (Sunday, 22nd October)

The third day marked the peak of the celebration, characterized by a profound and emotionally charged experience for all participants.

Commencing with the Sri Maha Chandi Homam that invoked the energy signified by Goddess Chandi, symbolizing the Divine Mother’s protective and nurturing energy.

The ceremony culminated with the Kalasha Abhishekam, a pivotal moment as the participants felt the divine presence when the sacred Kalasham was removed by the pundit and marched to the temple for immersion on Lord Shiva’s murti.

The sight of the Kalasham Abhishekam, or the ceremonial pouring of holy water, brought tears of bliss to the eyes of the devotees and left them in a state of bliss, gratitude, and unity.

Day 4: (Monday, 23rd October)

The culminating day of the Navaratri festivities unfolded at the Goodlands Happiness Centre, signifying the 9th day of this spiritual journey, brimming with the divine energy and blessings that had been accumulating over the previous days.

 

The evening was adorned with the Devi Homa, a sacred ritual dedicated to venerating the goddess Devi, the embodiment of beauty, strength, and grace. It served as a fitting conclusion to the 9-day festival, invoking the presence of the divine in its most exalted form.

As the ceremony came to a close, all devotees joyously danced, expressing their heartfelt gratitude to Mother Divine.

Concluding Remarks

The 10th Navaratri Celebration in Mauritius was an exceptional journey that epitomized the triumph of light, knowledge, and divinity over all challenges, and it served as a testament to the power of unity, devotion, and divine blessings.

Our heartfelt thanks and deep gratitude go out to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji for making this spiritual milestone possible