Diwali with Swamini Ambikamrita Prana

Deepavali, also known as Diwali, literally means “rows of lamps” and is one of the four main festivals of India. Throughout the world Hindus celebrate Diwali with great enthusiasm.

One lamp can light several others. You can even light another thousand lamps, and still the flame and the light of the first lamp will remain as it is. By becoming manifold, the light loses nothing. The rows of lamps teach yet another important lesson of unity. The light that shines forth from the sun, the moon, the stars, and fire is all the same. To see and recognize that one light, the light of consciousness, which is manifesting and pulsating in and throughout all of creation is the goal of life. Thus, recognizing all of creation to be an expression of your true self, spread the light of love and compassion. The lights of Diwali are displayed at the entrance doors, by the walls of houses, in the streets and lanes, signifying that the inner spiritual light of the individual must be reflected outside - it should benefit society. People passing by entrance doors lit with Diwali lamps may be prevented from stumbling on their way to reach their destination. Feeding empty stomachs, lighting blown-out diyas, and bringing light to those whose lives are in darkness is the true spirit of Diwali. This is true prayer.

Here's the schedule for our Diwali satsang with Swamini Ambikamrita Prana:

Afternoon Program:*
2:00-4:00pm - Lighting of Lamps, Annakut Setup

Evening Program:
4:00-5:00PM - Archana
5:00-5:30PM - Talk by Swamini Ambikamrita Prana 
5:30-6:15PM - Ravan Dehan and Diwali Fireworks
6:30-7:15PM - Special Diwali Bhajans led by AYUDH Chicago 
7:15-7:45PM - Arati, Short Meditation, Prasadam

7:45-7:55PM - Diwali Snacks
8:00-8:30PM - Diwali Cultural Program coordinated by AYUDH Chicago

8:30-9:30PM - Diwali Dinner
9:30-10:00PM - Cleanup

For more information about these and our other regularly scheduled programs, click here. For information about on-site accommodations, email macclodging@macenters.org.

Masking is now optional in group gatherings and spaces at MA Center Chicago. Keeping the health and safety of all who wish to attend uppermost in our minds, please abide by the following COVID guidelines:

If you have any COVID symptoms, test immediately. If you test positive, isolate for 5 days after symptom onset. You can end isolation after 5 days but should wear a high-quality mask for 5 additional days around others. If you have severe symptoms for 5 days, please isolate for an additional 5 days. MA Center Chicago residents should notify a member of the COVID Preparedness Team to request help obtaining food/other supplies.

No testing is required after international travel, unless you present symptoms.

If you have any questions, please email macenterchicago@ammagroups.org.