Day One: Thursday 24th December

Next, there was a children’s treasure hunt which involved a competition between two teams – the  boys and the girls, with many of the excited tots being helped by the AYUDH youngsters. This part of the event ended with Shantamritaji narrating several stories to all the little ones - all happily munching on their lollies.

Next was the adults turn to be treated with bhajans and Shantamritaji’s talk on the Spirit of Christmas. Shantamritaji highlighted in particular the meaning of suffering, giving and compassionate love as being the true values of Christmas and how Amma’s life is a living example of the meaning of Christmas.

The bhajan group next led the Carols with the grand finale of Father Christmas appearing with lots of goodies for the Children and a lovely spread of Christmas dinner and cake!

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The highlight of this day was the Bhagavati Seva puja conducted by Shantamritaji. The Ashram was filled with an air of buzzing festivity in anticipation of the puja. As Shantamritaji took his place and began the proceedings the excitement dropped to a hushed silence. The atmosphere was charged with austerity as all of our senses were engaged in the ritual. Following the puja, prasad was distributed and dinner was served. We were then treated again to another of Shantamritaji’s inspiring talks and a question and answer session, which went late into the night.