Amma's 2010 UK Visit

16 - 17 November 2010
(dates subject to change)

If you would like to take part in helping to organise this year's visit, please contact Andrew at it@amma.org.uk

Thousands come to see Amma at Alexandra Palace, October 2009

Once again, thousands flocked to see Amma at Alexandra Palace, this time in Great Hall. Following a very positive article in The Daily Mirror, and a mention on Radio 1, Devi Bhava on the Friday night attracted the largest London crowd ever to see Amma who was radiant in a purple and gold sari. Amma sat all night until 10 in the morning blessing her devotees. As ever, it was a wonderful and inspirational three days. We are truly blessed that such a great soul as Amma, out of her compassion and grace, will travel the world to visit us, her children.

It would not be possible to host Amma in London without the tireless efforts of volunteers before, during and after the programme. We were delighted at how volunteers threw themselves into all the much needed seva opportunities and hope you all experienced the truth of Amma's words that "the opportunity to serve others should be considered a rare gift, a blessing from God".

So a very big thank you to all who gave of their time and energy to make the event such a big success. We hope the blessings from your experience will inspire you to serve Amma through the year and join with us again during next year’s visit. Picking out particular groups for mention is always difficult as everyone did their bit, but we would like to express our appreciation for the way our Irish brothers and sisters helped in many ways. They must have been disappointed that Amma did not visit Dublin this year and it was lovely that so many came to help us. It was also lovely to see Amma's Ayudh (Youth Group) running the snack bar with such enthusiasm. It is wonderful to see how this group, along with Ayudh in other countries, is emerging as a community promoting values of seva (selfless service) and concern for the environment.

We would particularly like to thank our sponsors who so kindly donated products and services which made such a substantial contribution to supporting Amma's charities: East End foods, Riverfood Organics, Starbucks, His Church, Speedy Hire, Marquees Direct and Verde Coffee. Thanks also to those who advertised in in Programme Guide and helped make production of it possible.

Congratulations to the family of devotees whose baby received his first solid food from Amma during Devi Bhava and to the two couples whom Amma married.

One devotee has summarised his personal experience of Amma's visit as follows: "Once again, Amma showered her grace and love on us. She loves us so much that she helped us all along the way, even when we made mistakes and blunders. Just like a mother does to her children. This year was a special year to grow further on the path of spirituality as Amma provided enough challenges and lessons that I could digest (not handle as I needed her help all the time). I have developed more love and respect for my Amma family in UK (and of course Ireland). Every step that I took was a step closer to her and Amma cared for me and held me whenever I tumbled. I wish to remain at Amma’s service through this and many more lives to come."

The programme also saw the UK launch of Embracing the World, the newly formed umbrella organisation for all Amma's charitable initiatives worldwide.

A devotee's experience of Amma's visit

"This was my 23rd year with our beloved Amma! I feel blessed to have met her and deeply grateful that she travels the world and visits us every year. This year I volunteered to welcome people at the front door which was the most joyful seva I have experienced so far. And, perhaps for the first time, I was able to understand and practise the power of mantra in controlling one's thoughts and feelings.

"Sitting near Amma on Devi Bhava night I was given this teaching. Thank you Amma, and thanks to everyone who contributed their time and efforts so generously, for creating this uniquely beautiful, inspiring and blissful event." (LL, Sussex)

Meeting Amma

There is no charge for darshan