CMLA Celebrates Navaratri 2025

 Chinmaya Mission Los Angeles (CMLA) celebrated the auspicious occasion of Navaratri with nine nights of profound spiritual observances, cultural unity, and joyous devotion. The vibrant festivities, which took place from September 22nd to October 1st, 2025, brought together members of the community to honor the Divine Mother in her three powerful forms of Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.

The spiritual anchor of the celebration was the daily parayana (recitation) of the Devi Mahatmyam, a sacred text that narrates the glorious deeds of the Goddess. The daily chanting filled the ashram with powerful vibrations, inspiring devotees to reflect on the deeper symbolism of the festival: the progressive journey of annihilating negative tendencies (Durga), cultivating noble virtues (Lakshmi), and gaining the highest spiritual knowledge (Saraswati).

Each evening featured a special puja, a ceremonial worship of the Divine Mother, which included traditional offerings and prayers. This provided a contemplative space for the community to unite in their devotion and invoke the grace of the Divine Mother.

The Navaratri celebration was further enhanced by the community’s heartfelt musical offerings. Talented members of the CMLA’s Shlokanjali and Swaranjali groups showcased their devotion through melodious chanting and devotional songs. The collective musical tribute served as a form of worship, touching the hearts of all who attended.

A highlight of the event was the active participation of the Bala Vihar children. Through their own musical performances and enthusiastic presence, they demonstrated the timeless values and cultural heritage being passed down to the next generation. The joy and innocence of the children’s offerings were a reminder of the foundational role that youth play in the spiritual life of the Mission.

The event was a testament to the community spirit fostered by Chinmaya Mission. As Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda emphasized, the Mission’s strength lies in its ability to bring people together for a shared purpose. The Navaratri celebrations embodied this vision, creating an atmosphere of spiritual growth, devotion, and cultural preservation that resonated with all ages.

-- Bhramacharini Sandhya Chaitanya