Introduction
The hangover left by the French settlers, the Tamil connection and the influence of Rishi Aurobindo, works together on the cultural map of Pondicherry to see the flowering of a plethora of fairs and festivals of all shapes, size, color and faith, in the horizon of Pondicherry. Sri Aurobindo Ghosh, later famous as Rishi Aurobindo was originally a freedom fighter who actively participated in the Indian Freedom Movement in the early part of his life. It was later during his stay at a prison cell that he became spiritually inclined and emerged himself into the practice of Yoga in search of Nirvana. Aurobindo came to Pondicherry in 1910 and as he began to attract disciples the Ashram began to take shape. Mira Alfassa, later known as The Mother, helped Aurobindo immensely in the formation and establishment of the Ashram. The birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo is on the 15th of August, coinciding with the Indian Independence Day.
Time
The birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo is celebrated on the 15th of August mostly within the Ashram premises.
Activities
The birth anniversary celebration takes place within the Arobindo Ashram where devotees from all over the country pour in thousands to pay their homage to the samadhis of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. The Ashram on this day throbs with devotees, but noise is never allowed to have a better hand over solemnity. The visits to the samadhis begin early morning as many of the common people also drop in to pay their homage.
Tents are erected inside the ashram to accommodate the visitors. The day is spent in meditation and discussions of the works and views of Sri Aurobindo followed by lunch.
Aurobindo has been a phenomenal presence in the Indian intellectual, political and spiritual scenario and has left behind a legacy of unadulterated service for the good of mankind, still upheld and practiced by the members of the Aurobindo Ashram.
Other Festivals in Pondicherry
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