As part of the Nine day Navaratri celebration in Dubai, we were incredibly honored to welcome senior acharyas from the Adi Shankara Brahma Vidya Peeth, Uttarkashi, in the Himalayas—Swami Sharvananda and Swami Hariomananda. This visit marked a historic moment, as it was the very first time that Swamis from the Adi Shankara Brahma Vidya Peeth have come to Dubai, bringing with them a wave of spiritual energy and blessings.

Their presence elevated the event, infusing each ritual with profound significance. The inauguration of the Navaratri pooja began with a symbolic ceremony where Swami Sharvananda and Swami Hariomananda handed over Ganga Jal—sacred water from the Ganges—to our revered poojari, Dwarika Prasad. This gesture underscored the purity and transformative power of Ganga Jal, inviting its blessings to enrich and sanctify our community prayers.

The Navaratri pooja in Dubai served as a celebration of the divine feminine energy of Devi, fostering unity and spiritual growth within our community. This year’s celebration, guided by the Swamis, has brought the teachings and blessings of Adi Shankara closer to us, allowing everyone present to feel a deeper connection to tradition, spirituality, and divine energy.

May the sacred presence of the Swamis and the holy Ganga Jal inspire purity, clarity, and peace in our lives throughout this Navaratri and beyond.

Swami Sharvananda graced the Hindu Temple in Jabal Ali throughout the Navaratri week with enlightening discourse sessions centered on Oneness in Daily Life. His teachings guided us deeply into the life lessons of the Upanishads, helping us uncover the profound essence of our existence and the duties we carry within it. With wisdom and clarity, Swamiji illuminated timeless stories, such as the story of Sketkeymtu, and took us through the three boons granted to Nachiketa by Yam Raj, each story emphasizing fundamental principles like moral duty, charity, and the journey toward self-realization through pure consciousness.

These sessions were transformative, allowing us to reflect on how ancient teachings resonate with our modern lives, instilling a sense of peace, unity, and purpose. Swamiji’s words offered a pathway to understanding ourselves more deeply and connecting with the world around us in meaningful and mindful ways.

Throughout the Navaratri week, Swami Hariomananda led deeply transformative morning meditation sessions at the Hindu Temple in Jabal Ali. Each session was not only a chance to meditate but an opportunity to delve into enlightening discussions on profound spiritual topics. Swamiji reminded us that death is not to be feared; rather, it is a brief “vacation” from the endless cycle of life. He explained the importance of Vanaprastham—the stage of renunciation after 50—which encourages us to release control and move closer to spiritual practices, preparing us for a higher journey.

Swamiji shared how to liberate oneself from the cycle of birth and death, revealing that there are 125,000 forms of meditation, each guiding the seeker on a unique path to spiritual awakening. His teachings were nothing short of inspiring, offering soul-nourishment and a profound sense of peace.

Swamiji reminded us that all spiritual practices, whether asana, pranayama, or pooja, ultimately lead us to Vedanta—the knowledge of the Self. Realizing our unlimited potential, he shared, is not only for spiritual growth but can elevate every aspect of life. Swamiji encouraged us to make wise use of resources, guiding ourselves and others toward our highest potential—a message that resonated as we reflected on these teachings each day.

The image captures the essence of our Aarathi ritual, a powerful culmination of devotion during Navaratri, a time dedicated to honoring the divine feminine energy that governs the universe. Each day of Navaratri is devoted to one of the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga, with each form representing distinct virtues and qualities that guide us through life’s challenges. The daily Aarathi is a sacred moment in which we invoke the blessings of each Goddess, acknowledging her unique energy and asking her to infuse our lives with her power and protection. Through this collective prayer, we not only pay homage to these divine forms but also immerse ourselves in the strength, wisdom, and grace they bestow.

Navaratri, which translates to “Nine Nights,” is one of the most revered festivals in Hindu tradition. Over these nine days, we embark on a journey of transformation, reflection, and spiritual cleansing. It is believed that by observing Navaratri, devotees can attain liberation from negative energies, physical ailments, and mental anxieties. The festival is a symbolic reminder that darkness and challenges can be conquered by connecting with the divine energies within and around us. Each form of the Goddess teaches us valuable lessons, be it the courage to face adversities, the wisdom to make the right decisions, or the compassion to love selflessly.

The importance of Navaratri lies not only in the individual worship of each form but also in the collective blessing that Goddess Durga bestows upon us. Goddess Durga, also known as Shakti or the Supreme Mother, symbolizes the power to protect, nurture, and rejuvenate. Praying to Durga during Navaratri is an invocation to the fierce, compassionate, and nurturing aspects within ourselves. As the destroyer of evil and protector of righteousness, Durga represents the ultimate divine force that preserves moral order and guides us toward spiritual elevation. Her divine energy, known as *shakti*, permeates through all creation, offering us strength and resilience.

Each Aarathi session during Navaratri holds special significance as we light the lamps, offer flowers, and chant prayers dedicated to the Goddesses. The light of the Aarathi symbolizes the dispelling of ignorance and darkness from our lives, encouraging us to embrace the clarity that comes from spiritual wisdom. The rhythmic chanting of *mantras* and the reverence in every offering serve as reminders of the sanctity of this festival and our own inner divinity. It is believed that through these rituals, we open a channel to receive the blessings of the Goddesses, thus fostering a sense of peace, protection, and guidance in our lives.

The final day of Navaratri, which honors Goddess Siddhidatri, brings a sense of fulfillment and completion to the journey we began on the first day. She grants us wisdom and powers of self-realization, empowering us to achieve our goals and overcome obstacles. The concluding Aarathi on this day is particularly potent, as we express our gratitude for the blessings received and seek continued guidance for the future. Through these rituals, we are reminded of the cyclical nature of life, where challenges are met with strength, darkness with light, and ignorance with wisdom.

Our prayers to Goddess Durga and her nine forms during Navaratri have helped us foster resilience, inner strength, and a compassionate heart. By invoking the Goddesses’ energies through the Aarathi, we have reaffirmed our commitment to leading lives of purpose and virtue. Each day of Navaratri has given us a deeper connection to our spiritual essence, allowing us to draw from the divine strength of Goddess Durga as we move forward in life.

Lamer Capital Limited, under the leadership of Ankur Attrey, hosted a truly special gathering, welcoming Swami Hariomananda and Swami Sharvananda from Adi Shankara Brahma Vidya Peeth, Uttarkashi, to share their wisdom and blessings with the team. The organization, known for its dedication to excellence in Investment Advisory and Asset Management, Credit Solutions, Legacy and Estate Planning, Private Equity, and Hedge Funds, held this prayer session to encourage unity, reflection, and a grounding sense of purpose.

Even on a weekend, every employee attended with deep respect, engaging wholeheartedly in the spiritually uplifting atmosphere created by the Swamijis. It was a profound moment that allowed the team to pause, reflect, and draw inspiration for both their professional and personal lives. The presence of the Swamijis and the wisdom they shared on self-discipline, focus, and spiritual alignment resonated deeply with the values that Lamer Capital upholds in its approach to wealth management and client service.

As a continuation of this spiritual journey, the Swamijis warmly invited all employees to visit the Ashram in Uttarkashi. This offers a unique opportunity to experience the ashram’s serene environment, receive teachings from the esteemed Acharyas, and deepen one’s spiritual practice. We hope this event marks the beginning of an enriching journey for everyone, blending purpose with wisdom in all facets of life.

A beautiful spiritual gathering unfolded at the homes of our dear well-wishers, Kusum Datta and Bindu S Chettur, where an auspicious Aarathi and Havan were organized. The evening was filled with warmth, devotion, and a shared reverence, as friends and family came together to participate in the sacred rituals. Our poojar Dwaika Prasad led the prayers, filling the space with a profound energy that touched everyone present. After the Havan, attendees had the unique opportunity to engage personally with the Swamijis, asking questions, sharing thoughts, and absorbing the wisdom of their guidance. It was a meaningful and heartfelt evening that deepened connections within the community and uplifted everyone’s spirits.

As part of the sacred Navaratri celebrations in Dubai, a Guru Pooja was conducted to honor and express gratitude to the Gurus who illuminate the path of wisdom and spiritual awakening. This deeply reverential ceremony served as a reminder of the profound role a Guru plays in guiding us toward self-realization and inner peace.

In the presence of Swami Hariomananda and Swami Sharvananda from the Adi Shankara Brahma Vidya Peeth, Uttarkashi, Guru Pooja unfolded as a spiritually uplifting experience. Devotees gathered in reverence, offering prayers and seeking the blessings of their spiritual teachers, whose presence filled the space with divine grace and wisdom.

The essence of Guru Pooja lies in recognizing the Guru as the bridge between the finite and the infinite, the known and the unknown. The Guru revered as a manifestation of divine knowledge, helps remove the darkness of ignorance and awakens the light of understanding within. This Navaratri, the Guru Pooja reminded us that paying homage to our Guru is not merely an act of devotion but an acknowledgment of their unparalleled role in shaping our spiritual journey.

We were deeply honored to have Shri. Pabitra Kumar Majumder, Consul (Consular, Labour & Madad), grace us with his esteemed presence during the Navaratri celebrations. His participation in the Aarati added a special touch of reverence and unity to the spiritual gathering.

Shri. Majumder’s interaction with Swami Hariomananda and Swami Sharvananda was truly inspiring, as they exchanged profound insights on spirituality and service. His enthusiasm and warmth were evident as he embraced the festive spirit, making the occasion even more memorable for all present.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Shri. Majumder for joining us in celebrating the divine energy of Navaratri and making the event a truly enriching experience. 🙏🌸

A beautiful group of devoted women gathered in prayer, their voices softly singing and worshipping Devi. The energy in the room was undeniably spiritual, as their devotion filled the space with a peaceful and uplifting presence. It truly felt like the divine feminine energy was with us, and the entire experience during the Aarati was one of deep connection and serenity as if the Saptamatrika themselves were present and blessing the moment. 🌸🕉️