.jpg)
World Shakthi Day
On the serene banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh, the sacred grounds of Parmarth Niketan came alive from October 13th to 17th, 2024, as GRD Iyers GuruCool hosted the *World Shakti Day (Bharat)* celebrations. Initiated in 2018, this unique global festival honors the divine feminine energy and advocates for women’s inclusion in the practice, study, and preservation of Sanatana Dharma and Vedic rituals. The 2024 India edition, themed *“Igniting the Power of Inclusivity,”* beautifully blended devotion, learning, and empowerment.
The five-day celebration unfolded through a series of deeply symbolic and spiritually charged rituals:
- “Ekadashi:“ The festival commenced with *Poorvangam, Ganapathi Puja, Mahasankalapam,* and the installation of sacred *kalashas* dedicated to Ganapati, Lalitha, Rudra, and Chandi.
- “Dvadashi:“ Over 108 trained Ritwiks performed *Mahaganapati Chaturavrutti Tarpanam* and *Laksha Modaka Homam,* where thousands of Modakas were offered in devotion alongside *Udakashanti* chants.
- “Swarna Meru Pranapratishta:“ A divine golden Meru was consecrated, symbolizing the awakening of cosmic energy and blessings of abundance.
- “Trayodashi:“ More than 200 shishyas joined for *Shiva Panchayatana Puja,* *Mahanyasam,* *Rudra Ghanam,* and *Rudrabhisekam,* saturating the ashram in powerful vibrations.
- “Chaturdashi:“ The grandeur of the *Chandi Maha Yagam* was followed by the innovative *Lalitha Sahasranam Laksharchana* performed upon the GuruCool Coin, symbolizing tradition’s meeting with creativity.
- “Pournami:“ The concluding night saw 108 *SriVidya upasakas* conducting the profound *Navavarana Puja,* followed by transformative *Poornabisheka Deeksha* and the graceful *Suvasini Puja* by 108 women devotees.
Throughout the festival, the sacred air of Rishikesh resonated with the rhythm of Vedic chants, the fragrance of offerings, and the warmth of collective devotion. Each day deepened the sense of unity, reverence, and spiritual awakening, allowing participants to experience the seamless blend of ancient tradition and modern inclusivity envisioned by Guruji Shri Ramesh Natarajan and Guruma Smt. Sridevi Gayathri.
World Shakti Day stands as a living example of empowered learning led by the Guru Mandali of GRD Iyers GuruCool. Over 250 shishyas from across the globe contributed to the event, demonstrating exceptional ritual precision, teamwork, and dedication. The celebration also spotlighted women Ritwiks and Vedic practitioners who skillfully performed sacred duties—embodying the spirit of equality and reverence that defines this movement.
Participants described the experience as both humbling and transformative. Many expressed awe at the discipline, coordination, and spiritual intensity that permeated every ritual. The moment of *Poornabisheka Deeksha* and *Suvasini Puja* was especially cherished as a symbol of divine grace, empowerment, and gratitude. The shared sense of purpose and the GuruCool’s nurturing environment left lasting impressions on devotees from varied cultural and spiritual backgrounds.
The *World Shakti Day (Bharat)* celebration reaffirmed that spirituality thrives when inclusivity leads the way. By opening sacred learning to all—especially women—GRD Iyers GuruCool continues to strengthen the foundations of Sanatana Dharma for future generations. The event concluded with a renewed pledge to spread the light of Shakti, ensuring that every devotee becomes a beacon of wisdom, devotion, and divine equality.