Amma, the hugging mother, at Alexandra Palace

Emma Hicks was one of an eclectic group of people who queued to see Amma, the hugging mother, at Alexandra Palace in October.

Each year, for the last eight years, Mata Amritananandamayi - more commonly known as  Amma, or 'hug-mother' -  visits London for three days as she tours the world. 

This year's October event (held from 21-23) was at Alexandra Palace in North London with a program of ‘hugging', darshan (blessing), devotional chanting and meditation to promote world peace and inquire into ‘ones own true nature'.

The day started at 10am with a large growing queue that literally went on all day and well into the night. The program culminated on Friday with an all-night vigil to pray for world peace.

An array of people turned out to see Amma. Yogis, travelers, children, business men alike all joined the hugging queue along with some very strange characters - some excitedly dancing in the isles!

The scene brought India to London with a huge bang! The historic pink colored Alexandra PAlace was an excellent back drop for this weird and wonderful programme of events that continued through the night.

Amma is known as ‘hug mother' because people queue for a hug from her that some describe as life changing'.

Through her extraordinary acts of love and self sacrifice Amma has endeared herself to millions of people around the world, tenderly caressing anyone who comes to her holding them close to her heart.

Amma shares her boundless love with all people regardless of their age, race, gender or beliefs. For the past thirty eight years she has - astonishingly -  hugged more than 28 million people; and up to 50,000 in a single three-day program.

Her teaching is that  'divine exists in everything' and the programme  is said to 'help one inquire into one's true nature and belief''.

Amma started hugging in early childhood and what started as worry to her parents became her calling in life that has lead to years of world promotion and an almost cultish following.

With her base and the groups headquarters in Kerala, Amma travels the word for world peace and to raise money for her many charities in India.

Although the event was a long way from the centre of London town it was genuine  in terms of traditional devotional events. Amma and her many followers and helpers were very calm and polite which made the whole queuing experience worth while.

The vibration in the actual room was electric and as most that were there will describe the after effects as taking days to come down to earth'.

Amma is a must for all who want a true taste of Indian culture; it was indeed a shock to the system. But one that will, I hope, help to change us all for the better.

www.amma.org.uk

A word about the reviewer:

Emma HicksEmma Hicks has been a teacher, practitioner, and yoga author for fifteen years. She began with the study of iyengar and hatha yoga, pranayama and philosophy, then furthered her studies in the ashtanga discipline. She maintains a dedicated daily practice and today continues to study ashtanga yoga and Sanskrit. She teaches throughout India and from her studio in Richmond, Surrey - see www.ashtangayogauk.co.uk or email info@ashtangayogauk.co.uk