I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in such an incredibly powerful prayer circle through this extraordinary video. As each person offered their prayers for peace to the crackling fire, I too added my own. I felt a deep sense of unity, strength, and calmness. I saw that the opportunity to offer prayers for peace at the fire in front of the Shiva Nataraj in the Siddha Guru’s abode is an astounding blessing—both for those of us making the prayer, and for those receiving its fruits. This is love! This is peace!

New York, United States

What a gift to see these women offering blessings to the fire. “Prayer to the Sacred Fire” captures the sanctity of this space where so many prayers have been offered. As we stood, united, holding virtual hands around the world, I felt the dance of Nataraj moved us toward greater love as we prayed for peace.

Om shanti shanti shanti.

California, United States

As I drove to work this morning, I saw the beautiful moon. It was so peaceful, and its radiance was mild and calming. I played the mantra Om Namah Shivaya in my car and sang along with fervor and love. I felt that somewhere in the world, many more people are repeating the mantra, and together we were attuning ourselves to peace.

When I saw “Prayer to the Sacred Fire,” I was filled with so much joy! I felt the peace, the strength, the divine support. I also realized that each one of us can do our part to make the world full of peace and love, and that our intention is extremely powerful and effective.

Konolfingen, Switzerland

Today I watched “Prayer to the Sacred Fire” and was deeply touched that in many different languages, the same prayer appeared—for “peace on earth.”

This made me pause and ask myself, “Do I truly have peace within myself, despite what’s happening in the world?” The realization that arose within me was simple and profound—when I calm myself, the world around me also begins to feel calm. I saw that inner peace is not separate from outer peace; it begins within me.

I feel deeply thankful for Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, whose grace safeguards me every second of life. This path gently reminds me again and again of what truly matters.

Gandhinagar, India

This was so moving to watch. I was deeply moved by the stillness. The fire. The women and their quiet reverence. My heart opened. When I read on one of the prayer sticks that “Peace for the World” was being offered, tears came to my eyes. I became a part of this offering, and as I offered, I experienced a tender vulnerability as well as great strength.

“Peace for the world”! My heart is open. My heart is strong.

New York, United States

I am grateful for the peacefulness I experienced while watching “Prayer to the Sacred Fire.” I was brought back in time to my last evening at Gurudev Siddha Peeth, where I gathered with two friends at the sacred fire there. As we prayed for peace, peacefulness also entered my heart then.

May the blessing of peace become everlasting and shared by all.

Massachusetts, United States

I am grateful for this beautiful “Prayer to the Sacred Fire.” After viewing the peaceful devis offering prayer sticks for “peace for the world” in different languages, I remembered the title of Gurumayi’s Deepavali poem for 2023: “Light Always, Light Everywhere.”

May there be light and peace always, and everywhere.

New York, United States

This beautiful offering to the fire, serene and strong, makes me feel grounded. The semicircular position of the women around the fire feels ancient; it conveys to me that life is protected, peace is protected, thanks to the grace of Shri Guru.

New York, United States

In “Prayer to the Sacred Fire,” each participant’s intention for peace throughout the world was palpable. As they placed their prayer sticks into the fire, I too prayed for peace throughout the world. Through this exquisite video, I felt connected with my beloved Gurumayi, with others, and with the world beyond.

Oregon, United States

I was deeply touched by this very special way of celebrating Holi. I experience that what is outside is also within—and the story of Holi has a very reassuring end. In my mind, I participated in this prayer and felt consoled, sheltered, and enveloped by grace. 

Hindelang, Germany

I am so moved by this exquisite video on this auspicious occasion of Holi. This first day of the festival—today—is a time of gorgeous fires and making offerings for the victory of light over darkness. These images of women dressed in golden colors, offering prayer sticks in different languages to the vibrant sacred fire in front of Shiva Nataraj in Shree Muktananda Ashram, feels so reassuring, so inclusive—inviting us all to offer our prayers for peace on this auspicious day. I so appreciate this invitation. Tears sprang to my eyes unbidden as soon as I saw this gorgeous golden array of beauty and peace and intention. I have certainty that our prayers are resounding in the universe and touching billions of hearts. 

New York, United States

What a beautiful offering! My mind immediately became quiet. My heart softened. For the entire time of this ceremony, I experienced peace. Calm. Sweet silence. May I carry that feeling all day! 

Minnesota, United States

I am grateful for this beautiful video! As I watched it, I experienced the power of prayer in my heart. I was reminded in such a powerful way that I can offer blessings for the upliftment of this world and for peace everywhere. 

New York, United States

Thank you for this video of the Holi fire puja. What a gift! What a blessing! I felt that I stood among the women making offerings, that their hands were my hands, and that I offered my prayers with each prayer stick they offered to the sacred fire. I am so grateful to be reminded of the unfathomable grace, beauty, and power of prayer. 

New York, United States

What a powerful experience it is to be with the fire. Yesterday, on the day of Holi, I went with my son and husband to offer salutations to the fire of Holika Dahan. This has been my annual ritual since childhood.

As I stood there, I looked up at the radiant full moon, which cooled my mind, and felt the blazing fire on the earth, which warmed my heart. In this moment, I was reminded of the third line of Gurumayi’s Message for 2026: “Recharge! Nourish your heart.”

I spent a few quiet minutes listening to the sound of the fire. I honored the fire for its sacredness and its ability to destroy darkness. I prayed for goodness to prevail and for virtues to win whenever I find myself in a dilemma.

Thane West, India

This morning in meditation I asked, “What can I do for the world?” Offering prayers to the sacred fire soothed the turmoil in my heart and allowed me to “reset” and focus my mind. My hand was holding onto Eesha’s hand, and I too stood at the Shiva Nataraj, offering prayers for peace in the world. 

Maine, United States