The Ayyappa Seva Sangham of New York concluded its annual Mandala Kalam celebrations with a Mahotsavam on 28 December 2025, attracting a broad cross-section of the Indian community. The evening, held at the Hanuman Mandir auditorium in Glen Oaks, combined traditional temple rites with a programme of music and classical dance that celebrated South Indian devotional culture.
Ayyappa Mandala Kalam New York ceremony and performances
The formal rituals began at 4.30pm with Ayyappa puja, neyyabhishekam, archana, and pushpalankaram. Chief officiants Mahadevan Sharma and Dr Unnikrishnan Thampi led the ceremonies, which concluded around 6pm. Devotees described the atmosphere as deeply devotional and reminiscent of Sabarimala’s presence, with many participants saying the rituals provided a strong sense of spiritual connection.
At 6pm the musical segment titled “Gananjali” opened under the direction of Anita Krishnan of New Jersey. Performers included Jyothi Satish and Nandita Veluthackal from Detroit and Prem Krishnan from New York. The concert, lasting over an hour, featured compositions largely by Satish Kalath and was supported by skilled accompanists: tabla by Theepan Swami (NY), ghatam by Krishnan (NJ), flute by Satish Mambadath (Detroit), mridangam by Kabilan Jagannathan (NY), and percussion support from Satish Kalath (NY).
Following the concert, Architha Mahalingam presented a stirring Harivarasan dance interpretation that drew strong applause. Lalithambika Geethu Jayadev from St Louis performed the Kathakali segment “Poothana Moksham”. Her performance, particularly notable for clarity and expressive technique, won widespread praise from the audience. The Kathakali makeup was prepared by John Ashan of the Kalamandalam group in Hicksville.
Organisers honoured participating artists by presenting traditional ponnaada (gold robes). The event enjoyed cooperation from various Hindu organisations in New York and the Kerala Hindus of North America, which organisers credited as essential to the festival’s success.
Gopinath Kurup, president of Ayyappa Seva Sangham and former trustee-chair of KHNNA, paid tribute to the artists and volunteers while presenting Vanaja Nair with a ponnaada as the newly appointed trustee board chairperson. Secretary Raghubaran Nair and other office-bearers also recognised long-serving members with awards, while composer and sponsor Satish Kalath received a special accolade.
The festival concluded with a community meal and annadanam at 9pm. Leaders used the occasion to announce a major upcoming initiative: an International Ayyappa Sangamam and World Peace Conference to commence on 10 October 2026, coinciding with Navaratri. The Sangham said it will form a larger committee with support from Hindu organisations across the United States to ensure a wide-ranging and well-organised programme.
The Mahotsavam underlined the role of cultural and religious associations in sustaining community ties among the Indian diaspora. Attendees praised the Sangham’s efforts to blend devotional practice with cultural outreach, and organisers expressed gratitude to volunteers, artists and supporting societies for helping make the event a success.
Key Takeaways:
- Ayyappa Mandala Kalam New York event on 28 December 2025 drew a large diaspora audience and combined traditional puja with cultural performances.
- Religious rites led by Mahadevan Sharma and Dr Unnikrishnan Thampi were followed by a musical concert and classical dance and Kathakali presentations.
- Community leaders were honoured and organisers announced an International Ayyappa Sangamam and World Peace Conference in New York from 10 October 2026.
