This is an annual function conducted in Sri Ramanasramam. The rituals are elaborate and take about ten hours to complete! This year the havan came off on January 30.

The programme essentially consists of: navavarana puja, Lalita Sahasranama Homa, Lalita Trisati Homa, kanya puja and suvasini puja.

The materials offered as oblation to the sacrificial fire are: lotus flowers, clarified butter, purasa twigs, sugarcane, charkarai pongal (sweet rice pudding), dhurva grass, puffed rice, bilva leaves, white mustard and navadhanya.

Watching the Purnahuti, the final oblation to the fire is always a thrilling experience. It came off at four in the afternoon.

As usual a large gathering of devotees was present.