SAI UPDATE: ONAM 2008 WITH THE LORD ....SRI SATHYA SAI BABA

Friday, September 12, 2008 Bhagawan was escorted into Sai Kulwant Hall at 9.40 am in a procession this Onam morning, led by a band by Srisailam school students and Vedam chanting children. After a full round of the Hall in His chair, Swami sat onstage as the Vedic hymns were chanted and the Panchavadyam troupe played. At 10 o'clock, songs by the devotees commenced. After half an hour of songs, Bhagawan accepted Arati. After that, He spoke to a couple of students and asked them to sing the Bhajans 'Sri Raghunandana' and 'Ram Hare' with alap. He spoke to Prof. Mukundan and asked him to announce the programme for the evening. It was 11 o'clock when Swami returned to His residence. In the evening, the Vedam tutorial commenced at four o'clock as instructed by Bhagawan. As the chanting went on line by line, Swami arrived at 4.15 and went on a full round in His chair. Once He reached onstage, He asked Prof Mukundan to announce the programme for the evening. A student from Sri Sathya Sai Vidyapeeth, Srisailam, spoke briefly before Bhagawan stood up to deliver His Onam message. Swami praised the sacred land of Kerala and the devoted Keralites. He narrated the story of Mahabali and Vamana, concluding by mentioning the Savitri drama to be staged as the next programme. Balvikas children of Alappuzha district presented the Savitri drama at 5.30 pm. Swami blessed the participants with clothes and a group photograph, and asked for Bhajans to commence at 6.10 pm once He returned onstage. Prasadam was distributed and Bhagawan accepted Arati ten minutes later before returning to Yajur Mandir. More Onam 2008 updates Onam in Prasanthi Nilayam - A Report... by SSSBPT.ORG Click here: Do not miss to read excerpts from Bhagawan's Onam message & an engaging + detailed eye witness account of Onam celeberation at prasanthi Nilayam - submitted to "SBOI" SaiBabaOfIndia-Group by a Sai devotee Photos 11th Sep.08 Read more details from 11th Sep. (enriched with occasional remarks and directions from the Lord) Thursday, September 11, 2008 This evening, Bhagawan arrived in Sai Kulwant Hall by 3.30 pm. After His darshan round, He came onstage and at 3.45, asked for the Vedam tutorial to begin. The second stanza of Rudram was chanted by all, and a revision of the first stanza was begun while Swami went to the interview room and returned. Once Swami came back onstage, He asked for the programme by the Kerala devotees to begin at 4.20 pm. This evening's drama was presented by students from the Sri Sai Vidya Vihar along with Balvikas children. Inspiring episodes from the Ramayana were presented, interspersed with many songs. At the end of the 50 minute programme, Bhagawan blessed the children with a group photograph and clothes. A programme of "Traditional Bhajans" followed, before Swami accepted Arati fifteen minutes later. Before returning to His residence, Bhagawan interacted onstage for a while with Prof. Mukundan, the Kerala State Sai Organisations President, who conveyed to the children that Swami said He was very happy with the drama and that He would come to their school.

Photos 10th Sep.08 Onam E cards, wallpapers, mythology

Wednesday, September 10, 2008 Devotees from Kerala have arrived in strength at Prasanthi Nilayam to celebrate their festival of Onam. This evening, Balvikas children from Malappuram district of Kerala presented a dance drama on Dasavataram. After a full darshan round in His chair, Swami reached the stage and started the proceedings by asking the Kerala State Sai Organisation President to introduce the drama at 4.50 pm.As the 50 minute dance drama concluded, Bhagawan moved down from the stage for group photographs with the children and blessed them with clothes from His Divine Hands. When He returned to the stage, He asked the students to sing bhajans. After twenty minutes, He accepted Arati at six o'clock and returned to His residence to the strains of Panchavadyam music played by the Kerala devotees. Read more details from 10th Sep. (enriched with occasional remarks and directions from the Lord)

Tuesday, September 9,2008 This evening, Bhagawan arrived for darshan at 4.45, and after twenty minutes in the interview room, came onstage as the Vedam chanting went on. He had instructed yesterday that everybody be taught the Vedic hymn Rudram, in His presence. At 5.10, He asked former Vice-Chancellor Sri. S. V. Giri to announce this Vedam tutorial. After a brief introduction by one of the students working in the Ashram, the teaching of the hymn began. Bhagawan's instructions were that before His Birthday festivities this year, all should learn this mantra and chant together for the cause of the welfare of the entire world. In half an hour, the first paragraph of Rudram was covered, with the congregation repeating after the teacher onstage. Bhagawan then moved to the Bhajan Hall, interacted with some students and teachers there, instructed that the Bhajans commence today Photos 9th Sep. 2008 at six o'clock and moved to the interview room. Just before the Bhajans began, He returned to the Bhajan Hall, accepting Arati half an hour later before returning to Yajur Mandir. Divine directions: "Starting from Yesterday Swami announced that there will be vedam Teaching and Learning daily at 4 PM in the coming days in Kulwant Hall. Swami also announced that all the 10th,11th and 12th Std Students of the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, Prasanthi Nilayam and the Students of the University will have to learn the Rudram daily and also chant it to perfection. Swami also wonderfully selected 4 of His students to teach in the Kulwant hall in the Divine Presence everyday. Swami sat yesterday and listened to the teaching learning process of the Rudram. This exercise, as we all understand, is a preparation for the Celebrations of Sahara Chandra Darsanam in November 15-17th. It is a once in a Lifetime Blessing and Opportunity for the Students and Staff in Prasanthi Nilayam to learn and chant the Sri Rudram in the Divine presence of Our Divya Sai Shiva-Shakthi." Read more details from 9th Sep. (enriched with occasional remarks and directions from the Lord)

Sunday, September 7,2008 Swami did not come for morning Darshan today . In the evening Bhagawan arrived at 4.25. p.m. Swami took a full darshan round and stayed on the verandah interacting with the devotees. At appx. 4.50 p.m. Swami went inside the interview room. The evening Bhajans commenced right on time at 5.30 p.m. Swami accepted the aarti at 6.p.m. and returned back to His abode

Saturday, September 6, 2008 Today morning Swami came shortly after 10.00 a.m. Swami took a full darshan round & after half hour Swami accepted the aarthi & returned back to His abode. Evening: the devotees from Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh presented a programme this evening. The centre of Sai Kulwant Hall was filled with sewing machines, grinders and other materials brought by them for distribution to worthy recipients. Bhagawan arrived at 4.45, and after moving to the Bhajan Hall to bless the newly registered PhD students, came onstage at five o'clock to begin the proceedings. Distribution and Cultural Program by Devotees from Kadapa, AP Talks, Distribution of essential utilities, Musical Dance Ballet entitled,"Annamaya Samajiha Spruha" and Music Programme Photo slide show by SSSBPT Org The programme was introduced by one of the devotees from Kadapa, and Swami Blessed him with a chain. Prof. Anil Kumar spoke next, detailing the parts of Bhagawan's childhood days He spent at Kamalapuram and Pushpagiri of Kadapa district. Distribution of the articles followed, and a half-hour dance drama on Annamayya was the next item. While introducing the programme, Prof. Anil Kumar specially mentioned the role of the alumni of the Anantapur campus of the Sri Sathya Sai University in running a school in Kadapa district, mentoring children of extremely poor parents, who had now come to Prasanthi Nilayam to present the dance drama. Swami Blessed the participants with clothes and went down from the stage for group photographs with them. A couple of songs by the devotees was followed by Arati as Swami left for His residence at 6.45 pm.

Friday, September 5, 2008 Read the details of Ganesha immersion with photos Teachers day was welcomed by most of the residents of the Sri Sathya Sai institutions like one would do for the New Year's Day - by keeping awake through the night! Swami had notified everyone that Ganesha immersion - an event of great significance in the Indian annual calendar would take place on the 5th. The act of taking the clay idol of Lord Ganesha to the nearby water body and immersing Him in it has a great spiritual meaning. The clay idol is symbolic of the human body composed of the five elements. It should spend time on the earth in a manner that it is worshipped! After its worshippable stay on the earth, it finally merges back with the elements. Though the idol is gone, Ganesha lives forever! And that story is the same for the true being, the soul, too. It is in this spirit and fervour that the immersion is celebrated all over India, more so in Puttaparthi. And everyone is fully immersed in making either chariots or palanquins for carrying the sweet elephant Lord Ganesha! Videos Ganesha Immersion 5th Sep.08 click 2 enlarge At about 3:00pm, all the chariots from the school and Institute and the various institutions were all lined up along the main road at Parthi and what an impressive sight it was! The procession began to the singing of bhajans, enthusiastic rhythms of the chants and the musical beats of the drums. The beeline towards the mandir was ready and it began. As the chariots entered the mandir, they were led to the bays that had been earmarked for them to park. Soon the entire array was ready and what an impressive sight it was! The mandir resembled a cosmic battlefield where the Lord pervaded all the chariots! To add to this was a contingent of little Ganeshas from primary school waiting in front of Swami's residence along with the nadaswaram and the Veda chanting contingents. There was a peacock chariot and another one that had the Golden eagle. A palanquin and a chariot had been inspired by Adi Sesha, the serpent which forms the bed for Lord Vishnu, and they were designed like that divine snake. There was a "Harry Potter" cup inside which Ganesha stood as the prize, a huge Hibiscus flower had Ganesha as its centre, a castle and a mountain added to the variety. An elephant with Ganesha seated atop in the howdah also paraded in the procession. A "navaratna ring" chariot too was present and there were chariots from the indoor stadium and from the Sri Sathya Sai airport too. It was about 4:00pm when Swami came out for the darshan rounds. A little "Ganesha" immediately moved forward to his "father" and offered a rose and that instantly brought a sweet smile on Swami's face. He asked for all the procession to begin as He sat watching from in front of Yajur Mandir. Representative members of each group that had gathered there went forward to Swami and offered flowers before embarking and joining the procession. The procession entered the Kulwant hall and so did Swami, behind it. He slowly went past each and every chariot and as He went by, there were people holding out fruits and various articles of worship. Very patiently, Swami blessed each of them and looked at the chariots. He went for a full round looking at and appreciating the creativity and devotion embodied in the vehicles for Lord Ganesha. He then came and sat on the stage. As part of the programme, a dance on the glories of Ganesha had been organised. The children from the school did a wonderful job and there was a loud round of applause for all of them. As they concluded, Swami called the warden and blessed everyone to go around for the pradakshina. There is a very famous story of how Ganesha went around Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati and claimed that He had circumambulated the entire universe. When questioned, He simply replied that his parents were the Universe for Him. In that similar manner, all the students and staff went around Swami and the mandir. After that, each chariot was brought up in front of Swami as the announcers introduced them and explained the significance of their vehicle. The chariots slowly made their way to their final destination as Swami very lovingly blessed each and every chariot with Abhayahastha. Strains of "Jai bolo Sai Baba Ki" and "Jai Bolo Ganesh Maharaj Ki" filled the air. The wholoe atmosphere was one of enthusiasm and energy. Swami sat viewing till the entire procession moved past Him. As it left the mandir, Swami went into the bhajan hall. There He interacted very lovingly with one of the students for quite some time and materialized a gold chain for him. Spending time speaking to him, Swami then asked for bhajans to begin. Bhajans went on for about 40 minutes after which Swami received Aarthi and left to Yajur Mandir. Again there too were students who offered roses of gratitude to Him. Swami accepted them and blessed the students and retired for the day.

Also read: Prasanthi Bulletin: 5th Sep 08 ( By Sairadio.org) The Ganesha Immersion ceremony was held today. Representatives from all the Sai Institutions at Prasanthi Nilayam brought their Ganesha idols in colourful floats to the Mandir in a procession, lining up along Swami's darshan route by 3.30 pm. Bhagawan arrived just before four o'clock, and moved slowly along the path in front of the arrayed Ganesha chariots. Ganesha Immersion Ceremony Procession of Chariots and Palanquins and Dance Programme Photo slide show by SSSBPT Org When He reached the stage, the students presented a dance on Ganesha. Then the entire procession circumambulated the Mandir, and with a short description being narrated for each chariot, moved out of the main gate for the immersion. Bhagawan moved to the interview room, and in a few minutes came into the Bhajan Hall and asked for the Bhajans to commence just after five o'clock. After half an hour, Swami accepted Arati and returned to Yajur Mandir.

Thursday, September,4, 2008 Swami didn't come for morning darshan, in the evening Swami came at 4.15 p.m. and took a full darshan round. After His darshan round Swami spent nearly 15 minutes on the portico interacting with the students. He also created gold chain for one of the student. At around 4.40 p.m. Swami went inside the interview room again at 5.20 p.m. Swami came out on the portico and moved among the students. The Bhajans commenced at 5.30 p.m. half an hour later Bhagawan accepted Arati Swami returned to His residence at 6.25 p.m.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Wednesday, September 3, 2008 Today, Ganesh Chaturthi was celebrated with puja being performed in the various institutions at Prasanthi Nilayam after morning Bhajans. In the evening, Bhagawan arrived at 4.15 pm and after a full darshan round in His chair, went into the interview room. A short while later, He came out and called some devotees for interviews. At 5.45, He sent word for Bhajans to start in the Bhajan Hall, and half an hour later He accepted Arati and returned to His residence. Also read : "..Moving to the front, Swami lit the candle and cut a specially made cake. Then Swami settled comfortably facing all the students. "What do you want me to speak about?" Swami said , "Ask your doubts." A research scholar from the University put forth his sincere shortcoming. "Swami, how do we control the mind?..." read more

Janamashtami Ganesha Chaturthi wallpapers & more... Few more Photos from Janamashtami click 2 enlarge

Tuesday,September,02,2008 : Today morning Bhagawan arrived in Sai Kulwant Hall by 9.30 a.m. and took a full round of darshan. After taking His darshan round Swami moved around on the verandah interacting with devotees sitting there. After only half hour Swami returned back to His abode i.e. at 10. a.m. . In the evening Swami came at 4.00 p.m. and went directly to Poornachandra hall to bless the selected Ganesha idols set up for Ganesha Chaturthi. At 4.15 p.m. Swami arrived in Kulwant hall on His chair, Swami collected number of letters on His way to the mandir. After reaching verandah Swami once again moved to the ladies side and talked to one elderly devotee for quite some time. Swami first created Vhibuti for her and then materialized a gold chain and put it around her neck to the thundering applause of all the devotees. After taking the 'extra' round of the ladies side Bhagawan again went back to the verandah and after a while entered interview room. Today Swami accepted the evening aarthi at 6.00 p.m. Kulwant hall has been decorated for Ganesha Chaturthi. Many V VIPs are here, royalty from Belgium, home minister of Sri Lanka, cricketer VVS Laxman etc. Also, streets of Parthi are decorated with colourful lights & with a huge Ganesha idol installed for Ganesha Chaturthi festival. The weather is humid & marked by rain. Sai Ram & Happy Ganesha Chaturthi to all. read more details of Swami's talks with students etc. "Moving to the front, Swami lit the candle and cut a specially made cake. Then Swami settled comfortably facing all the students. "What do you want me to speak about?" Swami said , "Ask your doubts."A research scholar from the University put forth his sincere shortcoming. "Swami, how do we control the mind?" ...read more

Monday, September ,01,2008 : Today morning Bhagawan arrived in Sai Kulwant Hall by 9.00 a.m. Swami took a full round of darshan on His chair. After taking His darshan round Swami went inside the Bhajan mandir & after few bhajans Swami accepted the aarti and drove out towards the main road, Swami's took a short drive up to the bypass road and returned back to ashram via Gopuram gate. In the evening Swami came out from Yajur mandir at 4.25 p.m. After passing by the ladies side Bhagwan went straight towards the portico, as might be expected the gents were 'disappointed'. But, the loving mother Sai overcompensated the gents for His detour since Swami stayed on the portico for sometime giving wonderful darshan to the gents. Afterwards, Swami interacted with few devotees on the verandah and later went inside the Bhajan mandir. After the bhajans Swami accepted the aarti at 6.30 p.m. and returned back to Yajur mandir.

Sunday, August,31,2008 Today morning Bhagawan arrived in Sai Kulwant Hall by 9.15 a.m. Swami took a full round of Sai Kulwant Hall. Swami accepted the aarti after the bhajans at around 10.10 p.m and returned to His residence. On return Swami accepted the Pooja Veda chantings and aarti just outside His residence from the priests of Tirupati. The chairman of the Tirupati trust had come along with his priests to offer prayers to Swami. Below is evening darshan sent by a devotee to SBOI-Group (September 2nd is anniversary day of the establishment of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust.) Om Sairam dearest Sai family, Today marked the day when Sri Sathya Sai central trust was inaugurated some decades ago by Swami. Since then Swami has been tirelessly helping the needy and down trodden. There is lot to smile about and relax but Swami is no mood to relax. Literally every day there is some activity or other by Swami & trust, targeting to help the poorest of the poor. To mark this memorable occasion Swami came out for His afternoon darshan in His mobile throne quite early at 3.40 p.m. He preferred to spend time with His ex-students who are presently working in the trust. All of them were seated in the bhajan mandir with Swami and His chosen ones. Even though none of us were aware of the happenings inside, the students inside the bhajan mandir were clapping in joy and they also sang two songs for Swami (without the mike). At around 5.30 pm arathi was given to Swami and at the end of arathi, instead of just singing LOKA SAMASTHA SUKHINO BHAVANTHU,the students sang SAMASTHA LOKA SUKHINO BHAVANTHU...with humble pranams at the lotus feet of our beloved - More details: Bhagawan's students working in His various institutions had gathered at His Lotus Feet today, with the anniversary of the Central Trust coming up on the 2nd of September. Swami arranged a special lunch for them in the Canteen, and had a private session with them in the evening in the Bhajan Hall. Bhagawan came to Sai Kulwant Hall by 3.45 pm and spent the next two hours in the Bhajan Hall interacting with His student-staff. One of the points He mentioned was a change in the chant after Arati. From today, they chant 'Samasta Loka Sukhino Bhavantu' at the end of each session. Saturday, August, 30,2008 Sairam, Swami did not come for morning darshan. In the evening Bhagawan arrived in Sai Kulwant Hall by 5.15 pm and to took a full round of Sai Kulwant hall on His mobile chair. On His darshan round Bhagawan collected many letters from the devotees, Swami moved around the verandah and interacted with many devotees sitting there. After a while Bhagawan entered inside the bhajan hall, He asked for the Bhajans to begin at around 5.30 pm. Swami accepted Arati a few minutes after six o'clock and returned to His residence. Tomorrow evening MP sevadal takes up the service duties inside the ashram relieving Sevadal from Orissa.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008 This evening, the youth from Tamil Nadu presented a 45 minute drama, "Sathya Sai Kavacham". Bhagawan arrived in Sai Kulwant Hall by 4.15 pm and moved to the interview room. After spending an hour there, He came onstage and began the proceedings after a few minutes. The drama had Narada and "Kali" - the embodiment of the Kali age - as onlookers, as a Sai youth displayed ideal behaviour and proved the Kali age to have been superseded by the Sai age. Bhagawan blessed one of the group with a chain and came down from the stage to take group photographs with the participants. Chocolates were distributed to the group and Arati was offered. Then Swami asked for clothes to be brought, and He gave safari pieces to each performer as he came up and interacted with Him. After the distribution, Bhagawan asked the group to sing Bhajans. They sang a couple of Bhajans before Swami accepted Arati once again and returned to His residence at 6.50 pm. Read more details 25th & 26th Aug. from Prasanthi Nilayam - top

Monday, August 25, 2008: This evening, Sai Youth from Tamil Nadu presented a musical programme. Bhagawan arrived in Sai Kulwant hall at 4.30 pm. After twenty minutes in the interview room, He moved around the verandah and made a complete round of the hall in His chair before returning to the stage and beginning the proceedings at 5.15 pm. The ladies and gents sang alternately till Bhagawan asked the students to start bhajans. As the Bhajans concluded, Swami asked the All India Sai Organisation President Sri V. Srinivasan to announce the drama being presented the next day by the youth. Swami then accepted Arati a few minutes after six o'clock and returned to His residence. Read more details 25th & 26th Aug. from Prasanthi Nilayam

Sunday, August,24,2008: Bhagawan arrived at Sai Kulwant Hall to the strains of Nadaswaram music this Krishnashtami morning resplendent in a yellow robe at 9.20 am. He moved to the main gate of the Sai Kulwant Hall, where the procession of cows from the Gokulam had just arrived. After feeding the cows and blessing His elephant calf and others like a deer and doves there, Swami moved to the stage 20 more photos from Janamashtami and sat there for a while as the Vedam went on. At 9.45, He asked for the music programme by the students to begin. A couple of Krishna songs were followed by a flute programme, ten students on flutes playing popular melodies on Krishna. At 10.20, Bhagawan accepted Arati and prasadam was distributed as He blessed the various cards brought up to Him by the students of the schools and college. It was 10.45 when He started back to His residence in the car. In the evening, Bhagawan arrived by four o'clock and moved to the interview room. Around an hour later, He came to the Bhajan hall and interacted with the students and teachers there till He asked for the Bhajans to begin at 5.40 pm. Arati was at 6.20 pm and Swami left for Yajur Mandir in His car. top "...Bhagawan arrived in Sai Kulwant Hall clad in beautiful yellow robe – the Pithambara (yellow garment), characteristic of Lord Krishna...." Click here to read more details of Krishna Janamasthmi Darshan - an eye witness account submitted to "SBOI" by a Sai devotee from Prasanthi Nilayam >> ----------- Even more details of Krishnashtami from Prasanthi Nilayam

Saturday, August 23, 2008 : This evening, the students from the Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva school at Alike presented a Yakshagana Roopaka. This is an adaptation of the traditional art-form of Karnataka, involving colourful costumes and stylized dance. Bhagawan came for darshan in His chair and went into the interview room for a while. He then went down to near the Sai Kulwant Hall main gate where the performers were seated and interacted with them before returning to the stage and starting the programme at 4.45 pm. The programme was made more accessible by the addition of English dialogues by the actors. As they concluded at 6.05 pm, Swami came down from the stage to have group photographs with them. He interacted with them for nearly half an hour, blessing them with clothes and talking at length to the teachers. Swami accepted Arati at 6.30 pm after prasadam was distributed before returning to His residence. Read more darshan details from 23rd Aug

Friday, August 22, 2008 : Bhagawan moved about in the Sai Kulwant Hall on a second extended darshan round in His chair on two occasions this week, on Tuesday and on Thursday. This evening, devotees from Vishakhapatnam presented a musical dance drama. The approaching Krishna Janmashtami festival was the inspiration for their drama, comparing the divine leelas of Krishna and Sai. Swami arrived from His residence at 4 o'clock, and after an hour in the interview room, emerged to come onstage. There, He Blessed the various items brought to Him before the program commenced at 5.15 pm. As the last song of the 45 minute dance drama was being played, a jhoola was kept in the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall and the devotees prayed that Swami sit in the jhoola. Bhagawan graciously came down from the stage and posed for group photographs in front of the Jhoola. He then interacted with the group for nearly twenty minutes, giving clothes to the children, getting prasadam distributed to them. After a brief visit to the interview room, Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence at 6.30 pm. Read more darshan details from 22nd Aug

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 : 19th Aug. was an wonderful evening for all to remember. At about 4:15pm, Swami came for the darshan rounds. A big gaping space was left on the ladies side and Swami seemed tempted to go straight to the interview room after the ladies side. He cut through the detour and did the same. But unfortunately, God is bound by Love and devotion! Just as fire cant help burning and water can help but wet things, God cannot just help but shower His grace. As He has said in such reassuring words, "If you need me, you deserve me." These days especially, the gents side gets starved of close darshan whenever Swami cuts to the interview room after the ladies side. And so, it was no surprise that Swami decided to feed them all with a feast today! Before going into the interview room however, Swami was accompanied by the senior teachers from the School of Business Management of the University. They prayed for His Blessings and Grace for the MBA anniversary day which falls on the 21st of August. Swami interacted with them for about 5 minutes and blessing them with lovin words and Padanamaskar, Swami went into the interview room. Photos sent by Sai devotee - Sai abode :" We would like to share a few pictures from our visit to Kodaikanal and Puttaparthi ...Sai abode 800x600 - 1024x768 widescreen : 1440x900 After a short while, Swami came out slowly to the stage from the gents side via the portico. He came front till the railings and then sat there gently swaying to the tunes of the Vedic chants. It is such a satisfying feeling to have the great Lord Himself "swaying to the tunes" of your chants! And that too with a smile dancing on those lovely lips. With a sweeping glance, He graced everyone in the hall. He suddenly beckoned to His left and to the pleasant amazement of everyone, He came down the central ramp and began moving around the students. He began His rounds where He had left off during the previous trip! Slowly moving into the gents side, He began to ask for and collect letters. It is a great joy for all when Swami begins such rounds. It was a beautiful and touching sight as people rejoiced at His close proximity. He moved over to the students' side where there were letters galore awaiting His attention. Each and every letter got the attention it deserved. The birthday boys and boys with trays were blessed. He passed by the Veda group and was soon engaged by a group of boys who also prayed for MBA day celebrations. Swami interacted with them and then moving further along the boys, materialized a gold chain for one of them. Thus having completed the rounds, He was headed towards the interview room. But then, a subtle movement of His eyes indicated that He wanted to Grace the ladies too with a bonus darshan round. And so, it was round 2 for the women. Swami moved along the corridors and continued taking letters. Completing that, He moved along the students back towards the bhajan hall. Not leaving anything incomplete, He took a round in the bhajan hall too! Then He topped it by moving through the upper portico. Surely not only the darshan-thirsty, but also the darshan-greedy would have been satiated today. It was 5:30 pm when the bhajans began and they continued till 6:00 pm when Aarthi was taken. A Wonderful, Divine and Joyous Day for everyone to remember and Cherish. top

Saturday, August 16, 2008 : This evening, the youth from West Bengal presented a ("Love in Action", a skit) half-hour drama. Bhagawan came for darshan in His chair and moved to the interview room after a round of the verandah. At five o'clock, He came onstage, and the drama began soon after. The youth presented the service activities done by the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation in the villages, and showed how Corporate citizens were transformed watching one of their former colleagues doing selfless Seva. Bhagawan blessed the group with photographs and clothes. He gave each of them photo-frames as they came up one by one. At six o'clock, the students sang Bhajans for ten minutes before Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence. Photos below Also: read more Sai darshan details from 16th Aug

August 16, 2008 Photos: Cultural Program by Devotees from West Bengal "Love in Action", a skit

More Sai news from : July 08 - Aug. 08