Onam marks the "Home Coming" of erstwhile ruler Mahabali, visiting Kerala once in a year, reminiscing his good olden days in the land known as "God's Own Country".... When thousands from the state have flocked to the "God Owned Country" celebrating Onam in the Divine Presence, this day, 23 Aug became yet another festive Kerala day in Prasanthi Nilayam in His immediate Divine presence.
...And on this expectant auspicious evening, The Lord made His grand entry at 1710 hrs., escorted by auspicious tunes of Panchavadyam, a temple associated art form of music with an orchestra of five instruments, that was preceded by a group of band girls from Sri Sathya Sai Vidyapeeth, Sri Sailam, Vedam and nadaswaram boys apart from girls with Thalappoli, who stood on either side at the ladies' end, welcoming The Lord!
Completing a full round Bhagawan moved further into the ladies' side before turning above to come onstage at 1725 hrs. Proceedings began in the next five minutes with the State President making an announcement on the Inter Collegiate and School Level Essay Writing Competition held in the state by the Organisation attended by over 15000 participants. Gold Medalists, Kum. Anjani Hariharan and Kum. Sukanya, from each of the category, were introduced to the audience who came onstage to receive the medals from the Divine hands.
Bringing in the essence of Kerala's cultural and spiritual heritage, combining art forms from the length and breadth of the state, a group of 99 Balvikas children presented a unique programme entitled "Keraleeyam" that ran for twenty minutes. To the background scores of medley of songs in vernacular malayalam, these coloufully attired children danced forth depicting stories of the glory of Adi Shankara to Parashurama, to the story of Prahlada and Narasimha Avatar finally talking about the 'home coming' of Emperor Mahabali. Singing folklore Onam songs they danced heralding the arrival of harvest and the festival of onam depicting the golden olden days of the Emperor. Depicting scenes from the minority Chrstian and Muslim population, the presentatiion culminated with a song hailing the glory of the Avatar of the Age, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Popular art forms, namely, Kathakali, Ottanthullal, Oppana, Kavadiattam, Vanchippattu etc. were depicted illustrating the illustriuos cultural state.
"Margadhara", a dance drama presentation by the Balvikas children from the state followed, that depicted the illustrious story of 'Balatapaswi', child ascetic Dhruva and his pious, virtuous mother, both of whom were rewarded by the greater heaven to become eternal stars for their surrender and highest devotion to God.
Beginning with a Kailasha scene wherein Nandeeshwara informs of the entry of a "new star" into the gates of Kailasha, The Lord reveals the illustrious story of Mother Suneeti to a growingly anxious Mother Parvathi, explaining the virtue and devotion of Suniti and her son Dhruva.
The epical story of Suruchi vs. Suniti, the jealous and wicked vs. the virtuous and godly was well depicted through flashback scenes beginning at King Uttanapada's royal court. Great affection and understanding between the two little brothers, Suruchi's demeaning attempt at Suniti aided well by a slandering woman, Suniti's righteous approach bearing all sufferings at the hands of Suruchi with composure were depicted before the climax scene wherein the Little Dhruva was insulted by Suruchi, who dragged the little prince out of the King's lap calling him unworthy. A desolated little Dhruva was comforted by his mother, who advised him to meditate on Lord Maha Vishnu, who would accomodate him on His Divine Lap, the Highest Abode! ...and thus began the highest penance that shook the three worlds finally bringing the great good to him and his mother, ascencion to the Highest Kingdom of Godhood!
The scene comes back to Kailasa where a wonderstruck Mother Parvathi pays 'salutatiions' to the newly ascending star, Suniti, who was conferred upon to be an eternal star, guiding mothers till eternity, while Dhruva was ascended to the heavens to be shone forth as Eternal Pole Star. The drama was unique with its humorous touch in dialogue delivery and enacting. Participating children have undergone hectic preparations before the final show and the make up for the presentation started as early as at 0800 hrs. this morning.
Bhagawan had moved off the stage for a short while and was back in time for the final scene wherein Lord Vishnu was conferring the boon on to the little lad. Upon the end of the one hour presentation, as per His command, safari pieces and sarees were given away to the participants. Soon it was Mangala Arathi time and as the Arathi song was being sung, Bhagawan moved down the dais to pose with the tiny tots for the day's evening session. A couple of boys were blessed with materialised Vibhuti prasadam.
Returning onstage, Bhagawan asked for an encore of "Samastha Lokaaha...." before blessing the concourse with abhayahastha...Moving off the dais, Bhagawan retired for the day at 1925 hrs. bringing curtains down on this year's episode of auspicious Onam! Special prasadam brought from Kerala was distributed to the capacity audience.
Malayalee contingent of students from both Brindavan and Anantapur Campus have also joined Prasanthi Nilayam celebrating their chosen festivity along with thousands of devotees from Kerala and other parts of the world.
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