Ugadi in Prasanthi Nilayam…
Friday, March 23rd, 2012
Nandana Nama Ugadi, herading of the arrival of vernacular Telugu New Year, was celebrated this year in Prasanthi Nilayam in the Divine Presence of Bhagawan on the 23rd of March marked by special programmes. Over the years Prasanthi had the unique boon of celebrating the new year in the physical presence of the Avatar of The Age, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. This being the first new year after Bhagawan’s physical passing on last year had a nostalgic flavour of His mighty physical presence.
On the 25th morning after the regular Vedic chanting by the students, Panchanga Shravanam (recitation of religious almanac pertaining to the coming year) was conducted by noted vedic scholar Sri Kuppa Siva Subrahmanya Avadhani. As the festivity marks the beginning of a new Panchanga, it is significant to conduct Panchanga Shravanam, hearing of the annual forecast as predicated in the Panchanga.
After the Panchanga Shravanam, students from the Institute sang a couple of Telugu songs that was followed by reminscence of Divine Voice Of Wisdom Of Bhagawan, listening to one of His Divine Discourse delivered during Ugadi celebrations in the past.
At the end of the function, the vedic scholar was felicitated by the Trust Secretary and Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage.
The venue was tasterully decorated with symbolic festive greenish tinge – “Pachchathoranam” – parading all over. “Pachchathoranam”is a sign of prosperity and auspiciousness.
Bhajans continued for fifteen minutes and Mangala Arathi was offered at 0945 hrs.
The evening function was marked b a spritual talk by Sri V Sriramachandra Murthy, an erudite scholar and businessman from Hyderabad. Sri Murthy dwelled deep into the significance of the festivity talking from a Sai perspective. Speaking in Telugu, Sri Murthy explained the subtle significance of the festivity keeping Bhagawan and His teachings to the fore.
A string of devotional numbers followed, sung by popular playback singer Ms. Nithya Santoshini. She sang a mix of mainly Telugu and Hindi numbers followed by solos in Tamil and Gujarathi in a concert that lasted an hour. Her Hindi numbers included “Allah Tero Naam…” and “Sai Baba Bolo…” and the solo in Gujarathi was “Vaishnava Jana To…”, the 15th century composition of Poet Narsinh Mehta.
At the end of the programme the artist, accompanists and the speaker were felicited by senior Trust officials. Bhajans continued for a short while before Mangala Arathi offering at 1910 hrs. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage before Mangala Arathi offering.
II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
Tags: Concert, Festivals, Functions, Photos, Speeches, Student Programmes
Posted in Reports |
