Odisha Parthi Yatra…
Wednesday, August 28th, 2013
Celebrating Parthi Yatra 2013 devotees from the east Indian state of Odisha presented a glittering devotional evening here in Prasanthi Nilayam today. Over 1500 devotees from the state are participating in the 3-day Parthi Yatra, from 26 August to 28 August 2013.
Invoking The Lord with a musical piece, after regular Vedam chanting, the first programme to follow was ‘Chhau Dance’ entitled ‘Garuda Vahan’ by the Balvikas of Mayurbhanj district. The presentation was based on the mythological theme depicting Garuda’s celestial adventurous journey in search of Divine Nectar (Amrita) to appease the serpants of Neitherworld (Patala) to rescue his mother who was under captivity.
Legend has it that Garuda, on hearing of his mother’s imprisonment, descended to Patala requesting the serpants to release his mother Vinata. The serpants agreed under one condition that as ransom a cup of Amrita be given in exchange. Garunda set off after receiving mother’s blessings, taking up an arduous, but insurmountable journey. Finally, after overcoming all obstacles, including the challenge posed by Indra, Garuda came victorious only to get the release of his mother.
Originally belonged to the tribals of North East Odisha, the tribal art form ‘Chhau Dance’ got its revival with Mayurbhanj adopting it with renewed pattern. Also known as ‘Chhau Nruthya’ the dance form has been enriched itself to be categorised as a classical dance.
Next to come was the legendary devotional piece Jagannath Ashtakam, composed by Adi Shankara singing paens to Lord Jagannath, the Prime Deity at Jagannath Temple, Puri. Sai Symphony troupe of the State presented it, singing in traditional style, with much devotional fervour, interspersed with commentary explaining the poetic verse.
Presenting a programme entitled “A Journey Within” the troupe then sang three special songs, namely Shiva Shankara Shivanada Lahari…, Mana Brindavan Soona Laagey…, Sathya Ki Raah Dikhaane Vaaley… etc. followed by bhajans. All the participants were presented with special gifts and Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage before Mangala Arathi offering at 1835 hrs.
Earlier, the programme commenced with an introductory speech by Sri P.Jagannath Prasad Rao, State President of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Odisha detailing various service activities undertaken by the State Unit of Sathya Sai Organisations.
As part of the Parthi Yatra, the State unit has also organised two more programmes, an exhibition entitled Prajna Pradarshani, an educative and inspiratioinal tour, at the double-decker auditorium next the Book Trust building and a Maha Rudram at the open space near Shed No.1 in Prasanthi Nilayam.
The Prajna Exhibition is a fine blend of spirituality and science exploring the beauty of Bharat’s ancient Vedic culture showcasing how ‘Vedas’ serve to find solution to insurmountable problems of mankind today. The exhibition also features special sections for children teaching them how to learn from nature, plants, birds and animals, a detailed section on Sathya Sai Suprabhatam, a section on various Sathya Sai Projects in the state etc.
Implicitly obeying the Divine Command from Bhagawan, given to the youth in 2010, precisely on 26th August 2010 during the Parthi Yatra, Vedic wave was resonating throughout the state with great momentum, ever since. Covering 35 districts, 1500 Rudrapithams and 15 Maha Rudrams were conducted since its inception after receiving the Divine command in 2010.
Commemorating the joyous occasion of the Divine Command a Maha Rudram was organised this forenoon at the open space near Shed No.1 in Prasanthi Nilayam attended by hundreds and thousands of devotees. 121 youth ladies were engaged in chanting the holy incantation ably supported by large number of devotees. Bhajans continued that was followed by an inspiring speech by Sri Vedanarayanan, faculty at Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, Prasanthi Nilayam, entailing the significance of Vedam. A brief speech by the State President of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations followed before Mangala Arathi at 1450 hrs.
II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
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