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Sri Ashok Sakhrani, national coordinator of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations, Hong Kong welcomed the gathering for the Buddha Purnima celebrations. He spoke on the four sublime qualities of the mind that have taught by the Buddha, namely Maitri (Loving Kindness), Karuna (Compassion), Mudita (Sympathetic Joy) and Upeksha (Equanimity). The Chairman of Zone 5 of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisations, Worldwide, Sri Nari Chugani spoke on the similarity between the connection that millions felt towards Lord Buddha and Sri Sathya Sai Baba and their teachings of Peace, Love and Purity.

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Dr Sunanda, a Professor from Sri Lanka and a consultant of various United Nations and World Bank Projects, spoke next on his initial confusions on following Bhagawan’s path, since he felt he would be deserting Buddhism. However Bhagawan’s Love helped him to see the similarity between the teachings of the Great Masters. He mentioned now his spiritual progress accelerated once his Sadhana was suffused with his love for Bhagawan. He also quoted an alumni of Bhagawan’s university in Sri Lanka who on questioning what is the Sadhana one has to do, pointed to Bhagawan’s photo and said, sing His name and Love Him. That will suffice.

Bhagawan has given us a challenge, he said and that is to continue to Love Him when His physical form is not available to our senses. ‘Let us Love Bhagawan until our love also becomes perfect with His Divine Grace. This day is the Buddha Purnima of Prince Siddartha. One day when we perfect our Love to the level of Love of Buddha or Sri Sathya Sai, that is our day of Buddha Purnima!’, he concluded. The talks were followed by international Bhajans by the devotees.

The evening session of Buddha Purnima Celebrations commenced with Vedas by devotees from Zone 5 led by the Japanese delegation who have impressed Bhagawan on various occasions with their diligent learning of the Vedas.

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Sri Ashok Sakhrani then provided the highlights of the various activities undertaken by Zones 4 and 5 of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisations, Worldwide in the last one year. It included Sri Sathya Sai Education in Human Values training to 50 schools in China and Hong Kong along with the translation and new materials published in the said topic, regular Narayana Seva to the homeless and the needy, building of 3 mosques, 323 water tanks and 86 homes in Indonesia, health care centre, old age home, orphanage drinking water projects in Nepal, medical camps and schooling in Sri Lanka for the children affected by the civil war, HOPE (Honour our Parents everyday) programmes in Malaysia, SSSEHV training in Thailand apart from what the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation has developed a reputation for worldwide, Crisis Management. The help rendered by the devotees in Thailand, Indonesia and Japan instilled confidence in mankind among the beneficiaries.

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Sri Sakhrani then introduced the Dance programme by Children from Thailand. The beautiful presentation was on the theme ‘Know Thyself: Life is Bliss when Truth is Realised.’ The children where dressed in traditional costumes of China and India and danced in Chinese style to an Indian song, bringing out the harmony in diversity.

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This presentation was followed by a choir by Zone 5 devotees on the theme ‘Bhajans and its use in daily life’. The choir consisted of various Bhajan medleys in English and Japanese. The conductor speaking in Japanese conveyed her gratitude to Bhagawan. Gifts were distributed to the participants and prasadam was shared with the assembly even as the international Bhajans were in progress. Arati was offered at 1840hrs.

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After the conclusion of Darshan, the devotees arranged an Abhishekam to Lord Buddha which is believed to ward away bad karma. All the members of the pilgrimage participated in the same.

The next evening, Sri Ashok Sakhrani welcoming everyone for the concluding session of the two day programme thanked the organisers and office bearers for their support in the successful completion of the programme especially for the Naryana Seva held yesterday. He then introduced the speaker for the evening, Dr. Periera.

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Dr. Periera focused on the similarities of the teachings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and Sri Sakyamuni Buddha. He stressed on the immense compassion shown by the Avatars with many examples. The talk was followed by a drama on the great eastern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami titled ‘Adrishtam’. Visuals from Japan were played in the backdrop (See top of page) even as actors performed in front of the screen. The skit contained various incidents of Love of mutual help, Compassionate Love, Love through Vedas, Love melting closed minds and Water God’s Love. It was indeed a moving presentation.

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Sri V. Srinivasan, the all India president of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisations congratulated the participants on even converting a disaster into an opportunity for Seva. He said how he was humbled by the great work of the Japanese Volunteers. Speaking with conviction, he reminded everyone of Bhagawan’s assurance that He is with us during our joy and sorrow but above all He is with us when we are doing selfless service.

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With Bhagawan’s blessings all the pilgrims were given special tokens of Love. Prasadam was distributed to the assembly. Arati was offered at 1830hrs.

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Many elders of the ashram who have had the blessing of having known and interacted with her in close proximity offered their respects to the Divine Mother. The descendants of the Divine Parents then offered flowers and broke coconuts at the Samadhi. Arati was offered in Samadhi Mandir at 0830hrs after which Sweet Pongal and Tamarind Rice was distributed to the assembly. The added special ingredient of mother’s love made the Prasadam even more delicious.

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The programme then shifted to Sai Kulwant Hall with 9 cows being brought in a procession led by Panchavadhyam. A total of 54 cows were donated on this auspicious occasion with 9 of them being symbolically given away in the Sai Kulwant hall while the rest was given in the Gokulam. The beneficiaries prostrated at the Sanctum Sanctoram even as Prof Anil Kumar announced their names. The deserving candidates were selected from various nearby villages including Paipalli, Venkatagari, Jagaraju Palli, Gunti Palli, Kambalapalli and so on. The beneficiaries were also offered clothes.

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The distribution was followed by Bhajans and Arati.

“I am installed where ever My Glory is sung”, is a time tested declaration of Bhagawan and which has been experienced by His devotees across the world. With that theme in mind, Dr. Dwaram Lakshmi enthralled the audience with classical songs in various languages. She started the concert with ‘Vathapi Ganapathim‘ in praise of Lord Ganesha followed by ‘Kondalalo Nelakonna‘ and a special Telugu song on Mother Easwaramma. While her rendition of ‘Nagumomu‘ had everyone swaying, ‘Vaishnava Jana To’ and ‘Krishna Nee Begane’ was well applauded.

Sri NemanaVenkata Ramana provided wonderful introductions to the songs with fitting humility. She was accompanied on the violin by Sri B. Narasimha Swamy, Sri Harish Ramachandran on the Mridangam, Sri Mohan Dora on the Tabla and Sri Ratan Chandu on the Tambura. The latter three are alumni of the Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music. The highlight of the programme were the special aalaps on Mother Easwaramma and Buddha Purnima specifically composed for the occasion by Sri Prakash Rao.

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The performers where honoured with clothes and special gifts with Bhagawan’s blessings. On this holy occasion of Easwaramma Day, a recording of Bhagawan’s divine discourse was played in the hall where in He questions the youth as to how many are providing their mothers, who are verily their first God, with the love and respect they deserve.Speaking on the principle of Reaction, Reflection and Resound, Bhagawan reminded us to watch our thoughts, words and actions. Bhagawan recounted the spirit of sacrifice and discipline in the personality of Mother Easwaramma with examples from a few incidents during the Summer Course in Brindavan. Inspiring us all to follow the twin doctrines of Selfless Service and Naam Smarana or chanting of the Lord’s Matchless Name, Bhagawan concluded His discourse with the Bhajan, ‘Hari Bhajana Bina Sukha Shanti Nahin…’

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Pandit Shivkumar Sharma set the trend with his faultless rendering. He was followed by Smt. Devaki Pandit, Sri Geet Sagar, Sri Udit Narayan, and  Smt. Anuradha  Paudwal.  There was also a group of students from Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music,Prasanthi Nilayam who had come  for  participating in this great function. These students enthralled the audience with music sung with great devotion.  Sri Hariharan’s soul stirring performance was the climax of the great evening. Mangala Arathi and singing of National Anthem marked the end.  It was almost midnight when the curtains were drawn.

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Among the large distinguished gathering were also present Sri K V Kamath, Chairman, Infosys and former Chairman, ICICI Bank Ltd.,Sri Rana Kapoor, Chairman, Yes bank Ltd., Sri Aditya Puri, CEO, HDFC Bank Ltd., Sri Vivek Jain of Western India Royal Turf Club,Sri Venugopal Dhoot, Chairman, Videocon Group of Companies, Smt.Indu Sahani, Sheriff of Mumbai, Smt. Shaina N C, Fashion Designer , Sri Gopinath Munde, BJP Leader, Smt.Jaywantibahen Mehta, Former MP, Sri Mohit Shah, Chief Justice, Mumbai High Court, Smt Geeta Reddy, Minister AP Government.

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There was a large presence of the representatives from Print and Electronic Media with Live Webcast on Indiatimes, Sanskar, Television Channels in India and 90 other countries.

It may be recalled that Chennai witnessed a similar congregation of artistes who paid a musical tribute to Baba titled”Sangeetha Deeparadhana” on the 17th of March.Dana Gillespie,the famous Blues Singer  has already performed in several European locations this past year.Mumbai has enlarged on that tradition setting the stage now for a global phenomenon of such  tributes to this true Legend of Pure Love.

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Sri.S.G.Chalam the State President of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, Andhra Pradesh introduced the project while stressing on the active role of the Sai Youth in the four phases of the project: Village identification, plan and design, implementation and hand over. Two Sai youth members Sri Sai Prashanth and Sri Siva Kaladhar then took the podium and alternatively in Telugu and English provided various details about the project along with experiences of the volunteers when they could see the visible hand of Bhagawan helping them face threats and cross obstacles.

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The video presentation highlighted the various words of inspiration from Bhagawan, the acute need of drinking water in various remote areas of Andhra Pradesh and the projects undertaken by them to fulfil the need. The programme concluded with a song and dance presentation, ‘Sathya Yugam Sai Yugam‘. All participants were gifted clothes and prasadam was distributed to the gathering.

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The Sunday Programme came to an auspicious conclusion with the Bhajan ‘Manasa Bhaja Re Guru Charanam’ in Bhagawan’s divine voice.

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Radiosai today, has 6 different streams – Asia, Africa, Ameri, Discourse, Bhajan and Telugu,  that offer a variety of programs that bring out the message of pure love given by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, to the entire humanity. Under the able guidance of Padmashree Dr. G. Venkataraman,  eminent scientist and former Vice Chancellor of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning , the Radiosai team offers spiritual programs that enable every human being to follow the path of Dharma and spread the joy of love, peace and harmony.

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In February 2011, Baba gave His Divine consent and blessings to start a 24 hr radio channel that would broadcast programs specifically telugu. This Radiosai Telugu channel was launched on July 15^th 2011, on the auspicious Gurupoornima day and is now growing at a rapid pace.

In order to involve as many people as possible in this sacred mission, Radiosai has conducted selections in 8 districts of Andhra Pradesh. The participation has been very encouraging as more than 2500 people had participated in these selections, and Radiosai has identified close to 500 talented people who would enable the generation of creative content for this 24 hr. radio channel,  purely as a service to the Lord and to humanity at large.

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To enable better functioning and faster processing, Radiosai is establishing small studios in all the districts of Andhra Pradesh. The first of those was  inaugurated on the 29^th of March 2012, in the temple town of Tirupati. Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization, Tirupati, Chitoor district is delighted to open this studio and serve the humanity by spreading the message of pure love.

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The Programme started with Omkaram and Veda Chanting at 1730hrs. Sri L.V.Subramanyam, I.A.S, executive officer of Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams and an alumni of Bhagawan’s Institutions, inaugurated the recording studio. Sri K.V.S.K. Ganesh gave the welcome address followed by a video of Bhagawan’s Discourse. Sri Subash Chandra Bose, District President and Sri S.G.Chalam, State President of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations, A.P. spoke next.Sri. Subramanyam then gave the inaugural address while Sri V.S.R.Murthy gave a guest lecture.

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Sri Deepak Mazumdar Ji, a dedicated Bharata Natyam exponent and Bhagawan’s former Balvikas Student, gave a special Dance Presentation. A music presentation by staff of Bhagawan’s institutions in Prasanthi Nilayam including the Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music performed to an enthralled audience.

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Sri Dwaram A.V.Swamy, State Coordinator, Radio Sai Telugu Stream, Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, A.P, offered his gratitude to Bhagawan and thanked the chief guest and the gathering.

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[Currently Radiosai can be heard through Internet by logging on to www.radiosai.org and through various applications on mobile phones and through Airtel service. Radiosai is heard in 125 countries all over the world and continues to spread this joy, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.]

The festivity has been a permanent feature in the Prasanthi Festive Calendar ever since year 2005 when Bhagawan graciously consented the twin states, Bihar & Jharkhand to celebrate the festivity in His immediate Divine Presence.

Celebrating the occasion, on the 8th evening there was a musical concert by Kumari A. Jyotsna, who presented a fifty minute rendition presenting a string of devotional numbers, calming the minds and soothing the souls. Her rendition included “Ithadokade Sarvesvarudu” – a telugu number hailing Bhagawan, “Kinu Sang Khelo Holi” – a special Holi song expressing heartfelt prayer to play Holi in His Divine Presence, “Om Namah Shivaya…”, “Sundaram Sundaram” – a song on the beauty of darshan of Beloved Bhagawan, “Ram Bhajan Sukha Dayee…”, “Tora Man Darpan Kahlaye…”, “Baje re Muraliya Baje…”, “Oh Swami Pranamamee Sarvantharyamee…” to end with an Annamacharya composition “Nigama Nigamaantha…”. Regaling the audience with the beauty of her melody the young upcoming artiste incited applause from the audience after every song.

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At the end of the prorgramme the artist and accompanists were felicitated by senior officials of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations from the states.

Bhajans by the state troupe continued for the next fifteen minutes that ended with Thursday Special, “Shivaya Parameshwaraya Chandrasekharaya…” in Bhagawan’s mellifluous voice. Mangala Arathi was offered at 1815 hrs.

On the second evening ardent devotee of Bhagawan and eminent Hindustani volcalist Dr. Krishna Kumar Mishra presented a musical bouquet singing a collection of Hindustani numbers. Dr. Mishra who hails from Bokaro, Jharkhand, is a trained artist from from Banaras Ghrana in Hindutani music, currently serving as Director of Music in Sarla Birla Academy, Bangalore.

Beginning with a Ganesha Vandana, “Gaiye Ganapati Jagavandana…” of Sant Tulsi Das in Rag Jog and Taal Kaharwa Dr. Mishra presented another seven more songs in his hour-long concert. The songs for the evening included “Sai Vandana Sai Archana”, “Man Re Laga Mero Yaar Fakiri Me…” – a Sant Kabir composition based on Rag Piloo and Taal Kaharwa, “Sai Ram, Sai, Satya Sai Ram Kahiye…” based on the lines of the epic Ramayana by Sant Tulsi Das sang in traditional folk tune, “Aaj Biraj Me Hori Re Rasiye..” – traditional folk songs from Braj Bhoomi based on Taal Kaharwa , “Sawan Jhari Lagi Ho Dhire Dhire…” – traditional Dadra of Banaras based on Taal Dadra to end with a final song “Holi Khelat Raghuveera Awadh Me…” in traditional Bhojpuri folk tune based on Taal Kaharwa.

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Dr. Mishra was accompanied by a host of musicians playing on various instruments. They were Rajkumar Mudani on Tabla, Balkrishna on Violin, Edwin Das on Sitar, Govind on Keyboard, Ravi on Guitar, Vinish Babu and Vikash Naragal on Side Rhythm, Rajgopal on Dholak and Tabla and Sanjay Kumar Singh.

At the end of the presentation the artist and accompanists were felicitated and Prasadam was distributed.

After 15 minutes bhajans by the devotees from the states, Mangala Arathi was offered at 1810 hrs.

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Earlier, devotees from the state took out a Palanquin Procession in the morning celebrating the occasion in traditional, colourful style. The procession that was marked with a riot of colours had the thrills and frills of the festivity and was attended by hundreds of devotees from the twin states camping in Prasanthi Nilayam.

II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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On the evening of 25th, the pilgrims provided a unique vaudevillian show in Sai Kulwant Hall today including Dances, Burra Katha, Hari Katha, Poetry, Talks, Video Clippings and Songs. A small girl anthropomorphising Adilabad started the programme with a talk of gratitude followed by a dance to the tunes of ‘Sampoorna Avataram‘.

The masters of ceremony then took over the stage praying to Bhagawan to make all their work as Ramakaryam or God’s work. They described the gaiety of Namasankirtana, chanting of God’s name, which is taking Adilabad by storm. They described the various folk art forms like Burra Katha and Hari Katha which revived by Bhagawan are flourishing in Adilabad as mediums for singing his glory. This was followed by a group song, ‘Tallivi Tandrivi‘ and performances of Burra Katha and Hari Katha.
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Devotees then lined up to tell their stories of love and transformation. The Hari Katha artiste mentioned how on a trip of service, Bhagawan ensured that food never ran out at his home, a Sevadal described how Bhagawan answered his ‘test’ by making him listen to his favourite song, ‘Deivam Manava Roopamlo‘, a child rendered poetry while her father mentioned how Bhagawan saved them from a hail storm and a volunteer mentioned how Bhagawan’s Vibuthi saved the family cow.

This was followed by a folk dance presentation, where children invited the villagers to Puttaparthi through the song, ‘Puttaparthi ki pothamu, ra ra Raamaiya‘. Three senior scholars then rendered beautiful poetry setting the platform for a video clipping of Bhagawan’s Discourse to Adilabad devotees where praising the devotion of these simple folk, Bhagawan adds that our Bliss is His food and declares that He is ours and we are His. This clip was followed by a slideshow of their memories with the Lord.

A couple of group songs followed where all the devotees waved placards which read, “We Love You Swami”. This was followed by a Mangalam song during which time 108 devotees gave Arati to Bhagawan.

The 26th evening witnessed a trip down the memory lane through various videos and stills of their past performances and Bhagawan’s interaction with them apart from  the water project gifted to them by Bhagawan and their service activities in the district. The video was interspersed with poetry and devotional singing by the delegates.

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The songs included ones on Sudama’s friendship to Krishna, devotion to Rama and the story of Bhagawan Baba. All participants were gifted with clothes while prasadam was distributed to the assembly. The Sunday programme concluded with Bhagawan singing, “<em>Shyama Sundara Madana Mohana</em>”.

All participants were honoured with clothes and Prasadam was distributed to the gathering.

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The evening programme on 18th Feb started with an hour of devotional singing entitled “Sri Sathya Sai Naadha Neerajanam” by the Sivam Bhajan Group. Starting the concert with the number Dosita Gulabi Poovula Tho,  they sung various songs on the themes of surrender, service, love and devotion before concluding with Oyi Rama Sai Rama. The highlight of the presentation were the wonderful aalaps which preceded each song. The singers included Alumni of Bhagawan’s University along with many active youth members of Sivam.

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This was followed by a dance presentation by students of Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar – Hyderabad representing the various Indian Folk Dances. The students started the presentation with Ganapathi Vandana. The first folk dance depicted was the Chekka Bhajana of Andhra Pradesh, a traditional dance form to the beat of wooden cymbals and vigorous leg movements. This was followed by the Garbha, a ceremonial dance of Gujarat performed during Navaratri.

The next presentation was Kalbelia, a popular dance of the nomadic community of Rajasthan which included acrobatic feats like balancing on small metal vases, a bed of nails and the edges of swords. The Cheraw Dance ,a combination of rhythm and skill, made famous by the Mizoram followed. They concluded the programme with a Peacock Dance, honouring the national bird of India.

The pilgrims concluded the day with a Pallaki Seva from the Old Mandir of Bhagawan at 1930hrs.

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The second day of the Hyderabad youth Parthi yatra witnessed a classical carnatic vocal concert by Dr. Panthula Rama, popular as ‘Nightingale of Andhra’. A prodigy who gave her maiden concert at the age of 8, Dr. Rama has many awards and recognitions of repute. She holds a Ph.D in music from Andhra University and has authored the book: ‘Shaping of an ideal Carnatic Musician through Sadhana’.

She was accompanied by Sri M.S.N. Murthy on Violin and Sri Nemani Somayajulu on Mridangam. Starting her concert with Siva Siva Siva Enaraya and Bhaja Re Manasa, she went on sing many popular numbers including Navaneetha Chora Devaki Vasudeva Nandana and Leela Nataka Sai.

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A Dance Ballet by students of Balvikas, Hyderabad entitled ‘Shivanandalahari’ followed. The children began the dance ballet with an invocation to Lord Ganesha. The scene then shifts to Lord Shiva being worshiped by Nandi and other divine forces in Mount Kailasa. Lord Shiva gradually sets into a mood of deep meditation after performing the spectacular Thaandavam (the dance of Shiva).

Even as Parvathi arrives to offer prayers to the Lord, Kamadeva (cupid) strikes an arrow at Shiva. Angered Shiva opens His third eye and reduces him to ashes. However on the interceding of Parvathi, Shiva brings him back to life. The scene ends with auspicious wedding of Shiva and Parvathi.

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The next scene shows the churning of the ocean of Devas and Asuras for the extraction of Amruta (Elixir of Eternal Life). However the Elixir is preceded by the poison haalahalam. Lord Shiva rescues the beings by drinking the poison Himself. Mother Parvathi keeps a finger on His throat to stop the poison and thus He is praised with the name ‘Neelakanta’, the one with the blue throat.

The next sequence depicts the binding of the irrepressible force of the River Ganges in the Knots of the plaits of Shiva to allow the continuos and controlled flow of the river onto the earth earning him the sobriquet ‘Gangaadhara’. The final sequence depicts the story of the birth of Ganesha and the Darshan of the Divine Family of Shiva.

All participants were much appreciated and presented with clothes.

Burra in Telugu means skull or head. In this context it refers to a musical instrument similar to a Thambura, with strings and hollow round base similar to the head. ‘Katha’ means story. So Burra Katha is an entertaining musical narrative which consists of small songs, poems and dialogue. But what makes it as popular as it is, is the humorous manner in which the theme is rendered.

The troupe consists of one main performer and two co-performers.The main performer, the Kathakudu, renders the entire theme, in song, all the while, playing on the Tambura and dancing to music. He also plays a small rhythm instrument called andelu. The performer on the left side of the kathakudu is called hasyaka - he is the humorist. On the right side of the kathakudu is the rajakiya.  He is the knowledgeable narrater who brings out the entire theme as a conversation with the hasyaka. The co-performers play an instrument called gummeta (also referred to as dakki), an earthen drum with two heads. All three wear anklets or gejjelu.

This art form was instrumental in arousing nationalist feelings during the Indian independence movement and is a very effective communication tool. However, it was a dying art form as patronage was in acute scarcity in this technological era. That was when Swami stepped in and resurrected it! Today it flourishes in Prasanthi Nilayam due to Bhagawan’s deep involvement and appreciation.

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Shiva Parvathi Kalyanam is the story leading to the cosmic wedding of Lord Shiva and His equal half Parvathi. The trio started the programme with songs in praise of Lord Ganesha and Bhagawan Baba. They start the story with the past life of Parvathi when born as Sati, she marries Shiva against the will of her father Daksha. Daksha conducts an Yajna without inviting his son in law. Sati attends the Yajna without being invited and is insulted by her father. Sati immolates herself in shame and Shiva takes revenge by destroying the Yajna through Veerabhadra.

Sati is reborn as Parvathi to Himavanta, the lord of the mountains and a great and kind hearted king. Sage Narada approaches Himavanta and suggests that Parvathi should be married to Shiva for the sake of the welfare of the world or Loka Kalyanam.

Parvathi prays to Shiva and with a basket of flowers walks to where Shiva is meditating. Urged by Indra deva, Kama (Cupid) disturbs Shiva’s meditation and is destroyed by His third eye. Seeing the sight, Parvathi faints and Shiva walks back to Kailasa.

Shiva comes back in disguise as a story teller (Yerukala Saani) to the capital of Himavanta’s kingdom. Summoned by Parvathi he sings a song praising her bridegroom. He comes back as a old brahmin and tells her that they have to get married as the stars deem so. Parvathi says she will marry only Shiva and none else. Her mother describes the various undesirable aspects of Shiva’s appearance and lifestyle and says that she should permit them to look for a better match but Parvathi is adamant. Pleased Shiva appears in their presence and consents for the wedding.

Sapta Rishis chose the Muhurtam, Viswakarma builds the halls and sculpts the mangala sutra, Lord Vishnu performs the Kanya Daanam with Lord Brahma being the Yajna Kartha. Thus concluded the auspicious story of Shiva Parvathi Kalyanam in the Divine Sannidhi of the Shiva-Shakthi Swaroopa, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. A Bhajan “Anandame Sai Bhajana“, much enjoyed by Bhagawan brought the curtains down on the programme.

The trio Sri Prabakar, Sri Aravind Sai and Sri Raghu Ram were ably supported by Sri Sai Dutt on the Mridangam, Sri Neelakantan on the Flute, Sri Sai Prakash on the Sitar, Sri Yaman on the Violin, Sri Nishit Shah on the Harmonium, Sri Shailesh Srivatsava and Sri Sai Krishna on the Keyboard and Sri Harish Kovil on the Conch and the Kanjira.

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The moving and inspiring story of the 36th Scion of the Solar Dynasty, Sathya Harishchandra and the legend of his ideal life was presented with powerful dialogues interspersed with melodious poetry. Harishchandra is famous for always keeping his word and always speaking the truth. Tested by Sage Viswamitra, he renounces his kingdom to him and to offer the promised Dakshina, he even sells his wife, son and himself.

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His trauma does not end there. When his son is killed by a poisonous snake, he refuses to cremate him without the fee being payed to the master. Pleased with his steadfastness, he is given back his kingdom by Lord Siva and his glory restored. During the concluding scene of the drama, when the son of the King is resurrected, the audience were moved to applause displaying the energy of the play. The participants were honoured with clothes while Prasadam was distributed to the assembly. Arati was offered at 1800hrs.
The second contingent of 700 devotees, Balvikas children, parents and gurus from the districts of Chennai Metro ( South ), Coimbatore, Vellore and Tiruppur districts of Tamil Nadu arrived at Prasanthi Nilayam on 11th morning. The Pancharatna Kritis (five of the most outstanding compositions) of Saint Tyagaraja were performed by eminent Vidwans and Vidhushis led by Sri. Trichur Ramachandran (Padma Bhushan Awardee).

They started the concert by paying obeisance to Lord Ganesha with the kriti, ‘Sri Ganapatini’ in Saurashtram ragam and Adi Talam. As per tradition they next paid respects to the Guru with the composition ‘Guruleka’ in raga Gaurimanohari and tala Khanda Chapu.

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With this they began the rendition of the first of the pancharatnas namely, ‘Jagadananda Karaka’ (raga: Nata, tala: Adi) in praise of Lord Ramachandra. In the second Pancharatna kirti ‘Dudukugala Nanne’ (raga: Gaula, tala: Adi), Tyagaraja lists all the errors he has committed in his life including wandering without purpose, giving sermons to people uninterested or incompetent, self styling oneself as a great person and mistaking the dross for the real thing.

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“Saadhinchene” (raga: Arabhi, tala: Adi), a kriti considered sweetest among the Pancharatnas finds Tyagaraja extolling the greatness of the Lord in a lucid manner most enthusiastically. “Kanakana Ruchira” (raga: Varali, tala: Adi), describes the great pleasure experienced by beholding the beautiful form of Lord Rama.

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The musicians concluded with the one of Bhagawan’s favourite compositions, “Endaro Mahanubhavulu” (raga: Sri, tala: Adi), where the blessed saint salutes the countless great personages who have attained immense heights in their spiritual experience and have continued to live in all ages and then goes on to describe those whom he considers great.

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The artistes expressed their gratitude for the privilege and honour of rendering the Pancharatna Kritis of Tyagaraja at the Divine Sannidhi of Bhagawan. Trustees of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and Ashram Elders honoured them with shawls and sarees. Prasadam was distributed to the gathering.

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