Guest guest Posted November 23, 2007 Report Share Posted November 23, 2007 Light and Love Puttaparthi, Nov. 23: The 82nd birthday celebrations of Godman Satya Sai Baba were held with traditional gaiety at Prasanthi Nilayam here on Friday. Though the ashram sour-ces planned to celebrate the festival in a normal scale, large number of devotees reached Puttaparthi by Thursday night from various corners of the State in particular and the country in general. It was a sea of humanity in Puttaparthi. Baba has to give the darshan at 7.30 am on his birthday as per the regular practice. But this time, he reached Sai Kulwant Hall at 9 am. The students of Prasanthi Nilayam campus played the brass band, followed by primary school students who were rendering the Vedic hymns. Baba followed the groups from behind. Satya Gita, the elephant, welcomed him at the entrance. The students of high school and other educational institutions welcomed Baba with traditional honours. Unlike earlier, the Baba did not bless his devotees. He also did not address the gathering. Instead, the birthday was celebrated in a different way. Instead of blessing the devotees, he sought blessing from the devotees this time. There is a history behind this practice. Earlier, the Baba’s mother Eswaramma used to keep oil on his head and get him bathed in a traditional manner. This process continued for about 20 years. After her death, Baba did not get such a traditional bath for 60 years on his birthday. The same was introduced from this year on his 82nd birthday. It has become a special attraction during this year’s birthday celebrations. The son of Baba’s brother, the late Janakiramaiah (Baba’s nephew) R.J. Ratnakar and his wife got the first opportunity to keep oil on Baba’s head. Later, five couples including former Chief Justice of India PN Bhagwati and his wife, Hindulal Shah couple, Vysya Bank former chairman Gangadhar Setty couple, Dr Shouri couple and the Margabandhu couple performed the process. These couples first greeted Baba with flowers and sought his blessings. Later, they kept oil on Baba’s head and blessed him. After this process, Baba had a traditional bath. Then he reached Sai Kulwant Hall to bless his devotees. The source: http://www.deccan.com/Region/RegionNews.asp#Gaiety%20marks%20Baba%20b’day Namaste - Reet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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