Published on Thursday, Oct 15, 2010 @ 1230 Hrs. IST

Burrakatha sessions in Prasanthi hold a special significance, as, on most occasions, it is Bhagawan who 'demands' the same, selecting the theme and title by Himself. Ever since it’s grand entry into the precincts of Prasanthi Nilayam, this popular folk art of Andhra Pradesh has earned the status of ‘Divine Folklore’, earning the attention and grace of Bhagawan. 7th October evening was no exception  as a couple of days ago  Bhagawan had indicated the boys to get ready with a burrakatha presentation.

The trio, students from Sri Sathya Sai University, Sai Prabhakar, Aravind Sai and Sai Raghuram (currently pursuing his medical degree in Bangalore), blessed to be the ‘originators’ by being the first batch of burrakatha students,  have been parading their skills in the distinctive art with constant blessings, guidance and encouragements from Bhagawan. Prasanthi has witnessed number of such burrakatha sessions over the past couple of years, enacting epical incidents in the Divine presence.  Last year, they were privileged to stage continuous shows for some days in Sai Shruti, Kodaikanal during Bhagawan’s visit in April. The trio has been trained thoroughly by Mr. Krishna Bhaskar from BHEL who had the rare blessing of conducting burrakatha sessions for Bhagawan during early years.

In the eventful evening, Prasanthi turned lively when the gracious Lord went around granting extra rounds of close Divine Darshan! On the penultimate evening before the commencement of the 'twin events', Dasara and Grama Seva, Sai Kulwant Hall was all abuzz with activities galore. Upon completing His round, Bhagawan blessed boys wit who were sitting with festive paraphernalisas seeking blessings. Subsequently, Grama Seva Kits blessed by Bhagawan were sent for distribution among students.

The special heart shaped kits for men students contained two t-shirts, mini turkey-towels, a cap and a pair of socks. Primary School had special yellow kits while Anantapur students received sarees.

With the session continuing with bhajans on, giving a fillip to the already charged atmosphere, Bhagawan blessed the trio of burrakatha artistes to commence the story of “Shiva Parvathi Kalyanam.

Singing 'Gowri Kalyana Vaibhavam', hailing The Lord of Parthi who is verily 'Shiva-Shakthi Swarupa', the one-hour programme came to a close at 1950 hrs. The trio received rounds of applause, and topping all was the Divine gesture from Bhagawan, who went clapping immediately after the programme.

The trio along with their master and musical accompanists moved onstage for a close session with Bhagawan. Though a new trio was introduced a couple of months ago, this evening's programme was done by the original trio, Sai Prabhakar, Aravind Sai and Sai Raghuram, at Bhagawan's special instance.

Even after the onstage session was over and the artistes went dispersed, the session continued as willed by Bhagawan. A string of 3 devotional songs, one by the trio followed by 'a couple' by the music troupe before the Arathi offering at 2020 hrs.

Blessing the assembly with twin abhayahastha, ladies and gents separately, Bhagawan left the Mandir retiring for the day.