Published on Saturday, Sep 18, 2010 at 1810 Hrs. IST
The festival of great religious significance, Ganesh Chaturthi culminated in Prasanthi Nilayam on Monday, 13th September with the grand procession of Ganeshas that was followed by immersion.
On the scheduled evening, the spacious Sai Kulwant Hall was bustling with activities galore, bearing the festive look with students and faculties got busied in finalizing the last minute arrangements for the grand procession. The entire stretch of Bhagawan’s pathway in the hall was taken over by a fleet of Ganeshas from various Prasanthi institutions flanked by scores of boys and men representing each one.
Bhagawan arrived at the twilight hour, at 1835 hrs to the escort of a colourful religious procession led by ochre robed tiny tots from the Primary School along with Vedam and a special band troupe from the institute. Coming onstage at 1900 hrs. after a full round of darshan, Bhagawan blessed the boys to commence the procession. In the meanwhile symbolically representing the occasion, "Lord Shiva along with son Lord Ganesha" moved unto Bhagawan invoking blessing before further proceedings.
The programme commenced with a dance in praise of the Elephant God by the cherubic children from Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, rejoicing singing Ganapathi Bappa Moriya…, hailing The Lord. The fast song with high beats suffused with devotional fervour literally lit the twilight, with the students eager to make their presentation of their creativity.
This is the occasion when Prasanthi showcases Ganeshas in varied theme, displaying colourful innovative ideas with the enthusiastic devoted bunch of students putting their best to impress upon The Over Lord of Prasanthi. As the retreating procession began, vivid colourful patterns came forth, with Ganeshas emerging donning different colours, mounted on different vehicles and chariots. The procession had all the variety of craftsmanship, representing greater spiritual truths of yore to the present day representation of racing cars, Ganesha mounted on the Seshnag to the sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva etc. Lofty universal theme of religious harmony was represented by the main structure from the Senior Hostel with a all religious temple housing the Lord. As the procession continued Bhagawan sat through gazing and blessing each one of them. The whole programme was compeered by the students detailing various structures and significance.
Even after the procession as Ganeshas retreated for immersion, Bhagawan sat through interacting with some of the students who were having beautiful handiwork of Ganesha greetings. Blessing and encouraging the good work, Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi at 1950 hrs. before retiring for the day at 2000 hrs.
