REPORT ON UGADI CELEBRATIONS: 30th MARCH, 2006

The auspicious day of Ugadi, the New Year’s Day of the people of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, became doubly blessed when Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba shifted to His new abode ‘Yajur Mandiram’ on the morning of 30th March 2006.

Sweet notes of Nadaswaram and holy chants of Vedic Mantras welcomed Bhagawan when He came to Sai Kulwant Hall at 8.00 a.m. in a sparkling yellow robe to bless the devotees with His Divine Darshan on the auspicious occasion of Ugadi. Sai Kulwant Hall and Bhagawan’s residence were tastefully decorated with multifarious decorations with flowers, festoons and buntings on this happy occasion. Special decorations however were done in Bhagawan’s new residence on the previous night with myriad lights of various colours and hues. After showering His Divine blessings on the devotees in Sai Kulwant Hall, Bhagawan was led in a grand procession to enter His new abode. The procession consisted of the bands of girls and boys students of the Institute, followed by students chanting Vedic hymns and the Nadaswaram troupe. Bhagawan entered His new residence at 8.30 a.m. after the performance of Puja by the priests. On this happy occasion, Bhagawan gave a sumptuous feast to all the students and staff in the Poornachandra Auditorium.

In the afternoon, in Sai Kulwant Hall, the programme started with a devotional song in praise of Lord Ganesha by the Institute students soon after the arrival of Bhagawan in the Hall at 4.00 p.m. Thereafter, the students made a very illuminating and powerful presentation to bring forth the inner significance of Ugadi Celebrations through group songs, skits and dialogues. The programme also included the traditional ritual of ‘Panchanga Shravanam’ which was made lively and interesting by the students who gave the real meaning of this custom on the basis of the teachings of Bhagawan. They concluded by assuring everyone that as long as they have the grace of our beloved Bhagawan, no malefic influence of the planets or stars could ever affect them.

Jai Sai Ram.