12th September was the Thiruvonam day. The Sai Kulwant hall was bedecked
to the occasion with the festoons made of Kuruthola (Tender coconut leaves). The stage was
aesthetically decorated with fresh flowers and ornamental umbrellas (Muthukkuda) adorned the
periphery of the auditorium. A traditional Pookkalam (floral design) was arranged in front of
the dais along with Nirapara, Nilavilakku (step lamp), Onathappan (Onam deity) and other
auspicious offerings like flowers and fruits.
(Nirapara is a full measure of paddy heaped for
ceremonial offerings; a traditional measuring container would be filled to the brim with paddy
and decorated with ‘Thengin Pookula’ (tender coconut flowers).
Onam-
Discourse ********************************
Onam
Celebrations
Procession
and Music Concert, September 12, 2008 -Morning
Bhagawan made His grand entry at 9:35 a.m. and was traditionally received with
Poornakumbham, accompanied by a colorful procession consisting of band, Veda group and
thalapoli (Thalappoli, a ceremonial procession, is a significant item in most of the festivals
in Kerala In this ritual, women or young girls carry thalam, which literally means plate, in
their hands. Thalam is filled with rice, flowers and a lighted lamp. Thalappoli is considered
a symbol of prosperity).
After invoking Ganesha and Guru with Vandana Shlokas, the music programme began with a
Malayalam composition expressing the devotees love and longing for Bhagawan. Compositions of
Thyagaraja, Purandaradasa and Meerabhai followed. The programme concluded with a traditional
hymn – ‘Narayanam Bhaje Narayanam” – to which all devotees joined in chorus.
Onam video clips
Mangala Aarathi followed. To the surprise and joy of all Bhagawan asked the
Institute boys to sing a couple of Bhajans. Before returning to the Yajur Mandiram, Bhagawan
instructed the State President of Kerala to announce that there would be Divine Discourse and
drama in the evening.
As Bhagawan made entry into the hall, auspicious notes of Nadaswaram and Panchavadyam filled
the ambience. After granting darshan to one and all Bhagawan occupied the dais and inaugurated
the function by lighting the sacred lamp. After a few moments Panchavadyam (orchestra of five
instruments, is basically a temple art form has evolved in Kerala) and Nadaswaram (one of the
most popular classical instruments of South India) gave way to Thayambaka by students (Thayambaka
is a type of solo chenda performance that developed in the South Indian state of Kerala, in
which the main player at the centre improvises rhythmically on the beats of half-a-dozen or a
few more chenda and Ilathaalam players around) – initially in a low tempo progressively
increasing to a thunderous climax!
As Veda chanting continued, Bhagawan permitted to commence the music programme by receiving
the offering of flowers from the singers. The singers of the session were Sri Kavalam
Sreekumar, Sri Pranavam Sankaran Namboodiri and Sri Yogesh Sharma.
Speech, Divine
Discourse and "Savitri - The Embodiment of Shakthi", a skit by
Balvikas Children
September 12,
2008
Evening
Onam-
Discourse ********************************
In the evening at 4 p.m. even before Bhagawani arrived the Veda class by the
Institute students commenced, covering the fourth and fifth Anuvakams of Namakam. Bhagawan
graciously arrived into the Sai Kulwant Hall as the class was in progress, granting Darshan to
all.
The first item of the evening was a brief speech by Master Abith, a student of the Sri Sathya
Sai Vidyapeeth, Sreesailam, Quilandi near Calicut. He began by sharing the good fortune of the
devotees in the opportunity to celebrate Onam in the Divine presence of Sai Vamana. He
recounted and experience of how Sai Gayathri saved one of his teachers, as he fell into a well
during a Seva activity. He also shared how Vibhoothi saved the life of a cow of the Gokulam
from the fatal foot and mouth disease. He concluded by sharing his love and gratitude to
Bhagawan on behalf of all students and staff of Sri Sathya Sai Vidyapeeth and all Sai devotees
of Kerala.
After the brief narrative, Bhagawan
graciously delivered the Onam discourse, with introductory verse as the glory of Bharath.
Having been born in Bharath, one has to live up to its glory. Today’s education and technology
is promoting a mad race after money, but Bhagawan reminded, Money comes and goes; morality
comes and grows. One has to cultivate spiritual outlook and self confidence to realize the
true meaning and purpose of life. Truth is the father of the whole world and Dharma is the
mother. Then only can Shanthi and Prema prevail in the world. Bhagawan escorted the devotees
to imbibe the virtue of sacrifice from Emperor Bali. Bhagawan congratulated the Bal Vikas
children of Kerala for putting up excellent cultural programmes; Bhagawan also acknowledged
the dedicated efforts of Mahilas in preparing them. Bhagawan reminded the devotees to keep up
the standard set by them. He also urged them to watch the drama on Savitri (that was to
follow) carefully and imbibe values of courage and confidence.
The next item was a dance drama entitled “Savithri – the embodiment of
Shakthi”, by the Bal Vikas children of Alappuzha district. The drama depicted how Savithri
recovered her dead husband from Yamadharma through her penance out of chastity and courage.
The powerful dialogues and dramatic situation left the audience glued to the drama. The
befitting conclusion was a beautiful, vibrant dance depicting Adi Parasakthi as Durga, Lakshmi
and Saraswathi, followed by all participants paying their salutations to Mother Sai. Bhagawan
blessed all participants and Vasthram was gifted to all children as a token of Bhagawan’s
grace.
Bhajans by the Institute students followed. The programme for the evening concluded with
Mangala Aarathi to Bhagawan.
It was 3:45pm when Swami came out for darshan rounds. Many
were taken by pleasant surprise for Swami usually comes out nowadays at after
4:00pm. Swami completed the rounds quickly and then moved on stage. He asked for
the Veda chanting classes to begin. He said that come rain or shine, the classes
must proceed and all must make efforts to learn the Namakam. And so, the class
began and as it went on, Swami went into the interview room.
Soon He came out and once the lessons for the day had been completed, He asked
all the students to get up and clear the area for the drama to begin. This was a
fantastic scene. There is very little space even to walk as all sit huddled and
close with the desire of maximum divine proximity. At the same time, when Swami
tells to get up and clear the area, everyone does it with the greatest
enthusiasm, for is that too not a chance to directly follow His command?
However, as these two feelings combine, the apparent confusion it creates is
hilarious at times! And Swami sits enjoying every bit of it. As the students
cleared the area, Swami once again went into the interview room. He asked for
the programme to begin. On His return after a few minutes, He sat watching the
proceedings.
The drama that was being performed was derived from the immortal epic, Ramayana.
Its focus seemed to be on three characters whose lives were intertwined since
birth - Rama, Lakshmana and Hanuman. While Lakshmana was born of Kausalya's
portion of the potion given to Sumitra, Hanuman too was born of the same potion
which an eagle carried away and dropped in his mother's hands. The drama opened
with the incident where Rama is so happy that Lakshmana won the game but
Lakshmana is crying because Rama had lost the game purposely in his favour. Rama
is the apple of the eye of every queen. Seeing this scene, the Lord's eyes
brimmed with tears. Seeing Swami at such times is such a revealing experience.
Nobility has the power to arouse the pure heart very easily.
Fast forward to the trio of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita in the forest. Rama tells
Lakshmana to set up a hut in the place of his choice. This brings Lakshmana into
tears! He asks, "Oh brother! What do you mean by the place which I like? My
likes are exactly whatever You like. Dont you know that?" That sort of brotherly
Love existed between them. Once again fast forward to the search for Mother
Sita. Lord Rama places all his faith in Hanuman. It showed so beautifully that
the amount of faith the Lord has in His devotee is the reflection of the faith
that the devotee has in the Lord! Hanuman completes the mission successfully by
meeting Sita, conveying her Lord's message to her and then strikes terror into
the hearts of the demons. Vibhishana comes over and surrenders to Rama. And Rama
accepts him wholeheartedly saying that He will give refuge to anyone who asks
for it irrespective of any distinctions.
The drama concluded with the famous pearl necklace incident where Hanuman breaks
Mother Sita's gift to him saying that it is worthless as none of the pearls
chanted Rama's name! When the courtiers think that it is the monkey in him
manifesting, he plucks out a hair from his body and the resonant name of Rama is
heard. The drama closure took place in the grand palace. As all the participants
gathered in a formation, Swami sat watching them and smiling. He told the two
Ramas and two Sitas to come in the front separately. Then He moved down and
stood amidst them posing for group photos. He patted many a child and said,
"Very nice drama, very nice drama." Then He had sarees and white pant-shirt
pieces distributed to all the participants. Prasadam also followed very soon. As
all this was going on, singers from Kerala began bhajans. The bhajans were in a
different style in the fact that they had portions which only the lead singer
would sing and those demonstated his hold over the ragas and they also had
portions which gave a chance for all the following devotees to sing out and vent
their devotion and Love! After two bhajans, Swami received Aarthi. He sat
through the entire Aarthi on the stage itself.
Swami was so happy with the drama that He called the Kerala state president and
using him as a translator for Malayalam said," I am very happy with this drama.
This drama gets first prize. The dialogues, script, acting, role selection and
dresses were all very good. The people who have trained the children have also
done a fantastic job. When I come to Kerala, I will surely stay in your school.
And when I come I will come walking! Sita especially did very wonderfully. She
performed with a lot of feelings." At this time, very understandably, the girl
who had donned Sita's role broke down and let a free flow of tears. That started
tears from almost all the other actors' eyes too. Swami immediately said, "One
should not cry! Swami is overwhelmed with joy and so all of you should also
smile and not cry!"
Leaving all in a state of great satisfaction and happiness Swami retired for the
day.
'Dasavataram', a Dance Drama by
Balvikas Children of Kerala
September 10, 2008
Today marked the beginning of the three day
festival
of Onam. Onam is the biggest festival in the Indian state of Kerala
and it falls during the Malayali month of Chingam (Aug - Sep) marking the homecoming of the
legendary King Mahabali. The carnival of Onam lasts for ten days and brings out the best in
Kerala culture and tradition. Intricately decorated Pookalam (design with flowers), ambrosial
Onasadya (the traditional feast), breathtaking Chundanvellams (Snake Boats) racing through
placid waters and the exotic Kaikottikali dance are some of the most remarkable features of
Onam - the harvest festival in Kerala. Most importantly, wherever the Malayali people are
located, they return home for the festival. And it is this homecoming that sees thousands of
devotees from Kerala flock the abode of highest peace at Puttaparthi.
A central stage had been set up in the marble block in which the acting area had been
demarcated with flowers. The sets were in place and wonderfully costumed children sat awaiting
the Lord's arrival. The staging area however had been filled with students. Swami came out for
darshan at around 4:35pm. He was all smiles and so were the devotees. To see Swami is really a
very special feeling. But that feeling seems to get enhanced especially when you see Him on a
day that you consider as very special. And so, while the people in Kerala waited in eager
anticipation for their king Mahabali, the Kerala devotees in Puttaparthi were welcoming the
Lord Vamana Himself!
Swami moved through the ladies side and coming to the centre saw the elaborate stage that had
been set up. Seeing the tiny tots seated in regal costumes, the smile on His face widened. He
asked them, "Are you doing drama?" All He got for a reply was hesitant and cute nods from a
few kids and absolutely blank looks from the others! Smiling to Himself, Swami moved on. As He
moved through the gents side, which experiences greater freedom for devotion due to the looser
rope of discipline being imposed on them, the devotees rose to various heights to catch a
glimpse of Him. On His part Swami blessed all of them and His hands kept moving up and down,
reassuring and calming them. Moving through the students area, Swami finally came on to the
stage. He asked all the students to clear the performance area so that the drama could
immediately begin. He called the Kerala state president and asked him to introduce the
program.
The Balvikas students from Kerala would be performing a dance drama called "Dashavataaram". As
that announcement was made, "microscopically" (!) tiny children came forward with flowers to
present to Swami! Swami also seemed to be amazed at how little the children were. Full marks
to the children for the exemplary discipline they exhibited and that discipline seemed to
invite Swami to interact more with them. Swami blessed them and then told them to return to
their place which they did so in the most reverential manner. Then the programme began. It
turned out to be more of dance and less of drama - a wonderful proposition when it comes to
the children from Kerala who seemed to have learnt dance even before they were born!
The programme traced all the 10 avatars of MahaVishnu. Each avatar was introduced by the dance
and then made its brief appearance. The avatar was then celebrated with another dance. The
dances were such a pleasing sight and musically so rich and resonant. The choreography was
perfect and it was incredible to think that children so small were capable of feats so big!
The Matsya (fish), Kurma (tortoise) and Varaha (boar) Avatars were well depicted with
'manimals" shall was say! That is, people in disguise as a fish, tortoise and boar were seen
on the backstage. The story of the Narasimha Avatar (half man- half lion) was briefly depicted
and the actor donning the role of Hiranyakashyapu performed superlatively. The significance of
Onam and some of the festivities were beautifully depicted as the Vamana Avatar came onstage.
The Prashurama and Rama Avatar arrived together and the greatest devotee Hanuman too got his
share of the 'limelight'. The tiny toddling Krishna won everyone's heart with his sheer
presence on the scene! He looked so sweet and cute. The famous episode between of Krishna
enriching Sudama's life in every way was depicted. Then going the Buddha, the programme turned
to Swami.
Swami went briefly to the interview room and returned having arranged for sarees which He
wanted to gift the children with. On His way back, He stopped for a minute at the bhajan hall.
Representatives of the students working in Central Trust were seated there. Swami, in all
Love, had granted everyone bonuses and hikes in salaries and they expressed gratitude to Him.
Swami blessed them and told them, "Continue whatever you are doing in the same way. Thats
enough for me!"
He arrived at the stage and asked for the children to arrange themselves in a compact manner
so that He would pose for group photos with them. As the boys and girls seated themselves
separately, Swami moved down from the stage and posed for photographs with the children. He
then asked for sarees to be brought. He personally gave all the girls sarees and along with
each saree came a free smile too! The same procedure followed with the boys too, only that
they were given white cloth pieces. After blessing them thus, Swami moved back to the stage
and asked for bhajans to begin. During the bhajans, He blessed prasadam to be distributed.
Later, receiving Aarthi and blessing everyone with beautiful smiles, Swami went back to Yajur
Mandir.
Every year Sri
Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Kerala
organises the Onam festival at Prasanthi Nilayam with great
devotional fervor. The entire Mandir would be aesthetically decorated and wears
a festive look. The Onam festival will be celebrated for about four days with
the entire Sai family from Kerala and from around the world making it to the
Lotus Feet of Swami.
The festivities begin in Sai Kulwant Hall with Mangala Vadyam by well-known
Nadaswara Vidwans in the Divine Presence of Bhagawan Baba. Thereafter, Sai
Kulwant Hall reverberates with NadaswaraVadyam and Pancha Vadyam music on all
subsequent days of celebration.
Cultural programmes by the Balvikas Children from the state of Kerala would mark
the festivities. On the day of Onam Bhagawan would be received in a traditional
Procession from Poornachandra Hall with Poorna Kumbam amidst vedam chanting
Bhagawan blesses the gathering with His Divine Message exhorting the devotees to
emulate and imbibe the sacrificial qualities of Emperor Bali . The four-day
festivities transform Prasanthi Nilayam into Kerala what with the entire Kerala
assembling at Prasanthi Nilayam for Divine Blessings on the auspicious day.
Emperor Bali performed the action of supreme surrender to Lord Indra at the end
of the battle by offering him all his possessions, body, mind and soul on this
day in the sacred land of Kerala. The battle between Bali and Indra represents
the mind battling to control the senses. Vamana opened Bali's eyes to help him
realize the Divine and Bali sought a boon from the Lord that He should visit
Kerala every year on this day of Shravan. This day is celebrated as Onam by
Keralites. This day also extols the merits of gifts, renunciation, charity,
however little, to any one, for all are reflections of God Onam is the harvest
festival of Kerala. On this day, homage is paid to their illustrious king Bali,
who had surrendered himself to the mighty little god Vamana. It is believed that
Bali re-visits his empire that day. It is an enchanting sight to see the
Keralites in their traditional dress offering their worship to the Lord. They
are blessed with the privilege of touching the lotus feet. Swami graces the
occasion and showers his blessings on them. source:
srisathyasai.org.in
Onam: The Harvest Festival, is the
most popular festival of Kerala. A festival that celebrates a happy blend of
myth and reality, Onam is part of the cultural repertoire of every Malayalee.
Year after year, for centuries, the people of Kerala, irrespective of caste,
creed or colour, join together to celebrate Onam. The ten-day Onam festival
falls in August-September, coinciding with the beginning of the harvest season.
According to local belief, in a war that took place between the gods and the
demons, the demons won. Deeply hurt by the defeat of the gods, Aditi, their
mother prayed to Lord Vishnu to destroy Mahabali, the Demon King. Consequently,
Lord Vishnu, in the guise of a Brahmin boy, Vamanan, went to Mahabali and asked
him to grant him three steps of land. The wish was granted and Vamanan covered
the whole land with his two steps and then he came back to the King asking him
where can he place the third step. The King to honour his word, offered his head
as the third step. Vamanan pushed Mahabali deep down into the earth. Pleased by
his honesty and generosity, the lord in turn granted him a wish that he could
visit his kingdom and people on a particular day once a year. Preparation of a
floral carpet called "Athappookkalam" in front of houses, from the first day of
'Atham' to the tenth day of 'Thiruvonam' is part of the festivities, which is a
symbolic gesture to welcome King Mahabali. The state government conducts Tourism
Week celebrations in connection with Onam, showcasing the gems of Kerala's
culture. Onam resonates with Carnivals, Boat Races, Dance, Music and Feast. A
sumptious meal on plantain leaf and the traditional sweet dish of Kerala
'Payasam' etc are served in every house.
The Bhagwat Purana (ancient Hindu scriptures) tells the engrossing story of
Mahabali. He was a noble and virtuous king. Although he was an asur (demon)
king, he was known far and wide for his generosity and good sense. It is said
that if a person asked Mahabali for something, he never returned disappointed.
The story goes that once Mahabali decided to perform the Ashvamedha Yagna (a
horse-sacrifice in order to be proclaimed the most powerful and distinguished
king in the three worlds – heaven, earth and the nether world). The devtas
(gods) felt especially threatened by this ritual for as noble as Mahabali could
be, he was after all an asur. The devtas rushed to Lord Vishnu (the Preserver in
the Hindu Holy Trinity of Creator-Preserver-Destroyer) imploring him to rein
Mahabali in.
The Interesting Tale of Mahabali And The Dwarf
These are celestial matters and we should leave the gods to work in their own
mysterious ways. Coming back to Mahabali and the elaborate preparations of the
Yagna; the venue of the Yagna was to be the banks of the holy Narmada River. It
is believed that while Mahabali was proceeding to Narmada, a charming little boy
holding an umbrella stopped him. Seeing the boy who was actually a dwarf,
Mahabali realised that this was no ordinary fellow. Mesmerised, he told the
dwarf to ask him for anything he desired. The dwarf simply asked him for the
measure of area he would cover in three strides. Taken aback by such a trivial
wish, Mahabali asked him to demand something more substantial. The dwarf did not
change his mind and again repeated his wish. Mahabali had little choice but to
agree. The dwarf assumed his original self – Lord Vishnu who had appeared in his
fifth avatar or manifestation (the fifth reincarnation of Vishnu in the form of
a dwarf is called Vamana).
Assuming gargantuan proportions, he took his first step on earth, the second
foot was leisurely placed on the heavens and well, you could say that not much
was left for the third step! So Mahabali, the magnanimous king that he was, rose
to the occasion and offered his head for the last stride of the Almighty. Vishnu
promptly obliged, thus pushing Mahabali into the realms of the nether world.
Moved by the nobility of this demon king, Vishnu proclaimed that even after
losing every worldly possession, Mahabali would earn eternal wisdom and the love
and affection of Vishnu. Mahabali accepted his fate unflinchingly and only asked
for one wish in return. This wish, more than anything, proved how worthy a king
he was. He asked for the chance to come back to his cherished land and people at
least once a year. It is believed that since that day, Mahabali comes every year
to visit this sun-dappled land of coconuts and his beloved people. This day is
called Onam.
Onam falls, on the 12th day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Bhadon
(around August September) once the golden yellow rice fields have been harvested
at that time of the year. There is no specific god associated with Onam. Neither
is any special puja (a ritualistic prayer ceremony) performed.
The celebrations of Onam start ten days before the big day. The first thing
people do is decorate the gates or main doors of their homes. No balloons or
festoons for these folks. They adorn their homes and gates with fresh branches
of red coconut (red coconut is considered auspicious on Onam), banana leaves and
coconut fronds.
If you happen to be in Kerala around Onam, you will see banana and coconut
fronds just about everywhere, sometimes even popping out of trucks and buses or
tied to the horns of the neighbourhood cow, all with a pinch of the auspicious
vermilion powder.
The first day of Onam is called Attam. Women get up earlier than usual, have a
bath, wear fresh clothes (women wear off-white cotton saris with a zari border
on festive occasions), neatly pin strings of jasmine and other seasonal flowers
in their long black tresses and adorn themselves with jewellery. Children get
dressed and go to the market to buy flowers and flower petals which they bring
back to their mothers and sisters. The ‘mummies’ prepare a small part of the
ground on the eastern side of the house (east is considered sacred because the
sun rises in the east and Hindus have worshipped the rising sun since time
immemorial).
The Attam
The House Yards are smoothened out, and cow dung spread evenly on it. Flowers
are placed over this patch in beautiful patterns. These patterns are generally
circular and a lump of cow dung is placed in the centre symbolising Ganesha (the
elephant-headed god - see Ganesh Chaturthi).
The creation with dung and flowers is called Attam. Once the Attam is completed,
the women sing songs in praise of Mahabali and perform a lovely dance of simple
but graceful steps around it.
The Attam is considered very sacred and a fresh decoration is made everyday till
Onam. The old decoration is not removed, instead the cow dung is moistened with
water, then a thin layer is spread over the Attam and a new pattern is made.
People sing and dance around the Attam everyday and remember Mahabali, who
perhaps watches them from somewhere. These days, community Attam where all the
members of a community come together and rejoice around the sacred spot, is
becoming quite popular. These very members take turns to keep a constant vigil
over the Attam.
On the third day, people hold big feasts in their homes and invite their
relatives and friends. The feast is strictly vegetarian and consists of rice,
which is eaten with various curries, curds, vegetables, crisps, pickles, and
sweets (see Cuisine).
Onam is definitely the most joyous and precious occasion for the
Keralites irrespective of caste, creed or religion. The festival
marks the annual visit of Mahabali to his erstwhile kingdom,
reminding the reign of equality and justice.
It is customary for all Keralites to be at their ancestral homes with
their parents to celebrate the festivity. The devotees of Bhagawan
Baba flock to Prashanthi Nilayam in thousands to celebrate Onam in
the Divine Presence.
Onam celebrations this year began in the evening of 10th September as
Bhagawan came to the Sai Kulwant Hall amidst Veda chanting. Sacred
notes of the Mangalavadya Nadaswaram announced the commencement of
the celebrations. There was a dance drama entitled "Dashavathar" by
the Bal vikas children of Kozhikkode and Malappuram districts. The
children enacted various episodes from the Dashavathar, particularly
Narasimha, Vamana, Rama, Krishna and Buddha. The programme concluded
with bhajans and Mangala Aarathi to Bhagawan.
The celebrations for the second day commenced in the evening of 11th
September. Bhagawan was received to Sai Kulwant hall with Veda and
Nadaswaram at 3:30 PM. As Bhagawan occupied the dais, He instructed
the students to start the Veda class; they dealt with the second and
third Anuvakams of the Namakam.
What followed was a drama by the students of Sri Sai Vidya Vihar,
Alwaye and the Bal Vikas children of Eranakulam, entitled "Rama – the
embodiment of Love". It was a bouquet of various incidents from the
life of the Avatar, taken from Bhagawan's Discourses. The opening
scene demonstrated the love between Rama and His brothers. It went on
to depict the surrender of Sugreeva, Vibheeshana and Hanuman.
Bhagawan was pleased with the performance and blessed the
participants with the most coveted group photo. Vastram was
distributed to all.
Next offering was Sampradaya Bhajan by Sri Padmakumar. All devotees
joined the fast tempo songs clapping their hands enthusiastically.
The programme concluded with Mangala Aarathi.
Even as Aarathi was over, Bhagawan spent some time in the dais and
interacted with the participants of the drama. He remarked that the
children had put in their best effort; that was why they could bring
about such a wonderful performance. He particularly congratulated
children who enacted the roles of Rama, Lakshmana and Hanuman.
Bhagawan added that the dialogue, music and costumes were also
excellent. He told the children that He would come to Kerala and
their school, that too walking! Bhagawan said; He knew that children
were very anxious as to how the drama would come out and they had
been working tirelessly since morning. Now that everything turned out
fine they could go back and take rest. Bhagawan blessed the chilren
with Abhayahastha.
12th September was the Thiruvonam day. The Sai Kulwant hall was
bedecked to the occasion with the festoons made of Kuruthola (Tender
coconut leaves). The stage was aesthetically decorated with fresh
flowers and ornamental umbrellas (Muthukkuda) adorned the periphery
of the auditorium. A traditional Pookkalam (floral design) was
arranged in front of the dais along with Nirapara, Nilavilakku (step
lamp), Onathappan (onam deity) and other auspicious offerings like
flowers and fruits. (Nirapara is a full measure of paddy heaped for
ceremonial offerings; a traditional measuring container would be
filled to the brim with paddy and decorated with `Thengin Pookula'
(tender coconut flowers).
Bhagawn made His grand entry at 9:35 a.m. and was traditionally
received with Poornakumbham, accompanied by a colorful procession
consisting of band, Veda group and thalapoli (Thalappoli, a
ceremonial procession, is a significant item in most of the festivals
in Kerala In this ritual, women or young girls carry thalam, which
literally means plate, in their hands. Thalam is filled with rice,
flowers and a lighted lamp. Thalappoli is considered a symbol of
prosperity).
As Bhagawan made entry into the hall, auspicious notes of Nadaswaram
and Panchavadyam filled the ambience. After granting darshan to one
and all Bhagawan occupied the dais and inaugurated the function by
lighting the sacred lamp. After a few moments Panchavadyam (orchestra
of five instruments, is basically a temple art form has evolved in
Kerala) and Nadaswaram (one of the most popular classical instruments
of South India) gave way to Thayambaka by students (Thayambaka is a
type of solo chenda performance that developed in the South Indian
state of Kerala, in which the main player at the centre improvises
rhythmically on the beats of half-a-dozen or a few more chenda and
Ilathaalam players around) – initially in a low tempo progressively
increasing to a thunderous climax!
As Veda chanting continued, Bhagawan permitted to commence the music
programme by receiving the offering of flowers from the singers. The
singers of the session were Sri Kavalam Sreekumar, Sri Pranavam
Sankaran Namboodiri and Sri Yogesh Sharma.
After invoking Ganesha and Guru with Vandana Shlokas, the music
programme began with a Malayalam composition expressing the devotees
love and longing for Bhagawan. Compositions of Thyagaraja,
Purandaradasa and Meerabhai followed. The programme concluded with a
traditional hymn – `Narayanam Bhaje Narayanam" – to which all
devotees joined in chorus.
Mangala Aarathi followed. To the surprise and joy of all Bhagawan
asked the Institute boys to sing a couple of Bhajans. Before
returning to the Yajur Mandiram, Bhagawan instructed the State
President of Kerala to announce that there would be Divine Discourse
and drama in the evening.
In the evening at 4 p.m. even before Bhagawani arrived the Veda class
by the Institute students commenced, covering the fourth and fifth
Anuvakams of Namakam. Bhagawan graciously arrived into the Sai
Kulwant Hall as the class was in progress, granting Darshan to all.
The first item of the evening was a brief speech by Master Abith, a
student of the Sri Sathya Sai Vidyapeeth, Sreesailam, Quilandi near
Calicut. He began by sharing the good fortune of the devotees in the
opportunity to celebrate Onam in the Divine presence of Sai Vamana.
He recounted and experience of how Sai Gayathri saved one of his
teachers, as he fell into a well during a Seva activity. He also
shared how Vibhoothi saved the life of a cow of the Gokulam from the
fatal foot and mouth disease. He concluded by sharing his love and
gratitude to Bhagawan on behalf of all students and staff of Sri
Sathya Sai Vidyapeeth and all Sai devotees of Kerala.
After the brief narrative, Bhagawan graciously delivered the Onam
discourse, with introductory verse as the glory of Bharath. Having
been born in Bharath, one has to live up to its glory. Today's
education and technology is promoting a mad race after money, but
Bhagawan reminded, Money comes and goes; morality comes and grows.
One has to cultivate spiritual outlook and self confidence to realize
the true meaning and purpose of life. Truth is the father of the
whole world and Dharma is the mother. Then only can Shanthi and Prema
prevail in the world. Bhagawan escorted the devotees to imbibe the
virtue of sacrifice from Emperor Bali. Bhagawan congratulated the Bal
Vikas children of Kerala for putting up excellent cultural
programmes; Bhagawan also acknowledged the dedicated efforts of
Mahilas in preparing them. Bhagawan reminded the devotees to keep up
the standard set by them. He also urged them to watch the drama on
Savitri (that was to follow) carefully and imbibe values of courage
and confidence.
The next item was a dance drama entitled "Savithri – the embodiment
of Shakthi", by the Bal Vikas children of Alappuzha district. The
drama depicted how Savithri recovered her dead husband from
Yamadharma through her penance out of chastity and courage. The
powerful dialogues and dramatic situation left the audience glued to
the drama. The befitting conclusion was a beautiful, vibrant dance
depicting Adi Parasakthi as Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi, followed
by all participants paying their salutations to Mother Sai. Bhagawan
blessed all participants and Vasthram was gifted to all children as a
token of Bhagawan's grace.
Bhajans by the Institute students followed. The programme for the
evening concluded with Mangala Aarathi to Bhagawan.
organises the Onam festival at Prasanthi Nilayam with great
devotional fervor. The entire Mandir would be aesthetically decorated and wears
a festive look. The Onam festival will be celebrated for about four days with
the entire Sai family from Kerala and from around the world making it to the
Lotus Feet of Swami.
