Onam Festival - An Exposition by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

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Onam Festival - An Exposition by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai BabaMeaning Of

Onam"Onam means wearing new clothes. The 'Vastra' not only means cloth but also

means heart. Therefore, the significance of wearing new clothes (Vastra) is that

one should make the heart new by getting rid of all bad thoughts and feelings."

Sai Baba, SS, 10/92. p. 232

Purpose Of Onam Celebration

"This day (Onam) is the sacred day when the Lord as Vamana Avatar conferred

liberation on Emperor Bali.Before leaving for the nether-world, Bali gave a

promise to his people whom he loved. He said he would come back to them every

year on Onam Day and bless them. Onam is celebrated as the day of advent of

Vamana and Bali. It marks the beginning of a new life. That is why it is

celebrated by wearing new clothes and resolving to lead a new life." Sai Baba,

SS. 10/97, p.

269Mythological Background"Kashyapa and his two wives, Diti and Aditi, were the

parents of demons and demigods (Asuras and Devas). Indra, the king of Devas,

went on war with the king of Asuras, as it was a common practice in those days,

for one king to invade the kingdom of another to acquire additional territory.

Mahabali vanquished Indra in the war and proceeded to annex the territory of

Indra and occupied his capital Amaravati. Kashyapa had gone to the Himalayas to

do penance. Lamenting over the defeat other son, Indra, Aditi was in great

grief. When she was wailing, Kashyapa came to her. Instantly he was able to

recognise the cause other grief by divine insight, which he had acquired as a

result of his penance. He consoled his wife Aditi saying that nothing happens

in the world without God's will and people should go on doing their duties. He

asked her to pray to Lord Narayana and taught her a Vrata (ritual) to be

followed strictly, known as

Payovrata.It has to be observed from the twelfth day of the bright half Kartika

(Sukla-paksha Dwaadasi). She observed the Vrata as prescribed. A devotee's

sincere prayer will never go to waste. Since she carried out the Vrata with a

pious heart, Narayana appeared before her and informed her that he would

himself take birth in her womb and help Indra. Aditi was very happy. True tolhe

word of the Lord, she gave birth to a son of uncommon effulgence on the twelfth

day of the bright half of the month of Bhadrapada. That child was

'Vamana-murti'. Even as a child. He demonstrated his divine power by doing

marvellous deeds.Mahabali was performing an Ashwa-medha Yagna (horse

sacrifice). He had previously performed a hundred such Yagnas. He declared that

he would give anything that anyone sought from him during this Yagna. Vamana

came to the Yaga-shala. As he was approaching them, the sages assembled there

perceived the extraordinary effulgent form of the young lad. Mahabali

went forth to receive the Brahmin boy with all traditional honours and gave him

an eminent seat befitting the status of a holy person. Bali told him:'Master!

It is my good fortune that you have chosen to honour me with your presence.

Whatever you desire, I am here ready to fulfill the same.' Vamana smiled and

said: 'You need not give me anything great It is enough if you give me that

extent of land covered by three footsteps of mine.'On hearing him, Bali's

preceptor, Shukracharya, who could have vision of the future, told Bali that

the one, who had come to seek a gift from Bali was not an ordinary Brahmin but

Lord Narayana Himself who had assumed this form. He advised Bali not to promise

the lad anything. But Bali was a king who would never go back on his word and

told his Guru that he would never break his promise. He was determined to give

Vamana whatever he wanted since breaking one's word was a sin and he had to

keep his pledge. Shukracharya insisted that he

should not fulfill the demand of Vamana as he had come to deprive Bali of all

His possessions. He said that Vamana was not really in need of anything as

everything was in his hands.Bali, however, was determined to honour the word

given to Vamana, begged pardon of his Guru for disregarding his advice.

Earlier, while Bali was embarking on the war with Indra, he had prostrated at

the feet of his preceptor, Shukracharya, and on his advice he performed the

Vishwajit Yagna from which he secured very powerful weapons. It was only

because of Shukracharya's help that he was able to conquer Indra. On this

occasion, Bali was not prepared to heed the advice of the same preceptor.

Shukracharya cursed Bali, saying: "As you have not heeded your Guru's words,

you will be reduced to ashes.' Bali was firm and replied: ' I am prepared to

face any consequence but will not go back on my word."So saying, he told Vamana

to measure the three feet of land as desired by him. All attempts of

Shukracharya to dissuade Bali from offering the land desired by Vamana proved

futile. Bali told his Guru: "Prana (life) and Maana (honour) are the two eyes

of a person. Even if life goes, honour should be protected. Granting that the

person that has come now is the Lord Himself. I should be the most fortunate

one as the Lord. who gives everything to mankind, is seeking something from

me." Sai Baba, SS. 10/94. pp. 269 & 270Emperor Bali And His Ego"Emperor Bali

did undertake all sacred activities, but he had in him two bad qualities, ego

(Ahamkaram) and pride (Abhimanam).No doubt. Emperor was a great devotee, but

he was also egoistic. Ego is a bad quality for a devotee. Only through love,

peace, humility and courage you can overcome ego. God came down to destroy the

ego of Bali and distribute love to the entire world. Bali was granted a boon

that he should be allowed to come and visit his people on this day, every year.

That day is celebrated as

Onam. Be it an emperor or an ordinary person, one can attain God only through

love." Sai Baba. SS. 10/98, p. 262Ball's Family Background"Bali was very good

ruler who was very much concerned about the welfare of his subjects. He was the

son of Virochana and grandson of Prahlada. They were both devotees of Narayana.

Prahlada was very happy and appreciated the good fortune of his grandson Bali

when Narayana himself sought a gift from him. He blessed Bali that he had kept

the noble tradition and name of the family. It is only by sacrifice that one

can attain immortality and not by any other means." Sai Baba. SS. 10/94, p.

270"Bali's father, Virochana, was also a godly ruler. Thus, from Prahlada to

Bali, the whole line of rulers were filled with love of God. They were

influenced by the Divine power. Originally, Prahlada's father, Hiranyakashipu,

was Lord Vishnu's gatekeeper. Whatever their differences in behaviour and

attitudes, all three

(Prahlada, Virochana and Bali) were equally inspired by devotion to God." Sai

Baba, SS, 10/95, p. 263Prahlada"Know the full story of Prahlada (grandfather of

Bali). If you have to name anyone for his highest character, it is Prahlada

alone.Once, Indra conquered Prahlada and enjoyed Swarga (the realm of gods).

Later, Prahlada overcame Indra and deprived him of Swarga. Indra was forlorn

and sought the advice of his high-priest for winning back his kingdom. The

priest told him that Prahlada was performing a great Yaga called 'Vishwajit'

and Indra should assume the form of Brahmin and seek a gift from Prahlada.

Prahlada will give whatever one seeks from him. Indra went to Prahlada in the

guise of a poor Brahmin. Prahlada welcomed him and asked him what he wanted. As

advised earlier by his high priest, he asked Prahlada to give him 'Sheelam'

(character). Prahlada enquired of the Brahmin of what use was his character to

the seeker. The Brahmin

replied that there was no need to go into all that. He had expressed what he

wanted in response to Prahlada's offer to give whatever anyone asked at the

Vishwajit sacrifice. 'Are you prepared to give or not?' Prahlada immediately

gave what the Brahmin asked with due ceremony.Within a few minutes, an

effulgent flame emerged from Prahlada. Seeing the effulgent form, he asked:

'Who are you?' The effulgent figure prostrated before Prahlada and said, 'I am

your character. Hitherto, I was in you. I fostered your name and fame. Now you

have given me away as a gift. Hence, I am leaving you.'When the 'character'

left Prahlada, shortly thereafter another beautiful effulgent form issued forth

from Prahlada. Prahlada asked him, 'Who are you ? Oh, King!' The radiant figure

replied, 'Prahlada! I am your reputation (Keerti). When character has left you,

I have no place within you. Hitherto I was servant of character. When character

has left you, I have to follow

suit.'Prahlada was puzzled. Then came another radiant female form from Prahlada.

Prahlada respectfully asked her,' Mother! Who are you?' 'Prahlada! After the

departure of Character and Reputation, namely, Rajyalakshimi (the goddess of

royal prosperity) I have no place with you.' Indra, who had come in the form of

a Brahmin, took all the three with him.That very moment, Prahlada lost his

kingdom. You can see from this how one's fame and prosperity are dependent on

one's character. Character is a supremely divine quality.Prahlada was the

embodiment of character. After Indra had taken away his character from

Prahlada, the latter got married and had a son by name Virochana. You may

realise from this episode what importance is attached to character in the

spiritual process" Sai Baba, SS, 10/96, p. 261

Prahlada As Judge"Once, there was a contest between Virochana, the son of

Prahlada, and Sudhanva, the son

of sage Angiras. It was agreed that whoever lost the contest should forfeit his

life to the winner. Both of them prayed to Prahlada to act as the judge for the

contest, being convinced that he would be totally impartial and fair. Prahlada

agreed to act as judge because he was pledged to uphold truth, without any

other consideration. After watching the contest, Prahlada declared Sudhanva as

the winner and his son, Virochana, as the loser.Unable to control his joy over

the verdict, Sudhanva embraced Prahlada and said:'Prahlada! It is because of

the unflinching upholders of truth like you that the world shines in all its

glory. If there were no meritorious people on earth, how can there be light in

the world? Prahlada! Because of your adherence to truth, you gave the verdict

against your son.' Prahlada knew that whoever lost the contest should forfeit

with his life. But that did not deter him from pronouncing the verdict against

his son. "There is no greater Dharma nan

truth.' Prahlada was not swayed by any sense of partial love. He shed no tears.

He matched the outcome of his judgment with a sense of fulfillment.Recognising

the utter dedication of Prahlada to truth and righteousness, Sudhanva declared:

'Prahlada! Your devotion to truth will-restore the life of your son. I am not

claiming his life (as the reward for my victory). I am giving back your son's

life to you.'Dharmaiva Adhrmo hanti, Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah' (Dharma

destroys the one who harms it. Dharma protects its protector). 'Prahlada! You

have stood by Dharma, thereby, you have saved your son.' In this manner

Sudhanva praised Prahlada." Sai Baba, SS, 10/93, p. 256Meaning Of Bali"A

synonym for word Tyaaga' (sacrifice) is 'Bali'. The term 'Bali' has several

meanings, such as: offering, dedication, sacrifice and a tax levy. What is

meant by 'tax'? 'Bali' means that which has to be given as an offering in human

life. But the ancients

regarded 'Bali' as offering a living object as a sacrifice. This is not the

proper meaning of 'Bali'. 'Bali' is the recognition of the Divinity in man."

"God fills the tanks and rivers with water. He provides man with the

life-giving oxygen in the air he breathes. The sun illumines the whole world by

its light. What is the tax we pay for all these services? The offerings we make

to God ('Arpitamu') is the tax. That has been called 'Bali'. One should not be

frightened by the term 'Bali'. It means only offering one's self to the

Divine." Sai Baba, SS. 10/95, p. 262"Bali means tax. You pay taxes to the

government for electricity, water, drainage, etc. What tax did Bali pay? He

gave all his possessions, body, mind and soul to the Lord." Sai Baba. SS,

10/94, p. 271"Bali is the symbol of sacrifice. He controlled everything by his

spirit of sacrifice." Sai Baba. SS. 10/94, p. 270What Does God Expect From

Us?"God does not ask for any offering

of wealth or position. God is said to be pleased if a sincere devotee offers a

leaf, a flower, a fruit or even water. What is this leaf? It is the body. The

heart is the flower; the mind is the fruit. The water that is to be offered is

that from the tears of joy shed by the devotee. This is what God expects from

you. The Lord tells you, 'My dear man! The body does not belong to you. Who

gave it to you? It is a precious gift from God. It is inert like a leaf.The

flower to be offered to God is a pure heart free from all taints and evil

tendencies like lust, anger and pride. The fruit to be offered is a mind free

from all bad thoughts and feelings. It should be filled with the sweet juice of

goodness. The water that should be offered to God is the water that flows from

the eyes out of joy in experiencing God." Sai Baba. SS. 10/95, p. 264Bali

Symbolizes Supreme Sacrifice"Bali was an example of supreme sacrifice. He

sacrificed all his possessions and

himself too to God. Bali said: 'The hand of the Lord, which gives Abhaya

(graceful benediction) to all, has been stretched to take something from me.

The Lord's hand is below while my hand is above. This must be the fruit of my

penance in several births. I am prepared for anything.' This was the spirit of

Bali. Bali is the symbol of sacrifice. He controlled everything by his spirit

of sacrifice." Sai Baba, SS. 10/94. p. 270Shukracharya Symbolizes

Selfishness"Shukracharya's anger was growing because of his selfish motive that

he should continue to be the preceptor of the Asuras. He did not want Bali to

give the gift sought by Vamana as he was sure that the last vestige of power of

the Asuras would be destroyed by Vamana." Sai Baba, SS. 10/94, p. 270Symbolism

Of lndra"Indra is hailed as the chief of the gods. In the Purusha-sookta (of

the Rig-Veda), it is said that out of the face of cosmic Purusha emerged Indra.

Indra

is one who is the Lord of the senses. In man, the mind is the master of the

senses. No one can estimate the power of the mind. Brahmaastra and Vajrayudha

are not more powerful than Ekaagrataa or concentration, which is mightier than

any weapon. For this, sense control is essential. There is always a battle

raging in the body between vice and virtue. Only the one that has Ekaagrataa

can come out victorious." Sai Baba, SS. 10/94, p. 270Symbolism Of The Battle

Between Indra And Ball"Bali is the symbol of sacrifice. He controlled

everything by his spirit of sacrifice. The 'Gayatri Mantra' begins with the

utterance: 'Bhur-Bhuvas-Swaha.' These represent the three worlds, which are in

the body itself. 'Bhu' represents Prakriti or earth, which is the physical

body. Mind is Bhuvarloka. Prajnana is Suvarloka. Body represents

materialization as it is made up of the five physical elements. The mind is

vibration and Prajnana is

radiation. If you enquire into their inner significance, all the three are in

your body itself. The battle between Bali and Indra represents the mind

battling to control the senses. When mind is controlled, one attains Divinity.

This is the spiritual state. Bali performed many sacrifices to attain this

state. Sai Baba, SS. 10/94, pp.270 & 271lnner Significance Of Vamana's

Three-Step Measurement"Bali gave all his possessions, body, mind and soul to

the Lord. The Lord's first foot covered this world and the second foot covered

the other world. How huge the Lord's feet should have been to cover the whole

world? How can such a huge foot be kept on Ball's head for the third step of

the land? The inner significance of this action is the Lord entered Ball's

body, mind and soul. Once the ego or body consciousness is surrendered, there

is no bar to one's realisation. It is the body consciousness that stands in the

way and makes you forget God. Vamana

opened Bali's eyes to help him realise the Divine. The imprisoned man has to be

freed. Bali offered his body, mind and soul to the Lord." Sai Baba. SS. 10/94,

p. 271Significance Of Onam For The People Of Kerala"Unwilling to forsake his

subjects and, at the same time, unable to go back on his promise, Bali gave a

pledge to the people that he would visit them once a year. This Onam day is the

auspicious day of Bali's annual visit to the earth. It is the sacred day on

which Emperor Bali returns to bless his people. In the month of Shravana, when

the moon is nearest to the constellation Sravana, Bali said that he would make

his appearance." Sai Baba. SS. 10/93, p. 257"Kerala (a province in India) is a

sacred land where Bali performed the action of supreme surrender to the Lord.

He had a good relationship with his people and they loved him in turn, and kept

faith in him. That is why Kerala is still prosperous. The Lord goes about freely

in this

land. Bali sought a boon from the Lord that he should visit Kerala every year,

on this day of the month of Shravana. This day is celebrated as Onam by

Keralites. They have been following this faithfully since ancient times. This

day is considered most important for the people of Kerala. They prepare many

dishes and eat together on this holy day." Sai Baba. SS. 10/94, p. 271"Even

now, despite the vicissitudes of history and occasional manifestation of

atheistic tendencies, the Kerala people have remained pious and God-loving. You

see devotees everywhere. When you watch the people going in and coming out of

Padma-nabha Swami Temple, you see the depth of their devotion. The existence of

opposing qualities is part of the nature." Sai Baba, SS. 10/97, p. 269The Sacred

Land Of Kerala Was Of Parashurama Kshetra"Kerala is a land that has won the love

of the Lord in a special way. In olden days, it was noted for its devotion and

godliness. Kerala is

also known as Parashurama Kshetra -the sacred land of Parashuram. How did it

acquire that name? Parashuram is one of the Avatars of Vishnu. When

Parashurama's father (Jamadagni) was beheaded by a Kshatriya (warrior) king,

his mother Renuka, cried in anguish: 'Rama! Rama!' Parashurama, who was away

from the Ashram, could ethereally hear the cries of his mother from afar and

rushed home. He counted that his mother called his name twenty-one times. On

reaching the Ashram, he saw his father's head severed from the body. The

horrible crime had been committed by a K-artavirya's sons. Parashurama took a

vow to wage a war against the vile Kshatriya (warriors) rulers twenty-one times

and end their rule all over the earth. Parashurama accomplished his mission by

defeating the Kshatriya rulers twenty-one times and came to his Ashram to pray

to his ancestors for restoring his father's life. The sage Bharadwaja, to whose

Gotra (lineage) Jamadagni belonged, appeared before Parashurama and

restored Jamadagni to life by placing the head and body together.After this

Parashurama felt that the purpose of his advent had been achieved and as he had

no desire to be a ruler, he made a gift of all the territories he had conquered

to sage Kshyapa. He felt that having given away everything, it would not be

right for him to remain on the land he had gifted. He decided to reclaim land

from the sea and settle down on that territory for the rest of his life. It is

this sea that is known as Parashuram Kshetra - also known as KERALA. He

performed penance on a mountain called Mahesha, which is situated in

Kerala.Kerala is thus a land with sacred traditions. The ONAM festival occurs

in an auspicious period. Kerala goes through three months of heavy rains before

Onam. Nature wears a somber look. The skies are overcast and the sun is hardly

visible during these three months. After the rains, the sun shines in all its

glory and it is green everywhere. Nature rejoices at the

time of Onam. The entire population is filled with joy, sharing the glory of

nature and enjoying its fruits in abundance." Sai Baba. SS. 10/86, pp. 242 &

243Glimpses Of Onam Celebrations At Prasanthi Nilayam (1999)"Like previous

years, this year also, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization, Kerala, organized the

Onam festival at Prasanthi Nilayam with great devotional fervour. The

celebrations started on 22d August 1999 and ended on 25th, the day of Onam. The

entire Mandir was aesthetically decorated and wore a festive look.The

festivities began in Sai Kulwant Hall on the morning of 22d August 1999 with

Mangala Vadyam by well-known Nadaswara Vidwan, Sri M. Kodandaram & Party of

Banglore in the Divine Presence of Bhagavan Baba. Thereafter, Sai Kulwant Hall

reverberated with Nadaswara Vadyam and Pancha Vadyam music on all subsequent

days of celebration. The evening programme started in the Poomachandra

Auditorium in the Divine Presence at

6.00 p.m. with the invocation prayer rendered by students of Bal Vikas, Emakulam

District. This was followed by a vocal music concert by Sri Naveen N.Namboodiri

of Calicut accompanied by Sri Ajithkumar on Violin and Sri Trichur Mohan on

Mridangam. Another interesting item of the programme was Santoor instrumental

music by Sri Haridas of Kozhikode accompanied by Sri Philip V. Francis on

Tabla. In the end. Bhagavan came on the stage and blessed the artistes. The

programme concluded at 7.00 p.m. with Aarati to Bhagavan.The evening of 23rd

August was made lively by three cultural items presented in the Poomachandra

Auditorium at 5.00 p.m. in the Divine Presence of Bhagavan Baba. The first item

entitled 'Nadalayam' (playing of different musical instruments) was presented by

Sri Trichur R. Mohan and Party. This was followed by devotional songs rendered

by singers led by Sri T.S. Radhakrishnan. The last item of the evening was the

dance drama 'Bhaktavatsalyam' staged by the Bal

Vikas children of Trivandrum District. Excellent acting by children, impressive

dialogue, simple but beautiful make-up and lofty theme earned appreciation from

the audience. In the end, Bhagavan came on the stage, blessed the artistes and

distributed clothes. The programme came to a close with Mangalarati to Bhagavan

at 6.55 p.m.On 24th evening Bhagavan came to Poomachandra Auditorium at 5.00.

The programme began with devotional songs in the mellifluous voice of Srimati

Seethalakshmi, accompanied by Smt. Baalambal on Veena, with Ms. Lalitha, Girija

and Smt. Bhavan Radhakrishnan providing vocal support. This was followed by a

symbolic play enacted by the youth wing of Trivandrum District, showing the

conflict of a modem man. This superbly performed dance drama depicted how modem

man was ruining his life by falling prey to the evils of desire, greed, power,

attachment and jealousy. Man can be rescued \v using his intellect and by

taking refuge in Divinity. The last item of the

programme was .mother dance drama by the very young Bal Vikas children of Quilon

District, who won the hearts of the audience with their marvelous acting and

perfectly choreographed dance. At the end, Bhagavan went up the stage and

blessed the children and distributed clothes. The day's programme came to a

close with Managalarati to Bhagavan.The four-day celebrations culminated on

Onam Day on the 25th. Bhagavan was ceremoniously received with Pooma Kumbham,

Vedic hymns, to the accompaniment of Nadaswara music and Panch Vadyam. At 7.00

a.m. Bhagavan lighted the sacred traditional lamps in Sai Kulwant Hall marking

the inauguration of the celebration. A variety of programmes added colour and

lustre to the occasion. The programmes included Puja dance by the children of

Pathanamthitta Bal Vikas, group song of one of the Panchratna Kritis, Kavadi

attam by the children of Allepey District Bal Vikas, rendering of devotional

songs by Kumari Radha & Sri Kavalam Sreekumar, Kolattam

by Trivandrum Bal Vikas, Peacock Dance by Kozhikode Bal Vikas' followed by

Bhajans by Kerala team. Bhagavan blessed the occasion with His Divine Onam

Message. The morning programme came to a close with the distribution of

Prasadam and Managalarati to Bhagavan.The cultural programme on the Onam

evening was conducted in the Poomachandra Auditorium in the Divine Presence of

Bhagavan Baba. Bhagavan came to the Auditorium at 5.00 p.m. and the cultural

programme started with devotional songs by Sri Sreekumar & Party. Not only did

the melodious singing of Sri Kumar earned acclamation and appreciation of the

audience, but also the song rendered by his son, a tiny tot, sent the audience

into raptures. Bhagavan showered His love and blessings on the child and

materialized a gold chain for him when He came on the stage. The second item of

the programme was a dance drama entitled 'Ashwamedha" by Bal Vikas children of

Cannanore District. The theme of the play was the performance of

Ashwamedha Yajna by Sri Rama in Ayodhya. His sons Lava and Kusha, living with

their mother Sita in the hermitage of Sage Valmiki, hold the sacrificial horse

and defeat Bharata, Hanuman and their Army. In the end, Rama himself meets his

two sons and Sita. Sita however returns to her mother Bhudevi (mother Earth).

The last item of the programme was a play entitled 'Work is Worship'. The theme

was taken from a story of the book 'Chinna Katha' (a compilation of short

stories narrated by Bhagavan in His discourses). The play enacted by the

students of Sri Sathya Sai Vidyapeeth, Srisailam (Calicut), depicted how Lord

Vishnu taught Narada a lesson when he became too proud of his devotion to the

Lord. The Lord sent him to a farmer, who had to do hard labour, to earn his

living, yet he never forgot God. When put to test in trying circumstances,

Narada forgot to chant the Lord's name. At the end of the programme, Bhagavan

went up the stage and blessed the artistes. With offer of Arati to

Bhagavan, the four-day-Onam celebrations came to a close." Editor, SS. 9/99, pp.

249 & 250Glimpses Of Onam Celebrations At Prasanthi Nilayam (1995)"After Ganesha

Chaturthi, it was a great occasion for Keralites to celebrate their national

festival of Onam in the benign presence of Bhagavan as they had done for a

quarter of a century. The Sai Kulwant Mandap received the Kerala touch in

decorations for the festival, coconut bunches and coconut leaves being

prominent everywhere. Banana trees, mango leaves, palm fronds, brightly

coloured flags and pennants decorated Sai Kulwant Hall and the Poomachandra

auditorium. Silken umbrellas stood gracefully on every wall. One was held by

the Emperor Bali centuries ago when he encountered the dwarf Vamana. On 5 and 6

September 1995, Keralites had special seating for Darshan. On the 5th evening,

there was a special cultural event in the Poomachandra auditorium put on by the

Bal Vikas

children. The programme included a dance drama about Krishna holding up the

Govardhana Mountain, a folk dance and a solo performance with Kavadi by a young

man whose artistic skill earned for him a reward from Swami in the form of a

medallion presented to him on the next day.On the 6th morning, 36 weddings were

performed in Sai Kulwant Hall. The brides, dressed in typical Kerala white saris

with golden border, were brought in procession to the Hall headed by a group of

young girls carrying lighted lamps. Among the bridal couples, there were two

Muslim couples, for whom the marriage ceremony was performed by a Muslim priest

from Kerala. Bhagavan went round the couples three times, first to distribute

mangala-sutrams, second time to distribute saris, and the third time to confer

His benediction on them after wedding.In the afternoon, there were three

speakers before Bhagavan's discourse -Mr.Natarajan, President of Kerala Sai

Seva Organization, Mr. Justice Eradi and Mr.

Wellington, a former Minister in Kerala. Later in the evening, there was a

cultural programme in the Poomachandra auditorium." Editor, SS, 10/95, pp. 266

& 267Source: http://guru-charitra.tripod.com/onams/onam1.htmCourtesy Sai Ram

Website: http://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam/