Ugadi 2009 - Evening Programme

[Guest guest]

In the evening of Ugadhi , a huge mat had been spread and the students who were to sing, were seated by 3:30pm. The array of instruments presented a wonderful sight.

 

At about a few minutes before 5pm, Swami arrived. He came on the special raised golden throne that He seems to use when He feels that the occasion is special! The hall was truly packed now and Swami gently made His way through the surging crowds of devotees. Completing a round of the hall, He moved through the veranda and then arrived onstage. As soon as He saw the students, He asked for them to begin the programme.

 

The lead singers moved on to the stage and offered flowers to Him. The introduction was beautiful. It stated that this year was one in which we have to be

Virodhi(opposed) to the six Virodhi (enemies) within. The first song was the Yugadi song in Telugu which was so poignantly rendered. The second song was a Thyagaraja kirtan that extolled the might of Rama. The pair that sang the song excelled in the rendering of the swaras in the beginnning, scaling new heights in the pitch and undulating their voice rapidly with great ease. The crowd could not help but burst into an appreciative applause. From the wonder of technique, the duo shifted to the beauty of feelings as everyone soaked in the Love of Rama.

 

Swami seemed so happy and even proud at their rendering. The third song was a song "Maula Maula" which had been suitably altered and modified to fit the theme. Again, the pair revelled in high scales as they melodiously pleaded to their Lord.

 

Then there was a Hindustani classic that brought out the richness of feelings and of the sonority that the voices of the boys exhibited. Another song in Telugu thrilled at the prospects of being in the divine presence. The next song was, "Gopi Gopala Bala" and it described the divine sport of Krishna with the gopikas. It also projected the masterful control and the expertise of the singers. Finally, there was a Namavali song on the Lord Hari which was sung by a trio of singers.Though only seven songs were sung, the programme lasted a full 75 minutes! Time passed so quickly as it does when one is lost in something. In between Swami went to the interview room for a short while but He sat through for almost the entire programme. It was such a beautiful and musical way to begin the new year. More than anything else, Swami seemed so happy with the programme.

 

Swami blessed the Ugadi Prasadam to be distributed to all and then received Aarthi. Two students moved up to Him and thanked Him for the wonderful opportunity, also praying that He forgive any mistakes that might have crept in. Swami blessed them and then moving to the car, retired for the day.

Om Sai Ram