October 19, 2009 – Gujarat New Year Programme in the
Divine Presence
As mentioned on the update on October 17, devotees from the state of Gujarat
had arrived to Puttaparthi in large numbers to celebrate the beginning of their
New Year with Swami. Their programme had not yet been confirmed and so the hall
had no backdrops. But a huge welcome board, constituted with myriad colours of
flowers, proclaimed, “Happy Gujarati New Year”. Interesting rangolis or designs
with coloured powder had been laid on the marbled steps that lead to the stage.
They were delicate and beautiful.
The Veda chanting concluded at 5:00 p.m. and then the bhajans began. It was in
middle of the bhajans at 5:25 p.m. that Swami arrived. He was welcomed by
children holding lamps on either sides of the path. The children were dressed
in various costumes.
Swami moved across the ladies from the state and then across the gents too.
Along the way, He blessed various items that the children held out. In the
gents’ side, He enquired into the progress of the University buildings at
Muddenahalli and saw through the pictures too.
The birthday boys' region was populated by students of Gujarati origin who took
the opportunity to seek His blessings and Grace on their special day. It was
the same in the Primary school block too. Swami was on stage listening to
bhajans by 5:45 p.m. After a few bhajans, Swami called the State president of
Gujarat and asked him what programmes were in store. He permitted the musical
to be performed and within minutes, an area in the centre had been cleared and
the music programme began.
Before the performance began, all the artists came forward to offer their
obeisance to Him. He blessed all of them patiently and profusely. The first
part of the programme was a piece on the santoor by Sri Shyamkumar Bhonsle. Ah!
What a pleasing quality of sound the santoor produces; like the dancing flow of
a gurgling brook! The difference was that the artist seemed to take everyone on
a journey of the river in the reverse direction! Beginning with a gentle flow
like the meandering river before it meets the sea, the tempo and gusto was
built up to a crescendo like the rushing rivulet on the mountain tops.
His ten minute piece was followed by a Jaltarang recital by Sri Hemant Bhosle.
Now this too had 'water' all about it as the musical notes emanated from
porcelain bowls filled with water to different levels. Ten minutes later, the
music was complete and Swami asked, "Where is the drama?" Needless to say, the
backdrops were rushed into position and all the blocks cleared for the ensuing
performance.
The drama turned out to be the third this month to be based on Adi Sankara! As
it is said, "When it rains, it pours!" The drama had the Bhaja Govindam forming
its backbone and was embellished with Swami's Chinna Kathas. The episode from
Shirdi Baba's life where Baba teaches Tatya the inevitability of death and the
story of the fisherman who teaches a businessman the true meaning of happiness
and relaxation were well enacted.
The verses from the Bhaja Govindam interspersed the drama with the saint
Shankara himself singing it out and reminding everyone of the lofty goals in
life. They concluded with the song Manasa Bhajore Guru Charanam and the
dialogue, "Let us all get ready to go to Swami." Even as they said this, it
appeared as though Swami got ready to go to them!
Swami moved immediately to the interview room and brought T shirts and safari
pieces. Arriving back to the stage, Swami moved down to grant the children an
opportunity of a group photograph.
On His way, He asked almost everyone of them their names. Most of them answered
but some of them seemed so awed by His presence that all they mustered was a
deep look into His eyes. Swami then moved up the stage and blessed everyone.
Aarthi was done and Swami retired at 7:15 p.m.
With love and light
