September 25, 2010 – “Syan Sya Aradhana” by Devotees from UP amd
Uttarakhand
Devotees from the twin states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand were in
Puttaparthi in the last week of September to present a programme as part of the
85th Birthday celebrations.
The backdrop was in position and at 5:35 p.m., Swami made His appearance.
Accompanying the Veda chants was the beating of the traditional drums from the
state. Men and women dressed in the traditional attires sat on either stage of
the marbled area which would act as a stage for the programme they had come
prepared with which was - "Syan Sya Aradhana" - a dance drama. Swami moved
through the gents’ side and then as He went through the portico, a conifer
sapling in a pot was brought to the front and placed for worship.
Swami arrived on the stage and kept watching the potted plant for a
while. He gazed around and seeing some capped people with musical instruments,
called and asked the Secretary, “Who are those people with the music
instruments?” “Swami, as part of their programme, they also have live singing
of some songs and so they are seated there,” was the answer. Swami nodded and
then began to browse through the letters.
After about ten minutes, He looked up and suddenly seemed worried that He
had spent too much time and the programme was getting delayed. With a look of
urgency, He asked for the Veda chanting to conclude and blessed the programme
to begin. He called over the State President and told him to commence the
presentation.
This was followed by a group of children in special priestly attire, who
came unto him with a temple structure, a depiction of cultural and spiritual
heritage of the twin states. As the State President went on explaining various
religious centres illustrated, Swami remained keen, listening to and watching
over.
The play was based on the cultural traditions of northern region of
Kumaon Mandal in Uttarakhand. The drama began with a prayer and ritual to Syan
Sya, the Supreme Lord, portrayed in traditional folklore. Many traditional
dances were showcased and stitched together with a conversation between the
people of the land. The episode of how little Sathya stopped the rains which
were threatening to swallow Puttaparthi was also presented.
The highlight however was a harvest dance, the Krishi Nritya, which
featured mainly a farmer with two of his bullocks. The “bullocks” with their
masks and posture elicited laughter from Swami. The farmer too was so desperate
to get his bullocks under control and Swami turned to His side and laughed
along with the students there! The Jodha Dance, a temple dance prayer to Mother
Goddess received rounds of applause from the capacity audience. The finale was
via a resolution by all to follow His teachings as placards conveying those
teachings were displayed.
Once the final formation was made, Swami moved down the stage. He posed
for photographs with the boys and collected letters from a few of them. He also
allowed them to take padanamaskar. Then, He moved over to the girls. They were
only about 7 in number and Swami posed with them too. He asked one little girl
her name and as she responded in a squeaky voice, Swami asked, “What!?
Bhargav?” The other girls responded, “Swami, Bhargavi!” Swami smiled and
patting her on the head moved up the stage. He then had safari pieces and
sarees distributed to all. Seeing the dancers in women’s dress, He asked,
“Shouldn’t they be given sarees?” Those nearby smiled and answered, “Swami they
are boys too!”
Swami told the student by His side to get shirt and pant pieces for the
little boys who were seated in the front in the formation. He also blessed
laddoo prasadam to be distributed to all. At 7:15 p.m. Swami received aarthi.
The boy who offered a rose to him was involved in an animated and intense
discussion with Him. After about 5 minutes, the conversation between the
student and Swami seemed to conclude. Swami blessed everyone and then retired
for the day.
