In Parthi every event and every festivity is defined with Bhagawan being
the centre-point. 'His Presence' is the big thing and every festivity gets its
due importance only when He makes Himself available for the occasion.
Following the Christmas Eve when the Christmas day dawned the focus of
attention was unto Him and His presence. In the evening there was high
expectation in the air and Sai Kulwant was ready with festive exuberance to
receive the Lord! Apart from the official Christmas 2010 schedule by SSSSO,
Overseas, an Italian Orchestra was also scheduled for the eventful evening.
In the Sai Kulwant Hall, every inch of available space was packed with
devotees. Leading to the schedule, bhajans played soulful tunes clocking to the
"Divine Hour".
At 650 hrs. the Divine Carrier, Toyota Porte AP02N9000 appeared at the
entrance, carrying The Lord clad in yellow. First round of darshan was followed
by another 'bonus' round and the surge of devotees was ecstatic. Many who
missed His 'catchy' glance in the first round ensured one in the second round.
Primary School children were up on their feet, holding aloft their Christmas
Greetings, trying to win Divine attention.
Coming on to the Verandah through the western slope at the gents' side,
Bhagawan, upon alighting, went for a round of upper verandah and was seen
blessing many, tossing Vibhuti packets. Soon Bhagawan blessed an array of
Christmas cakes before coming on to the dais at 1920 hrs.
Evening proceedings began with International Christmas Committee Chairman
John Behner addressing the assembly. Thanking Bhagawan for His bounteous love,
offering Christmas greetings to one and all, Behner introduced the two speakers
for the evening.
The speakers were Kirsten Pruzan, a Danish Journalist and Cass Smith, a
musician and spiritual healer from the US.
Ms. Pruznan spoke gracefully, sharing her personal experience of the
'Divine Pull' that brought her to Parthi for the first time. Elaborating on the
omnipresence shown by Swami at her Danish home, she narrated a wonderful
experience wherein her husband, Prof. Pruznan, was saved by Bhagawan, from
being taken as a hostage after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, while
returning from Parthi.
Cass Smith spoke of His Love quoting Samuel Sandweiss from his famous
book, Sai Baba, The Holy Man and Psychiatrist. A musician by himself, Smith
strummed his guitar to produce three gems of musical pieces, concluding with
the popular song, "I keep feeling your love...". He also narrated a wonderful
experience, that happened at Brindavan, sharing how Bhagawan miraculously cured
him of an 'ear-mishap'.
A "Christmas in Sai Love" was the theme for the concert by a group of
Italians led by Sonja Venturi along with Sergio Vigagni, Evige Fontana, Dalliah
Gutman, Bruno Pratico etc. and a set of musical scorers. As they took over
after receiving Divine Blessings, music flowed with bhajans tuned in western
style echoing the Sai Kulwant Hall.
Beginning with thee Omkars, salutations to Lord Ganesha and Twameva
Matha, Sonja Venturi produced a scintillating Mukunda Murari, styled in west,
to the amusement of Bhagawan and the capacity audience. Audience clapped after
every song as the Italians went on singing for the next fifty minutes. A
beethoven medley, a couple of italian numbers, White Christmas etc. were
followed by a combined song, Happy X Mas as grand finale. The whole programme
was organised by senior Italian devotees Luigi Ferrante and Anna Bruno.
Post the musical session, Bhagawan called the singers and musicians one
after one on stage, showering blessings. A second round of blessing ensued when
the four ladies in the group were again called on stage, one after one, to
receive prasadam from the Divine Hands. A group of tiny tots also came on stage
receiving prasadam from the Divine Hands. In the meanwhile, Prasadam went for
distribution to the audience.
As Bhagawan sat through, one of the ashram photographers went up to
Bhagawan showing Him Christmas decorations in print. Being the Senior Hostel
Anniversary, a group of students from the Senior Hostel also went up to
Bhagawan showing Him images of the 'decorated hostel'.
Mangala Arathi was offered at 2120 hrs. and Bhagawan retired to Yajur
Mandiram at 2130 hrs.
Source :
http://www.sssbpt.org/Pages/Prasanthi_Nilayam/darshanupdateDec2010.html
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