Diwali used to be a very special event in Prashanti Nilayam. An evening discourse would be followed by a burst of activity as the students would rush to gather on the stupa lawns opposite to the Poornachandra. Then there would be fireworks, the beginning of which would happen with Swami triggering a garland of fireworks through a switch. With the construction of the Yajur mandir, the lawns have almost disappeared. For the past few years, a few children would burst a few firecrackers in Swami’s presence in front of the Residence. This year however, Swami had a lovely surprise for all. Diwali celebrations restarted with a ‘bang’ literally in the Sri Sathya Sai Hill view stadium!
Announcements were made that all devotees assemble at the Vidyagiri stadium instead of the Kulwant hall. Swami would be arriving at the stadium shortly before 6pm. And so, the entire schedule was shifted to the stadium. Veda chanting began at 4:30pm and the bhajans began at 5:30pm. Special stands had been erected in the grounds and the galleries which would be hosting the fireworks. Sharp before 6pm, Swami arrived to the ground and He was accorded a grand welcome by children bearing lamps and lights. At the Shanti Vedika, Swami moved up the stage via the lift and lit the lamp to mark the beginning of the celebrations.
And then started the fireworks that lit up the skies. A cyclone was predicted by the meteorological department but it was evident that it had been cancelled by the HOD of all these departments! There was not a single cloud in the skies and the darkness that seemed to envelope earlier than usual, added to the glory and brightness from the fireworks. The skies were soon lit up and a plethora of flower pots sprayed colourful sparks on the hillside. Adding colour and gaiety to the event were groups of students who danced to the lively tunes of some devotional songs. Commentary was made available in Hindi, English and Telugu and through the words of these student commentators, flowed the meaning of the festival of lights and its inner significance. The stage was filled with VIPs and everyone seemed to be enjoying the light of the fireworks and the warmth of Swami’s hospitality.
The event that took the cake however, was when separate triggers lit up the letters, “85 YEARS OF LOVE” that got boldly emblazoned across the night skies. The sounds of the fireworks were drowned by the applause and joyous cheers that went around the stadium. All the students now gathered in the front in a formation singing out to Swami. “Swami, to live in your love is what our life is all about”, rang out the chorus and at the end of the song, Swami clapped and was so happy. The boys thundered, “We Love you Swami!” Swami was moved as He responded, “I love you all!” This was conveyed to the commentator who announced it over the mikes so that all could drink deeply into this statement of pure love! Students came forward and gave roses as the Aarthi was taken. Blessing everyone along the way, Swami descended the stage and then slowly got into the car. Waving to all, Swami left from the stadium at about 7:50pm.
