Photos: Holy Ashadi Ekadashi Festival​ at Prasanthi Nilayam

Prasanthi Nilayam: Prasanthi turned gripped in Maratha festive fervor this morning as twin Indian States of Maharashtra and Goa celebrated Holy Ashadi Ekadashi in the Divine Omnipresence of Bhagawan here in, Prasanthi Nilayam.

Traditional ‘Varkari Sampradaya’ of Maharashtra, wherein lakhs and lakhs of devotees walk on foot to the Holy Abode Of Lord Vitthala at Pandharpur every year in the month of Ashada, had its symbolic replica here this morning, with the grand entry of Sai Vitthala in a special palanquin, to the score of devotional song.

Adding colour to the ‘gaiety galore’, youth from the State danced to the tune of a Maratha devotional number, sharing devotional ecstasy of the grand festive occasion.

State President of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations, Maharashtra & Goa, Sri Ramesh Sawant addressed the devotees speaking of the greater significance of the grant festivity. Referring to some of the popular saintly figures from the State, of the likes of Jnanadev, Namadev, Tukkaram, etc, and the meaning-significance, Sri Sawant also enumerated on the major service activities being done under the auspices of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations.

A music programme by Ms Mugdha Vaishampayan, a budding talent from the State, enthralled the audience for the next one hour, presenting an array of Hindi and Marati songs.

Bhajans continued and the session ended with Mangala Arathi.