December 25, 2006

Holy Christmas dawned with the overseas devotees assembling in the Sai Kulwant Hall and singing carols till around 6.20 am when the Nagarsankirtan concluded. Bhagawan arrived at 8.45 am, resplendent in a white robe. After His darshan round in the car, He came onstage and the students' presentations got underway at 9 o'clock. First were the young Primary School boys with violins, playing popular Christmas tunes. As they played "Jingle Bells", many tiny Santa Clauses came up to Swami, throwing toffees for all the children. Next was the Institute boys' band with a fifteen minute Christmas selection. Carols and other Christmas songs by the students followed. Just before ten o'clock, the songs concluded and Swami asked for Bhajans to be sung as prasadam was distributed to all. Swami went into the interview room and emerged after ten minutes, walking down the verandah and cutting the Christmas cakes arrayed there. Then He continued to walk down to the stage, then came down to where the students were seated, walking all the way up to the ladies' side. Then He sat in His chair and went on a full darshan round in the chair, thrilling all the devotees. He returned to the Verandah, accepted Arati and left for His residence in the car at nearly eleven o'clock.

December 24, 2006

Two days back, the Karnataka state cricket team had come for Bhagawan's darshan, led by their coach Venkatesh Prasad. Swami walked amidst them down the upper verandah after His evening darshan round, and later had a photo session with them onstage just as the five o'clock Bhajans began. Yesterday, the Union Railways Minister Sri Laloo Prasad Yadav had an audience with Swami.

This evening, the choir programme by overseas devotees heralded in the Christmas spirit. The Sai Kulwant Hall was "decked with boughs of holly" and other seasonal decorations. The front pillars had green cloth coverings over the lotus decorations. Children standing on either side of the path welcomed Swami as He came into the Hall just before four in the evening. After His darshan round, He came onstage and the programme began with the children's choir. They sang traditional Yuletide songs like "We wish you a Merry Christmas" along with Sai songs like "Sa re ga", ending their half-hour programme with "Jingle Bells". The grown-ups then took over and began their soulful forty minute programme. Bhagawan enjoyed their presentation, which included songs like "Almighty God", "You are my Shepherd", "Jesus be with us", "Soham Sai Om" and "Turn your eyes upon Swami", accompanied by violins, guitars, keyboards and a trumpet. Blessing all with His Abhayahasta, Swami went into the interview room after the programme, and Bhajans by the students began in the Bhajan Hall as prasadam was distributed. Swami returned to the stage after ten minutes and Blessed the two lady conductors of the two choirs with sarees. Then He accepted Arati waved by the two conductors and retired for the day at 5.30 pm.