CBS Office
24 Nov 2024
An Evening for Shirdi Sai - Sai Satsang at Dubai
For the first time in Dubai, a unique cultural evening dedicated to Shirdi Saibaba was held to celebrate the essence of Shirdi Saibaba, uniting devotees from various backgrounds. The evening was honored by the presence of Dr. Chandra Bhanu Satpathy, a spiritual leader who has led the global Sai movement for more than forty years.
Dr. Satpathy ji was welcomed with a traditional Marathi dance. As the event’s chief guest, Dr. Satpathy Ji imparted deep insights regarding Shirdi's remarkable growth and the significance of Saibaba's divine essence. He began by emphasizing the extraordinary evolution of Shirdi, which transformed from a small village of merely 1,500 residents into a bustling town inhabited by over 60,000 people. Dr. Satpathy Ji pointed out that Shirdi now features a railway station and an airport, welcoming daily visits from 50,000 to 60,000 devotees. Government statistics estimate that around 2 crore individuals visit the sacred town annually. This remarkable growth, as Dr. Satpathy Ji elucidated, is indicative of the lasting and powerful influence of Sai Baba’s spiritual heritage.
Dr. Satpathy shared various insights regarding Shirdi Saibaba, including a few key points:
• Sadgurus differ from Rishis, Munis, and Acharyas. A Sadguru guides the soul on the journey of spiritual advancement, fostering the connection between God and the devotee. Dr. Satpathy Ji mentioned esteemed saints such as Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Shirdi Sai Baba, and Ramana Maharshi as genuine Sadgurus. Their divine essence goes beyond mere miracles and is primarily recognized for their profound compassion and kindness.
• “Miracles occur with Sadgurus,” noted Dr. Satpathy Ji, “yet their greatest legacy lies in their altruistic service to humanity, assisting devotees without any expectation of return."
• Sadgurus are wholeheartedly dedicated to uplifting humanity, consistently prioritizing the welfare of their followers above all else.
• Great saints like Kabir and Guru Nanak transcended religious divides, realizing that divinity exists within every living being. “A true Sadguru possesses the ability to perceive God in every creature,” he stated, further highlighting that contemporary science is affirming the presence of the divine.
The evening featured enchanting cultural performances, with acclaimed playback singer Padma Shri Suresh Wadkar Ji & Smt Padma Wadkar Ji singing beautiful bhajans composed by Dr. Satpathy Ji. Antara Chakraborty from Odisha mesmerized the crowd with her melodious singing, while devotees from various regions of India showcased cultural acts that reflected the gathering's diverse yet unified spirit.
An audience enjoyed a traditional dance presentation by Nishi Singh Ji and her team, centered around the theme of Shri Guru Bhagwat.
A brief play was showcased to illustrate the significance of a Sadguru or perfect master in an individual’s life.
The program culminated with the Palki Procession of Shirdi Saibaba accompanied by traditional Marathi instruments. The event was attended by dignitaries such as the Consul General officials from Dubai, G. Satish Reddy, former scientific advisor to the defense minister, and Rajiv Joshi, a former senior bureaucrat, among many other notable guests.
Devotees from the UAE, as well as from countries like Oman, the USA, and India, participated in this program.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0b8guQKWCK8&t=1s