CBS Office
25 Feb 2024
22ND VASANT UTSAV CELEBRATION AT SAI KA AANGAN, GURGAON
The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Sai Ka Aangan, located in Gurugram, Haryana, celebrated its 22nd Vasant Utsav with great enthusiasm on February 25, 2024, with the support of the CBS Cultural Foundation. Organized on a grand scale, this event witnessed the esteemed presence of renowned spiritual thinker and philanthropist, revered Guruji Dr. CB Satpathy, who graced the occasion as the chief guest, enhancing the splendor of the Vasant Utsav. Many Sai devotees from both within the country and abroad also participated in this event.
The auspicious beginning of the program was marked by Guruji Dr. C B Satapathy lighting the ceremonial lamp. The courtyard echoed with performances by child artists, who recited prayers to Goddess Saraswati, Lord Shri Ganesh and also performed Guru Vandana through music and dance.
Given its significance in the history of the Sai Ka Aangan, the organizers, volunteers, and participants spared no effort in making every aspect of the festival of Vasant Utsav, magnificent and contributed tirelessly. The temple premises were adorned primarily with the color yellow, symbolizing spring. This year, the cultural heritage of Odisha was the main attraction with the presentation of four major dance performances depicting various aspects of spiritual philosophy through the renowned Chhau dance of Mayurbhanj, Odisha. The dance presentations showcased various facets of Guru Tatva, described in Guru Bhagwat through classical dance. Additionally, the valor of Abhimanyu as depicted in the Mahabharata and the divine love of Shri Radha and Lord Krishna were beautifully portrayed through Chhau dance. The dance sequences in Rook Maar Nritya illustrated warfare techniques used during battles.
In this program of the Vasant Utsav, the festive atmosphere was further elevated by the melodious renditions of renowned singers, including the well-known vocalist from Odisha, Antara Chakraborty, and Shri Vijay Mehrotra from Uttar Pradesh, who filled the environment with their soulful renditions of Sai bhajans, delighting everyone present. At the end of the program, revered Dr. Satpathy Ji addressed the devotees with his invaluable words and said that Maa Saraswati, the Goddess of pure knowledge, is worshipped during Vasant Utsav. All Sadgurus also impart shuddh vidya. Dr. Satpathy Ji shared that as per the Surya Siddhanta depicted in the ancient astronomical shastras, the phase during which the earth had come to rest after thousand years of turmoil and cacophony, is called the Saraswati Kalpa. It was then that natural music emerged from the centre of the earth. That is why music finds an important place in Vasant Utsav. Shri Sai Baba also encouraged music and art in Shirdi during His lifetime. Great Saints like Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa also said that when music and literature are given prominence, purity and sweetness of thought are nurtured. That is why even mantras are musical. Dr. Satpathy Ji acknowledged the contribution of all artists and volunteers who contributed directly or indirectly towards the programme. He applauded the Chhau team for their resilience acquired during rigorous training sessions and concluded his address by saying that one should have a positive outlook under all circumstances and overlook imperfections of a system in order to make a smooth progress.
Thereafter, the Chief Guest, Dr Satpathy encouraged and honored the participants. Ms. Kumkum Bhatia, the Managing Trustee of the Sai Prakash Spiritual and Charitable Trust, expressed gratitude at the end of the program. The program was conducted by Mrs. Jyotsna Rai.
The presence of a large number of local devotees made the event a grand success. The program was broadcasted live on the internet, due to which, the devotees from all across the world also had the opportunity to witness the cultural festivities of the Vasant Utsav, which mesmerised everyone with the musical and dance performances.
The program concluded with the distribution of Langar Prasad, where devotees savored various delicious dishes from Odisha.