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Thursday, Apr 25 2024
ONAM
Meaning of Onam:
Onam simply means wearing new clothes. The 'Vastra'
not only means cloth but also means heart. Therefore,
the significance of wearing new clothes (Vastra) is
that one should make the heart new by getting rid of
all bad thoughts and feelings.
Purpose:
Onam is the sacred day when the Lord as Vamana Avatar
conferred liberation on Emperor Bali. Before leaving
for the nether-world, Bali gave a promise to his people
whom he loved. He said he would come back to them every
year on Onam Day and bless them. Onam is celebrated
as the day of advent of Vamana and Bali. It marks the
beginning of a new life. That is why it is celebrated
by wearing new clothes and resolving to lead a new life.
How is the festival celebrated:
Celebrations at Prasanthi Nilayam in 1999
Like previous years, the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization,
Kerala, organized the Onam festival at Prasanthi Nilayam
with great devotional fervor. The celebrations started
on the 22nd of August and ended on the 25th of August,
the day of Onam. The entire Mandir was aesthetically
decorated and wore a festive look.
The festivities began with various artistes performing
on stage. Every evening at 6pm, students of Balvikas
would render invocation prayers in the Divine Presence
of Swami.At the end of the fourth day of celebrations,
Swami went up on stage and blessed the artistes who
performed for the celebrations. With offer of Arathi
to Bhagavan, the four-day-onam celebrations came to
a close.
Jai Sai Ram
Bro Dinesh
Young Adult
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