Sathya Sai Baba followers have started celebrations to usher in the birth centenary of the spiritual leader whose ashram in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, is a site of pilgrimage for millions of seekers.
The cornerstone of the celebrations, 'Sri Sathya Sai Prema Pravahini', or Rath Yatras, have begun from different parts of the country. As part of the celebrations, devotees in Mumbai will celebrate youth empowerment with 'Sri Sathya Sai National Cricket League - West Zone Zonal Matches' which will be held between June 6 and 8 at RCF Ground, Chembur and MCGM Ground, Thakur Village, Kandivali.
Dharmakshetra in Mumbai |
The cricket league is one of the key initiatives of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations - India to commemorate 100 years of the divine advent of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, said members of the organisation's media team in Mumbai. Teams from Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan will compete in the west zone matches in the city The national finals will be held in August at the Hill View Stadium, Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi, revered by Sathya Sai Baba's followers as his holy abode.\"What began as a vision to unite youth through sport has grown into the largest cricket tournament in history, with 850+ teams and over 11,000 players participating across the country," a team member said.
Sathya Sai Baba, who lived between November 23, 1926 and April 24, 2011, was a spiritual beacon and philanthropist who attracted a vast number of followers, including politicians, film stars, and businessmen. Puttaparthi, an obscure village where he was born, is now home to world-class hospitals, educational institutions, and an airport.
His followers consider him as an avatar whose incarnation was to remind everyone that we are all divine, inseparable from God. The Sathya Sai Prema Pravahinis making their way across the country are carrying the message of divine love and unity to every corner of our nation, said a devotee. Bhagawan affectionately referred to us as 'Prema Swarupalara' or 'Divyatma Swarupalara', the devotee added.
In the coming months, one of the Rath Yatras will reach Mumbai where the organisation has a centre at Dharmakshetra, Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri East.
