Durban to celebrate Sri Sathya Sai Baba's 100th birthday with grand events
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Image: Supplied
As South Africa gears up to commemorate a remarkable milestone in spirituality and humanity, thousands are expected to gather in Durban from November 26 to 30 for the centennial birthday celebrations of the revered Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
Organised by the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council of South Africa, the events will take place at People's Park east outer field.
The events are part of the global celebrations, in honour of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, who was born on November 23, 1926.
The week-long celebrations will kick off with a devotional programme scheduled from November 26 to 28, running daily from 8 am to 12:30 pm. Participants will immerse themselves in spiritual practices that honour the teachings and values espoused by Sai Baba, who is celebrated for his lifelong commitment to promoting peace, love, and service to humanity.
An afternoon of devotional music, performance by the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, a drama production by the children and young adults of the organisation has been planned for November 29 from 12 to 7.45pm.
To culminate the celebrations a 4.2km human values walk and float procession celebrating Sai Baba's message of peace, truth, love, right conduct and non-violence will take place from People's Park and along the beachfront on November 30 from 7.30am to 1.30pm.
Glodean Brijlal, coordinator of the events, said they have invited people of different faiths to be part of the celebrations.
"The walk aims to create awareness of the five basic human values of truth, right conduct, peace, love and non-violence. They are the fundamental principles by which human beings should live their lives in order to promote harmonious living, unity and brotherhood, which go beyond the boundaries of race, religion, caste and nationality.
"Our beautiful city of Durban is a melting pot of diverse cultures and faiths, which provides an ideal platform to become exemplars of the spirit of Ubuntu and live the national motto of “Diverse Peoples Unite”," said Brijlal.
Reuben Naidoo, national council president, said they were extending an invitation for all to join in the walk to demonstrate their commitment to a unified nation glued together by the religion of love, one that respects each other as the children of God and shows gratitude for the natural environment that is their treasure trove.
"This programme is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to unite in celebrating our oneness as a nation in a spirit of Ubuntu.
"This year the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council of South Africa is celebrating the 100th birth advent of Divinity in the Sri Sathya Sai Baba form. We celebrate His reestablishment of the Vedic teachings which inspire man to live the language of the heart and practice the religion of love," said Naidoo.
Free meals will be provided on all days.