As we celebrate the auspicious occasion of Deepavali and the Gujarati New Year, let us draw inspiration from the sacred lands of Dwarkadhish and Somnath. Our Sai Rama, like Lord Rama of Ayodhya, loves to test us—but never without granting the grace and strength to overcome those tests. The difficulties we face are not obstacles; they are the furnace in which our spirits are refined, allowing us to shine more brilliantly, just as gold, or Bangaru, shines brightest after the fire.
The evening proceedings began with breathtaking formations by the agile boys from Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Niketan School, Navsari, who performed the traditional folk tribal Dangi dance with remarkable flexibility and precision.
This was followed by a mesmerising musical dance-drama by the Bal Vikas children and Sai Youth from Ahmedabad: ‘Deepavali – A Tale of Rama’s Lamp Keeper’.
The story of Panchshikha, the devoted Brahmana, demonstrated the power of unwavering faith. Left waiting for fourteen years during Lord Rama’s exile, he held fast to the Lord’s command, seeing his vigil as a sacred tapas. His single lamp burned through countless winters, a symbol of love and devotion that did not waver even when the world questioned him.
When Rama returned, Panchshikha feared his devotion had been in vain. But the Lord saw the flame in his heart: “Where love abides, even shards bloom.” Rama honoured Panchshikha’s devotion, lighting a lamp for him, teaching that true illumination comes from the heart. This Deepavali, let us light our inner lamp of faith, however small, and trust that Sai Rama’s grace will multiply it beyond measure.
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