Jaipur: A grand Sai Palki Mahotsav was organized on the occasion of the 20th Foundation Day of Shri Sai Dham located at Bapu Nagar–Moti Park on Sunday. The celebrations began early in the morning with Kakad Aarti and a sacred Havan, followed by devotional programs and a magnificent city procession of Sai Baba seated in a beautifully decorated swing palanquin.
The palanquin procession, accompanied by elephants, horses, camels, and a royal entourage, drew thousands of devotees who joined with great enthusiasm. Sai Baba was adorned with flowers and placed in a floral swing palanquin, while devotees danced and sang bhajans along the route. At several locations across the city, people welcomed the procession with flower showers and performed aarti with traditional lamps.
Local MLA Kalicharan Saraf and former chairman Sanjeev Sharma offered prayers and performed aarti, also ceremonially swinging the idol of Sai Baba. A grand Maha Aarti was conducted with large participation from devotees.
Organizer Shweta Sharma stated that, like every year, the foundation day is being celebrated with immense devotion and grandeur. The entire temple premises were decorated with flowers, and in the evening the city tour of Sai Baba in the swing palanquin was carried out with band music and devotional chants. The procession moved through various routes of Bapu Nagar before returning to the Sai Temple, where the Shej Aarti was performed at 10 PM.
Earlier in the day, Sai Baba’s ceremonial bath (Mangal Snan) was followed by Kakad Aarti and a collective havan in which devotees offered oblations. A devotional musical evening (Bhajan Sandhya) was also organized. Several community members including Sanjay Mama, Kamal Sharma, Anil Agarwal, Vishnu, Ajay, Shaitan, Ujjwal, and Krishna were present during the celebrations.
Paduka Pujan and Medical Camp Announced
Shweta Sharma further informed that on February 2, coinciding with Basant Panchami, a special Paduka Pujan will be held from 9 AM for two hours. Devotees will offer prayers and present 56 Bhog to Sai Baba. A free medical camp will also be organized where a team of specialist doctors will conduct health check-ups and diagnostic tests at no cost. After the midday aarti, a grand Bhandara Prasadi will be served, with thousands of devotees expected to sit in rows and partake in the community meal. A Sai devotional evening is also scheduled as part of the ongoing festivities.