The 9-day Navaratri 2020 festival will end on October 25, when Dussehra or Vijayadashmi will be celebrated. This festive day is a celebration of good over evil. In addition to the regional differences in Vijayadashmi celebrations in India, there are also important occasions in Shirdi, Maharashtra. Vijayadashmi marks the day of Sai Baba Punyatithi and it is observed every year in much veneration of Shirdi Sai Baba.
It is said that Sai Baba, the spiritual master took his last breath on October 15, 1918, which coincided with the Vijayadashmi celebration that year. Since then, every year, this festive day sees an elaborate event at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple.
Vijayadashmi day is venerated as a holy observance of beloved Gurudeva (Saibaba) attained Mahasamadhi (also known as Punyatithi) and is an important festival for Shirdi.
Beginning on October 24, this festival was celebrated for three days. Usually, thousands of devotees gather in the temple to worship Sai Baba and become part of Maha prasad. There was also a huge procession on the first day. We provide you with a complete schedule of Sai Baba Punyatithi in 2020.
Sai Baba Punyatithi 2020: Date and Schedule
October 24: First Day
A Kakad Aarti begins at 4:30 AM this morning, followed with a procession of Portrait and Pothi of Sai Baba. Akhand Parayan of Sri Sai Satcharitra follows. In the evening, there is a keertan programme along with few artists programme around 7.30 PM. At night 9.15 PM, there is a Sai Baba palanquin procession.
October 25: Main Day
The day starts with daily Kakad Aarti. At 9 AM, there is a Bhiksha Zoli programme, where devotees bring in donations to Sai Baba. A day before names of the devotees participating in the Bhiksha are taken by lottery. The day also sees keertan programme and mid-day aarti. At night 9.15 PM, a chariot procession of Saibaba is taken through the village.
October 26: Concluding Day
On concluding day, you will see Holy bath of Sri Sai Baba early in the morning. 6 AM is the Padyapuja. At 6.45 is a Rudrabhishek in Gurusthan Mandir. During the day, there are keertan programmes with evening Aartis and artist’s programme.
The three days see detailed programmes and aartis throughout the day. Along with the regular aartis, there are various events for the devotees which include keertans. It is a holy atmosphere all around.
Due to the closure of the temple this time, not everyone can visit and participate in the celebration.
