With the divine blessings of Shirdi Sai Baba, the 12th anniversary of World Shirdi Sai Baba
Organisation and the Shirdi Sai Baba Palkhi procession was celebrated on 18th June 2023 by the entire
community of Baba’s devotees with great fanfare and fervour.
The entire temple was decorated with beautiful flowers and many other embellishments, enhancing
the beauty of the place.
The event commenced with Baba’s Abhishekam, The 108 Sai Baba’s Namavali and Shirdi Sai Baba’s
Aarti.
The tradition of the ‘Palkhi’ or ‘Palki’ procession of Shirdi Sai Baba holds a very special place in the heart of Baba’s devotees. It has its roots in Shirdi when Sai Baba used to live there. In Shirdi, it starts from
Samadhi Mandir, an eternal abode of Baba, proceeds to Dwarkamai and then to Chavadi. From Chavadi
it returns to Samadhi Mandir. Shirdi Sai Palkhi procession held here was no less.
Sai Palkhi was exquisitely decorated. Adorned in all golden, it was a treat to the eyes of every devotee.
Shirdi Sai Baba’s holy idol was seated in the centre of the Palkhi, in front of which there was a magnetic
divine picture of Baba. Sai Palkhi was followed by hundreds of devotees from different walks of life,
with their families and friends.
Devotees filled with great zeal had gathered in large numbers. The procession began from East Ham temple, London to Forest Gate.
Streets were filled with melodious beats drawing plentiful people towards the processions adding
many folds to the charismaƟc view. People were spoƩed everywhere absorbing and capturing the
auspicious positive vibes. During the early hours of the Sai Palkhi procession day, many volunteers came together to decorate the street with colourful buntings which enthralled the hearts of every person
who passed by.
The number Nine is considered auspicious for Sai Baba. Shirdi Sai Baba took Maha Samadhi on October
15th 1918. Before leaving his physical body, He called out to Laxmi Mai who had all her life served
Baba. Taking out the nine coins from his Kafni, Baba handed them to Laxmi Mai. Telling her soŌly,
“Keep these nine coins with you. There are nine qualities required to win one’s God, Goddess & Guru.”
These nine coins were Baba’s last prasad to the world.
Thus, the main spotlight of the procession was Nine bearers, one umbrella bearer and eight flag
bearers. No other occasion would have been appropriate to launch the Annual Sai Magazine, “Sai Times 2023”.
The magazine was successfully launched and distributed amongst all the devotees there.
Cultural performances by versatile men and women from all over the state were the main aƩracƟons
that included Garba, Krishna Leela, and Bhajans.
A noble act of distribuƟon of the holy book, which we all refer to as Sri Sai Satcharitra was made by
the temple.
Another highlight of the day was Maha-Prasadam which was served during the Sai Palkhi Procession. It was
not only scrumpƟous but well-presented to everyone. The food team rustled up and made an offering
of 36 food items to all the devotees and those who supported the procession, including local police
officers.
It is worth menƟoning here that the enƟre fesƟval took place in the presence of the most powerful,
kind, compassionate, loving and “The Omnipresent” Shirdi Sai Baba who even showed his presence
through his Leela. The weather forecast for that day predicted rain, however, with Baba’s grace the sun
kept shining upon all the devotees throughout the Sai Palkhi Procession.
When the Sai Palkhi procession was completed, Baba showered his blessings upon all devotees in the form of
a drizzle. Despite the promenade, all devotees were filled with unmatched enthusiasm, tremendous
love and faith towards Shirdi Sai Baba. ThereaŌer everyone took Baba’s darshan, Abhishekam was
performed followed by Aarthi and Prasadam.
We take great pride in our volunteers for their willingness to give their valuable Ɵme and service to
the temple which is greatly appreciated. Their persistent support allowed us to continue to fulfil our
mission and serve every devotee during the 9-day fesƟve period.
We would also like to extend our deepest graƟtude to all the sponsors and well-wishers for their
indispensable contribution.
Blissful Sai Palkhi Yatra 2023
