NESSP Shirdi Sai Temple located in Groton, MA celebrated the Chaitra Navaratri a Nine-Day long festival starting April 5^ththrough April 13^th. Rama Navami is one of the important Hindu Festivals, celebrating the birth of lord Rama to King Dasharatha and Kausalya.

This festival is the most celebrated in Shirdi since 1898 as the devotees regarded this auspicious day as the birthday of Lord Sai who alike Lord Rama, an incarnation. NESSP has been following this tradition of celebrating Ram Navami for several years now. The first day of navaratri “Chaitra Sudha Paadyami” is celebrated as Ugadi (Telugu New year) and Gudi Padwa(Marathi New year). Kalasha sthapana was done on this auspicious day to maintain the auspiciousness and energy throughout the nine days. “Ugadi pachadi” was made by the volunteers to serve to the devotees and later everybody gathered to listen to the “Panchanga Sravanam” (almanac) of the New Year read by the temple priest.

Akhand Ramayan Paath(24hrs) has been conducted on April 5^th through 6^th. This has been possible due to dedicated families coming together to spread Bhakti. The continuous, group chanting of the Shlokas with complete devotion, concentration and dedication enhanced the positive vibrations that are inherent in them. These vibrations persist in us and in the Temple long after the event has ended to effect positive changes in those who read and hear the Shlokas and in those who visit the Temple through the times.

Followed by Sai Abhishek, the reading of holy book Shri Sai Satcharitra was conducted on April 7th where several devotees took part in reading each chapter. The day was concluded with Shri Sai Palkhi procession within the temple premises with huge pomp and splendor. All the devotees were dancing in Joy and Singing the glory of Sai.

On the day 9 April 13th- The celestial wedding of Lord Sita and Ram (Sri Seetha Rama Kalyanam) was performed with comprehensive rituals under the guidance of Priest Sri Sateesh Sharma.
The mandap (Stage) was delightfully decorated with flowers , volunteers prepared sweets and the entire wedding ritual was an eye feast to all the devotees. Many people witnessed and took part in this auspicious celestial wedding.
Bhandara/Maha prasad was served on most of the days of the Navaratri.

NESSP also celebrated the Multi regional new year from different states on April 14^th: Tamil – Puthundu, Bishuva Sankranthi- Odhisa, Poila Boishakh- Bengal , Rangoli -Assam, Vishu-Kerala, Vaishaki-Northi and central India, Maithiki New Year- Mithila.

 Nevertheless, to say about the effort the volunteers including kids, put to gather in making the entire nine-day event successful with the divine blessings of Baba.


Hail Shri Sai…Always rest in our hearts and minds and mentor us towards the right path.

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