The 99th birthday of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Sri Sathya Sai Hostel for Senior Boys. The festivities commenced with a countdown broadcast 100 days prior to the birthday, generating excitement among students and devotees alike. The hostel maintenance team decorated the premises with LED lights and other festive adornments, creating a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere befitting the occasion. In preparation for the celebrations, the kitchen team dedicated considerable effort to baking a special birthday cake that symbolized Swami’s journey to his 99th year. The cake served as a centerpiece for the event, embodying both joy and reverence. Concurrently, the Card Room department crafted a variety of thoughtfully designed greeting cards, which were later blessed at Swami’s Sannidhi. These cards, made over several days by the students, added a personal and heartfelt dimension to the celebrations.

The cultural program featured a series of musical performances honoring Swami. The Institute brass band, Rhythmic Energy, performed a specially composed birthday song along with an original instrumental piece by devotee Sri Tomo Hira. The vibrant yet respectful music was well received by the audience. Following this, the Prasanthi Mandir Bhajan group, accompanied by hostel students, led a devotional session filled with soul-stirring bhajans, which enhanced the spiritual ambiance of the event. On the morning of the birthday, the Nadaswaram and Panchavadyam ensembles performed traditional South Indian music using nadaswaram and thavil instruments as part of the Swarna Ratholsava Yatra. The intricate rhythms and melodies were appreciated by devotees, adding to the sense of divine celebration.

A special highlight of the day was the release of the birthday edition of Sai Chandana, a magazine published by the Sai Publications department. This edition featured 99 carefully selected articles and sketches contributed by hostel students, showcasing their creative talents and deep respect for Swami. Additionally, students actively participated in distributing birthday prasadam to thousands of devotees who had gathered from around the world to join the celebrations. This act of service embodied Swami’s teachings on selfless love and devotion. The collective efforts of the students and staff in organizing the grand celebration reflected their profound reverence for Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, making his 99th birthday a memorable and sacred occasion for all involved.