Region 1 (London South East & South West)

On 22nd February, around 50 devotees gathered at Merton Sai Centre for the Region 1 Office Bearers & Active Workers Conference and Centenary Pilgrimage sadhana meeting, a day dedicated to spiritual reflection, service, and planning for the year ahead.

The morning began with the sadhana meeting, focussing on the upcoming pilgrimage to Prasanthi Nilayam. Devotees explored what the pilgrimage would entail, heard inspiring experiences from those who had previously visited in 2023 and the 2024 Global Young Adults Conference, and reflected on their own sadhana (spiritual practice) leading up to this sacred journey.

Following Maha prashadam, the Regional Office Bearers Conference) took place in the afternoon. The session included updates from all Region 1 Wings, outlining their achievements, goals and commitments in this special Centenary Year of Swami, along with a recap of the National Office Bearers’ Conference, allowing attendees to connect with the broader vision for the organisation across the UK.

Overall, the event was a day of deep spiritual inspiration, reflection, and goals to be met collectively.

On Sunday 16th February, Merton Sai Centre held a graduation ceremony for their class of 2023/24 Group 4 Bal Vikas students. They had completed their Group 4 classes (formerly known as LOTUSS) over a two-year course exploring Swami’s Summer Showers in Brindavan 1990 in depth. The graduation ceremony was made even more memorable by the performance of a blissful set of bhajans by former students.

On 22nd February, Tooting Sai Centre served 90 hot meals alongside 71 bags of fruit and water to the homeless in central London.

In weeks 4, 5 and 6 of their Winter Night Shelter service project, Merton Sai Centre continued its efforts to support those experiencing homelessness in the London Borough of Merton. As part of this 7-week initiative, volunteers prepared, cooked, and served several varieties of hot dishes. Through this offering of warm food, the service team remained dedicated to providing nourishment to those in need.

On the sacred morning of Maha Shivaratri, Merton Sai Centre devotees gathered at Sai Mandir for the Ekadasha Rudram chanting, offering prayers to Lord Shiva through the powerful recitation of the Rudram, 11 times. The Lingam used for the Rudrabhishekam was materialised by Swami.

Region 1 observed the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri on 26th-27th February at the Sai Mandir in Wimbledon, with an all-night offering of soulful bhajans and Rudram chanting in devotion to Lord Shiva. The celebrations commenced at 6pm, as devotees from various centres and groups came together, filling the mandir with divine vibrations through melodious bhajans and the powerful recitation of Sri Rudram. The event culminated at 6am, leaving devotees uplifted and inspired by the sacred atmosphere of continuous remembrance of Lord Shiva.

With the grace of Swami, the devotees of Wimbledon Sai Centre celebrated Maha Shivaratri on Sunday 2nd March. This also marked the beginning of their initiative to chant 108 Sai Gayatris, which will be recited a total of nine times (monthly) in the lead-up to Swami’s 100th birthday.

Region 2 (London North West and nearby Home Counties)

Heston Sai Centre devotees lovingly contributed 62kg of food provisions to the Bhakti Yoga Institute as part of their February service.

Region 2 devotees came together on Sunday 23rd February to plant 400 plants and 150 bulbs at Headstone Manor Park.

With our dear Swami's grace, this February half term, the Region 2 Bal Vikas (SSE) team took part in the Digital Detox Challenge, as a Ceiling on Desires activity. We received positive feedback from our Bal Vikas team of children, parents and gurus, a selection of which follows:

“A screen-free day with family - I felt calm and refreshed. My mum also joined me in the digital detox challenge and we both appreciated the break from the screens and the moments that truly matter.” – Radhika Sharma, age 12, Harrow West Sai Centre.

“I had to have a positive mind, which can sometimes be difficult. I have learnt that you must have discipline. Also, I practised ceiling on desires and will buy an Easter Egg for the homeless with the money I saved from not using electricity.” – Arjun Tank, age 9, Harrow East Sai Centre.

“I believe a day without my phone was beneficial for me. It felt like I had a lot of time to do chores around the house. I thought I would be bored, but I was busy the whole day doing things like homework and chores. When I completed my tasks, I felt I had accomplished such a lot.” - Shivani Patel, age 11, Slough Sai Centre

“Most needed activity, it’s an important step in self-discipline; it may seem simple, but difficult to implement and yet very effective.” - Bal Vikas parent.

“I personally tried it and it felt nice not being near devices and responding to messages immediately. So, it helped to pace my day the way I liked it to be, rather than reacting to messages when they needed attention. It was a good experience, one that should be followed by all ages and groups.” - Viji Ganesh, Bal Vikas Guru, Slough Sai Centre

On Saturday 22nd February, devotees from Region 2 gathered for the Regional Office Bearers and Active Workers conference, where the Regional team presented a recap of 2024's activities and pledges to our beloved Swami for His Centenary year.

Thereafter, the programme switched to the Regional sadhana meeting in preparation for the Centenary Zonal Pilgrimage to Prasanthi Nilayam. Sister Priya Kotecha shared her inspiring experience of a previous pilgrimage, during which time Swami showered her with His grace. The meeting was interspersed with Gayatri Mantra chanting and melodious bhajans. There was much excitement about visiting Puttaparthi, and no doubt the meeting will have inspired others to register.

Brother Ganesh, Sister Viji and family, from Slough Sai Centre, hosted home bhajans on Sunday 16th February. Around 40 people attended. Maha prashadam was offered afterwards.

Region 2 celebrated the auspicious Maha Shivaratri festival on Wednesday 26th February. With Swami’s divine blessings and grace, there was excellent attendance throughout the programme’s 2.5-hour duration. The programme started with the chanting of powerful Vedic mantras, including Rudram (Namakam and Chamakam), followed by melodious Stotrams chanting the glory of Lord Shiva including Lingashtakam and Bilvashtakam. These were followed by melodious, spiritually uplifting bhajans. Members from all wings contributed tirelessly towards the success of this event, leaving the devotees with a fulfilling and thrilling experience as they left the venue fully charged spiritually. This was all possible with the blessings of our divine master Sai Shiva, who blessed the congregation during the vote of thanks at the end by dropping a flower from the photo of Lord Shiva, showcasing that He is always present where His glory is being sung.

On Sunday 3rd March, Harrow West Sai Centre devotees celebrated Maha Shivaratri. The event featured a powerful Shiva pooja, led by a revered priest from the Shiva temple. This was enriched by the participation of Harrow West chanters, who joined the priest in reciting the full Rudram and other sacred mantras. Devotees also sang the Stotram, creating a spiritually uplifting experience. As the evening unfolded, melodious bhajans resonated through the gathering, followed by an inspiring presentation from the Service Wing, where the Young Adults played a significant role in sharing their experiences and insights. A special highlight of the celebration was the blessing of Triveni Sangam, water from the Maha Kumbh, which was sprinkled on all the devotees present. This rare and sacred opportunity was made possible only by the boundless grace of our beloved Sai Shiva.

Southall Sai Centre continued their monthly Hounslow Foodbox donation with a contribution of 30kg of food.

The Region 2 knitting team, along with other devotees, have lovingly knitted 36 baby packs (blanket, cardigan and hat), 16 knitted toys, 29 large hats, 11 medium hats, 23 small hats, 2 dungarees and 2 blankets. These items will be given to babies as part of the Nepal Medical Camp in March.

On 15th February, the Region 2 media team hosted a PA training workshop, equipping approximately 15 devotees with essential audio skills. Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of how sound travels through a system: from the microphone to the mixer and finally to the speakers. The workshop highlighted the importance of clear audio in Sai centres and provided theoretical as well as hands-on training in operating both analogue and digital mixing consoles to achieve optimal sound quality.

Slough Sai Centre held their Maha Shivaratri celebrations on Sunday 2nd March. All the devotees had the opportunity to perform Abhishekam to the Shiva Lingam. Our Bal Vikas (SSE) children joined in the Vedam chanting. The Shiva bhajans were very vibrant and devotees felt the positive vibrations. Prashadam was provided to all 70-odd people who attended.

Region 3 (London North, East & Central and nearby Home Counties)

Chelmsford Sai Centre celebrated Maha Shivaratri on 2nd March at Chelmsford Sri Srinivasan Perumal Temple. The programme included Rudram chanting, Abhiskeham, Shiva stotrams, bhajans and Maha prashadam. The bhajan was attended by 70 devotees and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Chelmsford Sai Centre continued their weekly volunteering at the Sanctus Homeless Shelter feeding where they cooked over 200 warm meals.

The Young Adults of Mill Hill Sai Centre held a satsang on 8th February on the topic, “Unity of Thought, Word and Deed.” With Swami’s grace, 17 Young Adults attended. As Swami reminded us, true unity is not just about being together physically but aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with sincerity and purpose. When what we think, say, and do are in harmony, we cultivate inner peace and create a positive impact on those around us. This unity is the foundation of a meaningful and fulfilling life. The group had a thought-provoking and engaging discussion, followed by prashadam.

With Swami’s grace, Mill Hill Sai Centre celebrated Maha Shivaratri with a vibrant and energetic programme filled with powerful Namakam & Chamakam chanting, followed by stotrams and melodious bhajans. The programme was attended by 120 devotees and Bal Vikas children, Young Adults and adults participated in the programme. It was wonderful to be reminded of His presence and blessings on all of us.

Region 4 (Midlands)

On Saturday 22nd February, Rugby Sai Centre hosted the Region 4 Office Bearers Conference and Pilgrimage sadhana meeting, welcoming 54 devotees, including Bal Vikas children, active workers and office bearers from the Region. The event provided a valuable platform for spiritual growth, collaboration, and regional updates.

The day began with uplifting devotional singing and prayers, after which our Regional President and Wing Coordinators shared insightful updates, outlining progress and future plans. Participants then engaged in thought-provoking group discussions, addressing key questions to deepen their understanding and strengthen their commitment to the Organisation.

In the afternoon, a dedicated sadhana meeting focused on preparations for the this year's Zonal Pilgrimage, highlighting the importance of disciplined spiritual practice. Inspirational talks from past pilgrims offered heartfelt reflections and practical insights, followed by a Q&A session covering key aspects such as attire, essential items, and devotional activities.

A lovingly prepared meal, courtesy of the Rugby team, added warmth to the gathering. Devotees expressed their joy and inspiration, with many feeling uplifted and encouraged to deepen their spiritual journey. The event concluded with closing devotional singing, leaving attendees with a renewed sense of unity, devotion, and commitment to the message and values of our Lord Sri Sathya Sai and His Organisation.

Rugby Sai Centre celebrated Maha Shivaratri with a session beginning with opening prayers and Vedam chanting. As the sacred Lingashtakam was continuously recited, an Abhishekam was performed for Lord Shiva with offerings of water, milk, and Bilva leaves. The atmosphere was further elevated by soul-stirring Shiva bhajans, filling the space with divine vibrations. A 10-minute video on Lord Shiva provided a reflective moment, deepening our connection with the occasion. The session concluded with aarti offered to Swami, followed by the distribution of prashadam.

On Tuesday 25th February, Nottingham Sai Group celebrated Maha Shivaratri with about 20 devotees in attendance. The programme started with opening prayers to Lord Shiva and recitation of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra during the Linga Abhishekam. Reciting of the Lingashtakam and Sai Shiva Stotram came next, followed by 13 vibrant bhajans sung with love and devotion by the whole congregation. After aarti, the devotees were treated to the delicious prashadam lovingly prepared by the sisters in the group.

On Wednesday 26th February, Nottingham Sai Group held prayers and bhajans at a devotee’s home with about 14 devotees in attendance. The programme started with opening prayers to Lord Shiva including the Bilvashtakam, Shivashtakam, Shiva Chalisa and Rudram - Namakam and Chamakam - followed by vibrant bhajans sung with love and devotion by the whole congregation. The evening concluded with prayers and aarti.

On Sunday 16th February, 60 hot meals were lovingly prepared, cooked and packed by 7 volunteers from Nottingham Sai Group at their own homes, then taken to Nottingham city centre and served there by 5 Group volunteers to the homeless and vulnerable. The recipients were very appreciative and thanked us for the great service rendered to them.

We had an absolutely wonderful Maha Shivaratri celebration with the Leicester Sai Centres! The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with energy, and during the Abhishekam, it felt as though every prayer resonated through the very air around us. The space was alive with the chanting of Rudram, bhajans, and the powerful beats of the dhols as we welcomed our beloved Sai Shiva into our hearts. It was truly heartwarming to see nearly 300 devotees come together throughout the evening. As always, the prashadam served was absolutely delightful!

The target is 47 litres of blood from 100 people, in 261 days. No, this is not a new true crime documentary. This is the Region 4 seva initiative: Liquid Love for the Centenary celebrations! It was brilliantly summed up on Thursday 6th March by one of our speakers Brother Zainesh at Narborough Road Sai Centre. One person giving blood can save up to 3 people. But it is not about saving people; it is about giving something priceless to someone you will never see or meet! That is selfless service! So… will you join us? Save blood. Donate today.

Region 5 (North England and Northern Ireland)

Maha Shivaratri was celebrated with prayers and vibrant bhajans across Region 5 on Wednesday 26th February. Events were held in Manchester, Bradford, Leeds and Newcastle with devotees feeling spiritually charged and uplifted. Above are a selection of photos from the events.

On Saturday 8th March, approximately 30 devotees (aged 7 to 75) from across Region 5 participated in a tree planting initiative facilitated by Bradford Sai Centre. The sun was shining over Hayhills Farm in Yorkshire, whilst devotees planted 3,650 trees. Many thanks to the Woodland Trust for providing this opportunity.

Region 6 (South & South East England)

On the auspicious occasion of Vasant Panchami, a house bhajan was conducted by Farnborough Sai Centre at Brother Manish Gurung’s home on 2nd February. The programme started with Vedam chanting and 108 names of Swami, followed by beautiful Devi bhajans and aarti. Lovely prashadam was served after the bhajan. 25 people attended.

On 22nd February, Region 6 held an Ekadasha Rudram Abhishekam at the Shiva Cultural and Community Centre in Aldershot. Ekadasha Rudram occurs when eleven recitations of Sri Rudram are collectively chanted by 11 Rudram chanters, culminating in the powerful Chamakam prayer. As part of the observance, Abhishekam was performed on the Shiva Lingam with offerings of milk, honey, yogurt, ghee, vibhuti, and sacred water, symbolising purification and devotion. The event concluded with a heartfelt offering of prashadam. Around 50 devotees attended.

The Region 6 combined Office Bearers and Active Workers Conference and Zonal Pilgrimage sadhana meeting was held at Hale Community Hall, Farnham. The programme began with presentations by the Region 6 coordinators, outlining their roles, activities, and plans for 2025. After a networking lunch, the focus shifted to the national pilgrimage, where devotees shared their experiences of visiting Puttaparthi from 2010 to the present. The session also included a discussion on pilgrimage planning, with valuable input from the national team.

On 26th February, Maha Shivaratri bhajans were held by Farnborough Sai Centre. The event commenced with the full chanting of Sri Rudram, accompanied by the offering of bilva leaves and milk to Lord Shiva. This was followed by the Bilvashtakam, Lingashtakam, and Shiva Stotram, chanted by the Young Adults, filling the atmosphere with divine vibrations. The evening continued with two hours of soulful bhajans, uplifting the hearts of all gathered, followed by aarti. Approximately 45 devotees attended.

On 28th February, 42.2kg of food and non-food items were collected and delivered by Farnborough Sai Centre to the local Trussell Trust food bank.

On 15th February, a Maha Shivaratri home bhajan was beautifully hosted by Brother Jalesh and Sister Parvathi for Rochester Sai Centre. The evening was filled with soulful bhajans and sacred Vedam chanting, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. The event was attended by 17 adults in person and 4 adults virtually, allowing more devotees to partake in the divine vibrations. The gathering concluded with delicious prashadam.

On 26th February, Rochester Sai Centre gathered for the chanting of Rudram, Bilvashtakam, Lingashtakam, Ashtothram, and bhajans, along with a Panchamrita Lingabhishekam offered to our beloved Sai Shiva. A heartfelt thank you to Aunty Nikki and her mother, Dr Parthasarathy, for their enlightening discourse on the significance of Maha Shivaratri, the inner meaning of Shiva Tattva, the 11 Anuvakas of Namakam, and the importance of discipline for a spiritual seeker. Their words deeply inspired both adults and little children alike. The event was attended by 14 adults in person and 7 adults virtually, making it a truly inclusive and spiritually uplifting celebration.

On 21st February, Rochester Sai Centre donated food items worth £156.25 to the Medway Trussell Trust food bank. We also received a thank-you certificate from the food bank for last year's donations.

For this 100th year of Swami's pure love, as a small token of gratitude from Rochester Sai Centre, Sai families are reading Sri Satya Narayana Katha at least 100 times. So far, we have been able to read it 31 times.

On Sunday 2nd February, Basingstoke Sai Group joyfully marked Saraswati Pooja with a soulful bhajan session and an insightful talk by Brother Krishna Rai. The event was attended by 14 devotees.

On Wednesday 26th February, Maha Shivaratri was joyously celebrated by Basingstoke Sai Group, in collaboration with the Basingstoke Hindu Society. The event commenced with bhajans, Shiva Chalisa, and Lingashtakam chanting, filling the atmosphere with divine vibrations. A beautifully decorated Mandap with a Murti was arranged, thanks to the kind efforts of Manju Trivedi. Devotees also brought prashadam, which was offered to Lord Shiva with love and devotion. Around 50-60 devotees attended.

On 26th February, the Maha Shivaratri event at Tunbridge Wells Sai Group brought together around 200 devotees in a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. The evening began with Vedic chanting, setting a sacred tone for the celebrations. A pooja for Shiva Lingam followed, accompanied by the chanting of Shiva shlokas like Lingashtakam, Bilva Ashtakam, and Shivashtakam. Devotees also had the opportunity to perform Abhishekam, a ritual bath for the Lingam, symbolising purification and surrender. The evening continued with soulful Shiva bhajans, filling the air with devotion and divine vibrations, concluding with aarti, followed by the distribution of Maha prashadam. The event also provided an opportunity to introduce Bal Vikas and other spiritual activities to the community.

Region 7 (West & South West England and Wales)

Devotees from Cheltenham Sai Group donated 34kgs of food and toiletries to Cheltenham Open Door.

On Sunday 9th February, Bath Sai Centre took part in the Mayor of Bath's annual multifaith gathering in the regal surroundings of the Guildhall in Bath. The theme for this year was "Bath, a home for everyone." There were presentations from Bahai, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim representatives, culminating with a presentation on Bhagawan's teachings on the common goal of all faiths and the goal of human life: to transcend the body and the mind to realise our oneness with God. The members of Bath Sai Centre then joined in the Sai Human Values song, "We are children of a feeling world". The presentations were followed by a panel discussion with representatives from each of the participating groups which brought out the unity underlying their respective teachings. The proceedings finished with further informal discussions over a vegetarian buffet.

On Friday 20th February, devotees from Swindon Sai Centre prepared and served 33 portions of piping hot chickpea curry, rice and mini chocolate rolls alongside Swindon Caring Hearts, serving those in need on a cold Friday night.

Bath Sai Centre delivered rice and curries to Julian House, to feed 30 people in need of a hot meal.

Region 7 Maha Shivaratri celebrations took place in Swindon this year, with many devotees travelling from across the South West to join Lingashtakam pooja and bhajans. Swami’s divine presence was felt by all devotees.

Region 8 (Scotland)

Aberdeen Sai Centre had an eventful month. On 26th February, devotees joined in the Maha Shivaratri celebrations at the Aberdeen Hindu Temple and led the bhajans and Vedam chanting. The Centre also hosted a special birthday celebration on 22nd February for Brother Gopaul, a founding member of the Aberdeen Sai Centre, which included cake-cutting and bhajans.

Edinburgh Sai Centre also celebrated Maha Shivaratri on 26th February, with bhajans and Vedam chanting. Around 25 devotees attended.

Glasgow Sai Centre continued their weekly Sunday service activity, with various devotees helping at the local ‘Wayside’ soup kitchen. The centre also celebrated Maha Shivaratri with special evening bhajans on 26th February.