Loving Sai Ram and Greetings from Prasanthi Nilayam. As part of Bhagawan’s 97th Birthday celebrations, which traditionally begin today, the Rathotsavam or the Chariot Festival was observed this morning along with the Sri Sathya Sai Sathyanarayana Vratam puja. Continuing this Prasanthi tradition started by Bhagawan many decades ago, the chariot was beautifully decorated at Pata Mandiram, and ritualistic prayers were offered and brought towards the Prasanthi Nilayam Gopuram. Sri Venu Gopalaswamy's idol was later installed on the chariot and taken out in a grand procession, that was led by brightly dressed children, the Vedam group, folk dancers and bhajan singers. Earlier, in the Sai Kulwant Hall, around 2000 devotees from across the world had gathered to take part in the sacred Sri Sathya Sai Sathyanarayana Vratam puja. Please find the glimpses of the event below.