Retreat 2026 – Vedam Chanting and Nagarsankirthan Updates
Loving Sairam All. With Swami’s grace and blessings, we will be gathering this weekend for our 51st Mid-Atlantic Region Retreat. Please review the Saturday morning “STEP With SAI” offering with Vedam and Nagarsankirthan, and the Sunday morning Nagarsankirthan offering.
Weather Plan
Weather permitting, the outdoor offerings will proceed as planned. Please follow guidance from the coordinators on-site.
Rain Plan
In case it rains, we will have a short bhajan session in the Devotion Hall after Suprabhatham.
Saturday, May 23 – STEP With SAI Infinity Walk / Procession
A special morning offering with Vedam chanting, Nagarsankirthan, bhajans, Gayathri Mantra, and flag hoisting.
In a letter to teachers and students, Bhagawan wrote, “Sai alone can remove […] difficulties and diseases and bring us health, peace and prosperity. He who has got SAI’s name on his lips is a Jivan-Mukta (one who has attained self-realization while in a human body), because continuous remembrance of SAI eliminates the ego-sense and grants him the realization of his immortal changeless self. Name is a link between the devotee and SAI. It brings the devotee face to face with SAI and enables him to attain the knowledge of his oneness with Him (SAI).”
As a beautiful culmination of the STEP with Sai Sadhana undertaken in the days leading up to the Retreat, all devotees are lovingly encouraged to participate in a collective PEACE offering on Saturday morning at the Retreat.
The procession will begin at 6:20 AM outside the Devotion Hall, led by Swami’s car, followed by the Vedam group, the ladies’ Nagarsankirtan/Bhajan group, and the gents’ Nagarsankirtan/Bhajan group.
Devotees may choose to participate in either the Vedam chanting or the respective Bhajan offering. Each group will walk around the campus along a predetermined route in the shape of the infinity symbol (∞), filling the campsite and beyond with the divine vibrations of Vedam and vibrant Bhajans.
The infinity walk is especially meaningful as we observe the sacred Centenary Year of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Advent. The infinity symbol reminds us of Swami’s eternal love, His timeless message, and the limitless power of collective prayer and sadhana. It also beautifully connects with the infinity theme used in Swami’s Centenary logo, reminding us that His presence, teachings, and grace are boundless and ever-present.
The procession will conclude at Swami’s Room at 7:15 AM, followed by the flag hoisting ceremony.
Please refer to the route map below and remember to dress in layers.
- Vedam chanting will begin in front of the Devotion Hall at 6:20 AM, immediately after Suprabhatham ends inside the hall.
- The Vedam Group will come outside and line up while English Suprabhatham starts, behind the golf cart decorated with Swami’s picture. Chanting will begin as soon as “Om Shanti” is sung inside the Devotion Hall.
- Please note: women will line up on the right-hand side of men, leaving a gap between men and women.
- Devotees inside the Devotion Hall at this time will participate in Nagarsankirthan. The Nagarsankirthan group will follow the Vedam chanting group, maintaining adequate distance.
- The Women’s Nagarsankirthan Group will begin first, followed by the Men’s Nagarsankirthan Group.
- The Vedam Chanting Team will conclude their procession at the entrance of Swami’s Room.
- Once the Women’s Nagarsankirthan Group arrives at Swami’s Room, everyone will follow and participate in the bhajans.
- When the Men’s Nagarsankirthan Group arrives at Swami’s Room, everyone will follow and participate in the men’s bhajans.
- At the conclusion of the bhajans, we will begin chanting the Gayathri Mantra while flag hoisting takes place.
- We will end with Om Shanti three times. Arathi will not be sung at the conclusion of this offering.
- Pre-assigned devotees will help guide the path and assist everyone on where to stand once at Swami’s Room.
Saturday Documents
Includes Saturday Vedam documents and Nagarsankirthan lyrics.
Saturday Procession Route Map
Please review the STEP With SAI route map before the Saturday morning procession.
Sunday, May 24 – Vedam Chanting and Nagarsankirthan
Morning Vedam chanting inside Swami’s Room, followed by outdoor Nagarsankirthan.
- Vedam chanting will begin inside Swami’s Room at 6:00 AM and conclude by 6:45 AM.
- The outdoor Nagarsankirthan will begin outside the Devotion Hall and end outside the Devotion Hall after Suprabhatham is completed inside the Devotion Hall.
- The Women’s Group will begin first, followed by the Men’s Group.
- Both groups will have separate routes. These routes will also be different from Saturday’s path.
- We will end outside the Devotion Hall with Om Shanti three times. Arathi will not be sung at the conclusion of this offering.
Sunday Documents
Includes Sunday Vedam documents and Nagarsankirthan lyrics.
Looking forward to seeing you all at the Retreat.
May Swami bless this offering and guide every step with love, unity, and peace.