Divine Life Society of South Africa celebrated the 18th Anniversary of Sivananda Ghat (a safe and dignified facility for the disposal of cremated ashes of all race groups, and facilities for the performance of Shraddha and Tarpana rituals), and the 74th Anniversary of the Society.

Divine Life Society of South Africa observed the auspicious Ganga Dussehra on Tuesday, 30 May 2023 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a video and a reading from the book, Mother Ganga by Sri Swami Sivananda.

Swami Sivananda says the following about Ganga Dussehra, "Taking Her course into the interior of the Himalayas, Ganga was about to wash away Rishi Janhnu's Ashram. Sage Jahnu was naturally more powerful than Her and simply sipped the water. Bhagiratha was much disappointed. He did severe penance again to please Rishi Jahnu. At last, the sage let Ganga through his ears. Flowing from this outlet, Ganga flowed with entire modesty, and all-embracing filial love and motherly affection. By Her Divine Grace, She uplifted all the sixty thousand princes to the highest abode of immortal bliss. This day is celebrated as the most sanctifying Ganga Dussehra".

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Sri Swami Sivananda's 99th Sannyas Anniversary was observed on 1 June 2023 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. There was a morning Sadhana programme from 6am until 6.25am, when devotees gathered for a short Sadhana programme, followed by circumambulation of Sahaja Kutir and a visit to Sivananda Sahajananda Diamond Jubilee Centre. There was Akhanda Chanting of the Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram Om Mantra throughout the day from 5.00am to 5.00pm. Satsang commenced with Ganga Arati at 5.30pm.
The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a reading based on N. Ananthanarayanan's book, From Man to Godman, Pujya Swami Sahajananda's audio message and a multi-media presentation by our youth boys.

In the inspiring reading, we learnt of the Master's longing to tread the spiritual path, his burning dispassion for the world and his yearning for God. The real aim of human existence was made apparent to the Divine Master in Malaya (now Malaysia) after reading the book, Jiva-Brahma Aikya Vedenta Rahasyam, given to him by Swami Satchidananda. The Master now developed an ardent desire to tread the spiritual path and unlock the realms of immortality.