The Special All Souls’ Day Havan and Satsang at Sivananda Ghat on Friday, 1 May 2026, was attended by hundreds of devotees, well-wishers, donors and members of the public, especially persons who lost loved ones recently. The programme commenced at 2pm with Ganga Arati, followed by Havan and Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised melodious Kirtans, Bhajans, messages by Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda, and an address by the guest speaker, Pundit Kanayalal Jinabhai of the Saptah Mandir in Reservoir Hills.
In his message, Sri Swami Sivananda advised on the importance of prayer and Kirtan for the departed. He said, “Prayer and Kirtan, good thoughts or good wishes become very helpful to departed souls. They can be of invaluable assistance to the dead. Prayer acts on the principle of a radio station and broadcasts the waves of good thoughts just as the radio station broadcasts waves of sound.
“Prayer or Kirtan is a mighty force which helps departed souls in their progress towards heaven, and their quiet passage through the intermediate state.
“Departed souls remain in a state of unconsciousness or swoon immediately after death. They cannot feel that they are detached from their previous gross material bodies. Prayers, Kirtan and good thoughts from relatives and friends can give real solace to the departed souls. They create a potent vibration and awakening in their stupefied condition of mind, and restore their consciousness that has been veiled. They then begin to realise that they are not really in their gross material bodies”.
The origin of All Souls’ Day is captured in Sivananda’s Gospel of Divine Life. The Master said, "From now onward the first of every month will be observed at the Ashram as 'All Souls' Day'. We should offer special prayer for the peace of all departed souls. In this modernised, materialistic world, Dharma has long ago been lost. Many religions have come into being in India itself that vehemently condemn the practice of ancestor-worship, Tarpana and Shraddha. The departed souls are in great grief. They naturally look to us to help them. We must do this”. This is evident when an aspirant mentioned that a spiritualist who visited the Ashram recently, had contacted several departed souls, who declared that they were eternally grateful to the Master for his Kirtans and prayers for their peace. They said that they had received great benefit through his mercy.
In respect of the programme for the All-Souls’ Day at the Master’s Ashram, the Master explained that in the morning there should be consecrated food-offerings for the departed souls and special worship in the temple. Poor-feeding and feeding of the Sadhus would be done as well. In the evening there would be a special Ganga worship, when lights will be floated in the Ganga in the names of the departed souls, with special illumination in the temple.
Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s inaugural message on the official opening of Sivananda Ghat on 5 June 2005, paid tribute to our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, whose inspiration saw the realisation of this unique facility. Pujya Swamiji said, “Sivananda Ghat, next to the Clare Estate Umgeni Hindu Crematorium in Durban is the highlight of the activities of Divine Life Society of South Africa. This spiritual and educational centre is a fitting tribute to the Divine Master, His Holiness, Sri Swami Sivananda, because he himself founded the Divine Life movement in South Africa”. His message also paid tribute to donors and well-wishers, and alluded to the Society’s charitable work. Divine Life Society of South Africa has also given financial assistance to more than 40 Hindu temples, Ashrams and spiritual institutions in South Africa, and about 20 overseas, mainly in India.
The guest speaker, Pundit Kanayalal Jinabhai traced the close association of the Society and Saptah Mandir over the past 60 years. Pujya Swamiji’s inspiration, guidance and advice on the construction of the Mandir, and his role in its official opening in 2005 were deeply appreciated. Punditji paid glowing tributes to Pujya Swamiji and the illustrious work of the Society. Pujya Swamiji was a patron of Saptah Mandir. Saptah Mandir had regular Satsangs at our Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. He also alluded to the importance of meditation and prayer, singing of Kirtans and Bhajans and the repetition of Ram-Nam as tools for spiritual growth. He said that Sivananda Ghat plays a significant role in giving the departed a dignified departure from the physical world. He also said that devotees of Saptah Mandir are beneficiaries of Swami Sivananda’s divine teachings.
From the numerous accolades from members of the public, appreciation and gratitude, and comments on social media, it is clear that the Special All Souls’ Day Havan and Satsang play an important part in the healing process of bereaved families.
The sacred observance of All Souls’ Day at Sivananda Ghat over the past 21 years, becomes a deeply moving expression of remembrance, gratitude, and spiritual upliftment for departed souls. Rooted in the universal teachings of Sri Swami Sivananda, prayer for the departed is not merely ritual, but an act of love that aids the onward journey of the soul through sincere devotion, selfless service, and collective chanting. This noble vision was faithfully nurtured and expanded in South Africa by Sri Swami Sahajananda, whose vision, compassion and dedication ensure that such prayers became a living tradition accessible to all. Thus, at Sivananda Ghat, the confluence of prayer, remembrance, and Grace continue to offer solace to the living, and spiritual benefit to the departed, affirming the timeless truth that love transcends even death.
May the Divine Mission of Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda live on for decades, if not for posterity, in South Africa and across the world.
