Divine Life Society of South Africa celebrated Sri Swami Sivananda’s 139th Birth Anniversary and the culmination of the 41-Day Recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa on Sunday, 6 September 2026 at Sivananda International Cultural Centre, La Mercy. The day’s programme commenced at 6am with the final recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa 11 times, followed by a sacred Havan. After Ganga Arati and breakfast, a grand march past of all branches and Prayer Groups of the Society was held on the Sivananda Stadium. Satsang was from 9.45am until 12 noon.

Hundreds of visitors, devotees, donors and well-wishers braved the rain and attended the sacred final recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa and Havan at 6am in the Prayer Hall. Both our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda had the greatest reverence for Sri Hanuman. Sri Swami Sivananda said, “The world has not yet seen and will not see in future also a mighty hero like Sri Hanuman. During His life he worked wonders and exhibited superhuman feats of strength and valour. He has left behind Him a Name which, as long as the world lasts, will continue wielding a great influence over the minds of millions of people…He who meditates on Him and repeats His Name, attains power, strength, glory, prosperity and success in life. He is worshipped in all parts of India, particularly in Maharashtra…He had the power to assume any form He liked; to swell His body to an enormous extent and to reduce it to the length of a thumb. His strength was superhuman. He was the terror of Rakshasas. He was well versed in the four Vedas and other sacred books. His valour, wisdom, knowledge of the scriptures and superhuman strength attracted everybody who came near Him. He had extraordinary skill in warfare… When Sri Rama ascended to His supreme abode, Sri Hanuman also wished to follow Him. But the Lord asked Him to remain in this world as His representative and attend all the assemblies of men where discourses on His deeds were held and heard, and help His devotees in cultivating devotion”.

The march past, comprising about 700 devotees from across KwaZulu-Natal, marched in unison on the Sivananda Stadium. They were led by a most beautiful float with Spiritual Darlings (children) dressed as deities, thereon. It was a sight to behold. To the chants and singing of Marching Kirtans, the deeply spiritual atmosphere was a fitting tribute to Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda for the bountiful gifts bestowed upon us, devotees, and on South Africa.

The Satsang programme comprised melodious Kirtans and Bhajans, a presentation by the Sivananda Technical High School, an address by the guest-of-honour, the most magnificent Sivananda Gymnastic Drill Displays, a Kathak dance and readings and messages. 

In the reading, “Take Refuge in God” from Sivananda’s Gospel of Divine Life, Sri Swami Sivananda extolled the benefits of prayer. In response to a devotee’s despondency because of his child’s illness, the Master said, “You are the all-pervading Atma. There is neither disease nor sorrow in the Atma…Detach yourself from the body and mind. Then alone you will be happy. Close your eyes. Meditate. Go to the divine source. Tap the peace there. It will flow incessantly. Drink the nectar of immortality…Never entertain the idea that you are a sinner. Roar: Sivoham, Sivoham – I am Shiva. I am Shiva. Sin is only a mistake committed during the course of evolution. The struggling soul has to commit mistakes. Just as a child learns to walk by falling down several times, so also a neophyte on the spiritual path has to fall sometimes. Sin is a relative term. The Atma is beyond virtue and sin. Virtue and sin are mental creations only. Get into the state that is beyond the pairs of opposites. Remain always in a positive state”. 

Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message was a direct address to the Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda in the first person. He said that the Absolute took the form of Sri Swami Sivananda and that the Master is a manifestation of the Supreme Being. He recounted the Master’s early life and childlike manner, his love for sweets, his boyhood antics, his love for God, and that “He was a born Siddha”.  Of the Master, he said, “Love was born in your heart”. He emphasised the Master’s compassionate nature, his sharing of his food with beggars and his strong desire to serve. Pujya Swamiji said that Sri Gurudev was active, bold, intelligent, and would get up at 3am and do his exercises. Although he was a high-class Brahmin, he garlanded his fencing instructor, a low-caste person. The Master only saw God everywhere and in all, had a photographic brain, and demonstrated his Yogic powers in later days. Whatever Sri Gurudev did, he did to perfection, and that “Perfection was your name”. This deep and profound eulogy of the Master, is indicative of Pujya Swamiji’s unconditional loyalty, respect and love for the Master.

The unique, inspiring and most beautiful Sivananda Gymnastic Drill Display, which was conceptualised and introduced by Pujya Swami Sahajananda in 1997, instils Bhakti in the participants and the viewers alike. The drill is performed to the melodious and soothing Ram Bhajans, “Ram Siyapati Ram” and “Bhajale Ram”, selected by Pujya Swami Sahajananda for the drill. The movements were also choreographed and directed by our beloved Pujya Swamiji. The participants derive multiple benefits, namely improved focus and concentration, discipline, physical fitness, team-spirit, ability to follow a single command, ability to work harmoniously with others in a group, and the wonderful opportunity to make a beautiful offering of love to our Divine Master on his Birth Anniversary. Our youth girls also performed an excellent individual drill item, dedicated to Sri Hanuman on the culmination of the 41-Day Recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa. Both drill items were professional, artistic and meticulously practised. 

The Sivananda Technical High School learners made a brilliant offering, glorifying Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda.  The learners said that the Society built their school and defined the vision of the school to a great extent. They emphasised the Society’s contribution to education, service of the community and its social and poverty alleviation work. One of the ex-learners was awarded a bursary by the Society and has excelled in his studies and career.

A beautiful, impressive and vibrant Kathak dance by Rivathi Laldeo, director and teacher of the Nidhivan Dance Academy, had the congregation in awe. Her dance depicting the past-times of Lord Krishna was splendid, indeed. The beauty of her dexterous performance, her professionalism, Bhakti and dance skills were evident when she performed in heavy rain. A wonderful offering indeed!

The guest-of-honour, the Consul General of India in Durban, the Honourable Niteen Subash Yeola, paid great tribute to Pujya Swamiji and the Society for its spiritual, religious and humanitarian work. He was deeply appreciative of the role played by the Society in promoting Hinduism in the country and upholding Hindu values, education and being engaged in charitable work. He also focused on India’s progressive impact on science and technology, Ayurveda, the importance of Yoga, the Society’s printing presses, the importance of books and their role in education, both secular and non-secular. He recognised the participation of our youth in the programme, inspired the youth to explore their roles in science, technology and business, and invited all to use the scholarships and initiatives of the Government of India through the office of the Consul General of India to promote youth development and growth, as well as the Society’s aims and objectives. 

The 139th Birth Anniversary of Sri Swami Sivananda and the culmination of the 41-Day Sri Hanuman Chalisa Recital were far more than a celebration—it was a magnificent expression of Bhakti, Seva, discipline and unity. In the rain, hundreds gathered in devotion, reaffirming the timeless ideals embodied by Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda. The vibrant march past, inspiring drill displays, devotional music, youth participation and tributes reflected a living spiritual legacy that continues to inspire generations. As the Master taught, “Tap the peace there. It will flow incessantly”.  

May Sri Swami Sivananda’s divine message, strengthened by Pujya Swamiji’s selfless-service for decades, continue to awaken hearts, unite humanity and illuminate the path of Divine Life for generations to come. The future of Divine Life Society of South Africa is indisputably bright, and augurs well for all, both present and future generations.