Sri Sathya Sai Prempravahini Rath to tour 165 villages in Sikkim to spread message of peace and love

The Sri Sathya Sai Seva Sangathan has embarked on a remarkable centenary celebration in Sikkim, marking the 100th birth anniversary of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. As part of this grand occasion, a sacred chariot, named Sri Sathya Sai Prema Prabhahini Rath symbolizing divine love and peace, is set to travel across 165 villages in the Himalayan state, reaching out to thousands of devotees and spiritual seekers from May 6 to May 30.

Addressing media, the President of Sri Satya Sai Seva Organisation Sikkim Punam Pradhan extended his greetings to the Sai fraternity, religious organizations and spiritual communities across the state. “This is a momentous occasion not just for devotees but for the entire Sikkimese society,” he said. “The divine chariot, though devoid of the physical body of Bhagawan, carries His presence, blessings, and message to every household it visits.”

The centenary celebrations coincide with Sikkim’s own milestone; the state’s 50th year of statehood. As a double celebration, the Sai Seva Sangathan has intensified its community outreach with the chariot campaign, which began from Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh on April 24; the day of Bhagawan’s Mahasamadhi.

The Sri Sathya Sai Prempravahini Rath will officially enter Sikkim through Rangpo on May 6 and journey across key districts including Gangtok, Pakyong, Mangan, Ravangla, Geyzing, Namchi and numerous interior villages like Singtam, Rhenock, Daramdin and Namchi. During this period, village-level congregations will host devotional singing, Vedic chanting, bhajan sessions, and spiritual discourses. Devotees, irrespective of religious or organizational affiliations, are encouraged to participate in the darshan and receive divine blessings.

Importantly, the organizers have clarified that the chariot journey is entirely non-commercial. “There is no provision for collecting donations during the chariot visits. Not even a single rupee will be accepted during the darshan,” said the President. “If anyone wishes to support spiritually or monetarily, they may donate directly to the official trust.”

The chariot, one of five traveling across India, will continue its 500-day yatra through West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya and Manipur before returning to Puttaparthi in 2026. Devotees believe that the journey of the chariot across India is akin to Bhagawan himself visiting each home, in line with His teaching: Love All, Serve All. Help Ever, Hurt Never.

In addition to the spiritual events, the Sikkim Sai Seva team has also undertaken significant social service projects. Women’s wing members in some districts have built homes for the needy, costing Rs 3.5–4 lakh each, using their own resources. In Rangnizhi's Palm Village, predominantly inhabited by the Lepcha community, the Sangathan is executing a major water supply project, including installation of tanks and pumps to resolve long-standing scarcity.

“We have constructed 67 homes across Sikkim under our housing initiatives, and several water projects are ongoing,” informed one volunteer. “This is service to man, which is service to God—our core philosophy.”

With over 1.5 lakh Sai followers across 166 village mandals and seven organizational districts in Sikkim, the presence of the Prema Rath is expected to spiritually energize communities and reinforce faith and unity in the state.

A special program has also been scheduled on May 13 at MG Marg in Gangtok from 8:00 am to 9:30 am, where devotees and the public can witness and welcome the divine chariot with cultural and spiritual performances.

The Sai Seva Sangathan extends its gratitude to the Sikkim government, district administrations and police departments for their support in ensuring the smooth passage and security of the Rath Yatra.

“Let us all come together,” said the President, “to embrace the divine love that knows no bounds and to welcome this spiritual opportunity that has come to our doorsteps.”