Sri Sathya Sai International Organization - USA

On the morning of March 21, 2026, Sai Prema Nilayam in Riverside, CA, welcomed nearly one hundred devotees for a heartfelt celebration of Nowruz, the ancient New Year festival rooted in Zoroastrianism that has grown into a universal observance of renewal, unity, and hope. Though centuries old, Nowruz continues to resonate universally because it invites people of every faith and background to honor the rebirth of nature and the renewal of the human spirit.

The morning program opened with the sacred vibration of Vedam chanting, creating an atmosphere of purity and reverence. This was followed by uplifting bhajans that filled the prayer hall with devotion and warmth. Many attendees felt that Sai’s Grace permeated the hall, lending a sense of peace, unity, and gentle upliftment to the entire morning.

The formal presentations were offered by three Iranian speakers, each bringing a unique perspective on the meaning and beauty of Nowruz. The first speaker opened with a prayer from the Book of Avesta, dating back to the time of Zarathustra, grounding the celebration in its ancient spiritual origins. The second speaker shared her childhood memories of celebrating Nowruz in Iran, painting a vivid picture of family traditions, joyful gatherings, and the sense of hope that accompanies the arrival of spring. The third speaker offered an insightful talk on the deeper significance of Nowruz, guiding the audience through the traditional Seven Divine Knowledge, each represented by a symbolic item on the ceremonial table called the Haft-Seen table.

The Haft-Seen table holds deep cultural and spiritual significance in Persian tradition, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the Iranian New Year, Nowruz. It represents renewal, hope, and the connection between humanity and nature, and a reminder of the significance of tradition in a rapidly changing world.

For the Nowruz celebration at SPN, these symbolic items on the Haft-Seen table included

· Candle — illumination of divine wisdom

· Mirror — clarity, truth, and self-reflection

· Goldfish — the vitality and movement of life

· Crystal — purity and inner transparency

· Sprouts — renewal, growth, and fresh beginnings

· Egg — creation, potential, and new possibilities

· Red colored Water— the human heart, where love unites all virtues

She emphasized that these symbols are not merely cultural traditions but reminders of the qualities that uplift and guide human life. The wine, representing the heart, was highlighted as the element that brings all the others together through the power of love—a message that resonated deeply in the spiritually charged atmosphere.

Following the talks, attendees gathered for prasad. The sense of unity was unmistakable—people from different religions, cultures, and generations came together effortlessly, reflecting the inclusive nature of Nowruz. In this spirit of harmony, Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s timeless words felt especially alive:

“There is only one religion, the religion of Love. There is only one caste, the caste of Humanity. There is only one language, the language of the Heart. There is only one God, and He is omnipresent.”

Many remarked that the harmony and togetherness felt throughout the morning could only be attributed to Swami’s ever-present grace, gently guiding the celebration.

What made the morning especially meaningful was the reminder that Nowruz belongs to everyone. Regardless of one’s faith or background, every person can celebrate the renewal of nature, the cleansing of the heart, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. At Sai Prema Nilayam, this timeless message shone clearly, making the celebration not just an event, but a living expression of harmony, renewal, and divine love.