The first of the many 70th anniversary celebrations of Divine Life Society of South Africa scheduled for this year, was hosted by the Westham, Newlands, Stonebridge and Rydalvale Branches of the Society. This well-organised and inspiring event took place on Sunday, 31 March at the A.M. Moolla Spes Nova School Hall in Phoenix. The Society is encouraged by the large attendance at 8am, with the commencement of the Havan. The Mantras that were so articulately recited by our pundits during Havan signified the following: "O resplendent glory, light of the universe, we light this fire to remove darkness from our midst. Thou dwelleth within our hearts, may we burn out all our sins and vices. Bless us O Lord, with kindness and generosity, knowledge and strength, food and wealth, good children and useful animals. O Almighty Lord, in Thy Name we offer all these ingredients into this sacred fire. O Lord, whatever we have received from Thee—food and wealth, happiness and prestige, are not ours—they are thine. Let not our education, strength and wealth, make us arrogant and conceited, for they are all thine." The 108 sacred Names of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda were recited thereafter. The powerful vibrations that radiated from this ceremony impacted on the large congregation that witnessed this Yagna

Mahasivaratri which means "the great Night of Siva" was observed at all Ashrams and branches of Divine Life Society of S.A on Monday, 4 March 2019. The programme at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills comprised messages from our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, an audio message from Pujya Swami Sahajananda, a DVD by the Master entitled, Wisdom of Sivananda, recorded Bhajans by our Master and Pujya Swamiji, Bhajans & Kirtans by devotees, chanting and offering of bael leaves to the sacred Siva Linga, video & power-point presentations, an audio recording of a play, "Old Drum New Palace" written by Sri Swami Sivananda, dances, readings, sacred Mantras in praise of Lord Siva and classical dances. The programme was further enhanced by the melodious Bhajans and Kirtans, classical dances and musical renditions by the following guest artists: Ketan Parshotam and daughter Jiya, Sri Solly Pillay & Troupe, Sri Manesh Maharaj, Kumari Roanna Moodley, Sri Jay Udith & team and Sivananda Dance Academy. We express our heartfelt gratitude to them for their divine outpourings and professionally executed presentations.
In the reading on the "Glory of Sivaratri" written by our Divine Master, Lord Siva told Parvati, "The hunter was able to enter My abode and ward off death by simple fasting and offering of a few Bilva leaves, however involuntary it might be, because it was the night of Sivaratri. Such is the solemnity and sacredness associated with the night!"