All festivals observed by Bharatiyas have a marvelous inner meaning. But men in general view them in terms of external observances and celebrate them with feasts and frolic. These festivals were really intended to be used for the exclusive worship of the Divine, enjoy the bliss of that devotion and overcome pain and sorrow. These holy days were instituted for the purpose of getting rid of ignorance and cultivating right knowledge, the higher wisdom and cosmic consciousness.

- Baba

Sanathana Sarathi, May 1989
From Digest II - A collection of Sri Sathya Sai Baba's sayings