The Sai students --alumni of Prasanthi Nilayam and Brindavan-- were ready to escort Sathya Sai Baba from His residence to Sai Kulwant Hall in a procession. Sai Baba arrived just before 10 am in a dazzling white robe seated on a golden chair, granting New Year darshan to the devotees in Sai Kulwant Hall. When He reached the verandah, Bhagawan blessed the cakes there and came onstage to begin the programme.

A band programme with symphonic and vocal accompaniment was followed by songs composed for the occasion by the students. The programme was interspersed with short speeches by alumni, reliving their days with Sai. A bhajan medley formed the score for a short dance programme. Sai Baba blessed the participants and, after prasadam was distributed, accepted arathi at 11.35 am.