Sathya Sai Baba devotees mark the first anniversary of his death

Tens of thousands of devotees have arrived in Puttaparthi to join the three day memorial to mark the one year anniversary of the death of revered Sri Sathya Sai Baba, who died on April 24, 2011.

Elaborate arrangements have been made by the Sri Sathya Central Trust to celebrate the life and times of the guru who attracted devotees from around the world. Between 30,000 and 40,000 devotees will gather at the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram to mark the Maha Samadhi, necessitating heavy security arrangements. The Times of India lists several special events to mark the day which include distributing food to lepers and children's charitable missions. The day will conclude with devotees participating in singing sarva dhrama bhajans. According to the Daily Bhaskar speculation has been running high that a new idol of Sai Baba may be installed in front of the Sai Kulwanth Hall, but trust members are said to be divided over the issue. The Sri Sathya Central Trust will announce a new water project to mark Sai Baba's death. Devotees have had a year to accept that their prayers for the resurrection of Sai Baba did not result in the miracle many hoped for, typified by the words of one devotee who said "Baba will return. He will come back to his mortal body."