The ‘Rath Yatra’, in honour of Sadhu Vaswani’s 130th birthday, left the Sadhu Vaswani Mission at around 5:00 pm on 23rd November. This is an annual pilgrim-procession since 1966, providing an opportunity for the denizens of Pune to pay homage to a great soul, Sadhu Vaswani, and for all of them and their homes to receive his benedictions.
The procession weaved its way around the Sadhu Vaswani Chowk, Poona Club, Quarter Gate, Pudumjee Compound, M. G. Road and back to Sadhu Vaswani Mission. The last two areas were short halts, where there was an audio-visual presentation on Sadhu Vaswani and where Dada J. P. Vaswani addressed the eager crowds for some minutes.
At various spots the ‘Rath Yatra’ was greeted with joyful buntings, banners, twinkling lights and small altars prepared with pictures of Sadhu Vaswani, paying homage to this great saint.
The procession comprised of several beautifully decorated floats from religious groups like Brahmakumaris, ISKCON, heads of Buddhists, Muslim communities and Christians. Floats of ‘Varkaris’ (singers of Marathi songs), three groups of youngsters playing the drums and performing ‘Lazim’, and hordes of devotees singing bhajans and kirtan of ‘Dada Shyam’ added grandeur to the procession.
Nevertheless, the crowning glory of the procession was the specially constructed ‘Ratha’ or chariot by the world-renowned Mr. Dilip Chabbria, better known as D.C. It was designed like a space-ship, representing the cyber-age and space-age. It appeared as though it was a vehicle that had descended from the heavens and the heavenly body ensconced in it, was a life-like statue of Sadhu Vaswani. It’s sleek and modern lines and lights, lovingly enveloped in its folds, the Eternal. The driver was seated in what appeared to be a cock-pit. It was a vehicle that is the first and only one of its kind in the world! The unveiling of the Rath also saw the presence of luminaries like the Additional Director General of Police, Shri S.P. S. Yadav.
At the first stop, Dada encapsulated his Master’s teachings in two words – “Become Atmawaan” i.e. rich in the wealth of the Spirit, which is possible by detachment and service. At the second stop, Dada encouraged everyone to become compassionate, not only towards our fellow-beings but also towards the birds and animals.
The spiritually charged participants returned to Sadhu Vaswani Mission at 9:00 pm and proceeded to the Sacred Samadhi, where with love and reverence they thanked and worshipped the Master.
