Dada does Rath Yatra despite rains: First conducts satsang, then short Rath Yatra thru the streets
Despite rains, Dada JP Vaswani first conducted satsang in Mission hall, then along with crowd – took a small Rath Yatra, when the rain stopped. From Mission to Sadhu Vaswani Chowk, thru Poona Club, (straight from Hotel Blue Nile Signal) – Nucleus Mall – and back to Sadhu Vaswani Mission
Plans changed, but the message remained the same – the message of unity and peace. Satsang with fervor and devotion, along with a surprised small Yatra marked the unique nature of Pune’s annual Rath Yatra.
In commemoration with the 136th birth anniversary of Sadhu Vaswani, the founder of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, the annual Rath Yatra took place Monday, November 23, 2015 at 5pm. Just as the Rath Yatra was to commence, the rains of mercy came pouring down. Attendees ran to seek coverage as there was a heavy downpour. Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswani, Spiritual Head of Sadhu Vaswani Mission, felt that we should not fight nature, but accept the Will of God. So, it was decided to hold the Rath Yatra satsang within the hall in the Mission Campus. There was a lot of enthusiasm and excitement among the crowd as they gathered in the hall.
With faith intact, all attendees joyfully clapped along to the dynamic kirtans and bhajans. Ms. Anjali Vaswani from New Jersey, USA commented, “The rain has no negative effect on our spirits. In fact, it seems like the skies are blessing us. I am still so thankful to be part of this experience.”
Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were Ms. Medha Kulkarni, MLA and Ms. Sabina Sanghvi, Head of 94.3 Radio One FM. The Pune Municipal Corporation and ISCON group felicitated Rev. Dada as he entered the hall.
Rev. Dada addressed the overflowing hall saying, “The true fun of life comes when you sing the Holy name of God. And you can sing the Holy name of God when devotion arises within your heart.”
As the rain stopped, the announcement was made to take a small Yatra to Sadhu Vaswani Chowk – Council Hall (right from signal) – Poona Club (straight from Hotel Blue Nile Signal) – Nucleus Mall – and back to Sadhu Vaswani Mission. Everyone happily joined the Yatra.
The Rath, a representation of Peace, resembles a space-ship like craft. Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswani sat on this Chariot of Peace, which carried a life-like statue of Sadhu Vaswani. Ms. Vanshika Milani, a young college student, said, “Walking with Dada is like walking with God. We are blessed to have a chance to walk with Dada.”
Mr. Sagar Dodeja, a college student said, “The Rath Yatra is a very positive experience. The first thing I observed is that during this walk everyone is united. Everyone is one.” At 8pm sharp, the Rath landed back at the Sacred Samadhi where a concluding prayer was performed.
