The Festival of Gudhi Padwa brings immense joy for many as it is the New Year for millions of Indians. It is the first day of Chaitra month that marks the beginning of the New Year according to Hindu calendar. It has many names such as Samvatsar Padvo, Yugadi (in Karnataka), Ugadi (in Andhra Pradesh), Cheti Chand (by Sindhis), Rongali Bihu (in Assam) and Navreh (by Kashmiri Pandits).

Our Foundation always celebrates this pious day with great zeal and this year’s celebration was no exception. Rather, this was one of the best celebrations. The auspicious day started with Kriya Diksha Havan at our Juhu Centre. ‘Mangalya Pratik Gudhi’ was hoisted by His Holiness Dr. Sadguru Yogiraj Sri Sri Mangeshda. Sadguruji bestowed pious 2nd degree Kriya Diksha to a few lucky kriyabans. And immediately after the kriya Diksha, Sadguruji conducted the Kriya Camp. All the selected disciples were blessed with new Kriya techniques and powerful shabari mantra. Jai ho! Jai Gurudev!!

Everyone was eagerly waiting for the evening Mahasatsang at Mayor's Hall, Andheri, Mumbai.

Param Pujya Sadguruji was received in a traditional way and with enthusiasm. A LEZIM pathak was ready to welcome Him when He arrived at the hall. The atmosphere was full of joy and positive vibrations. People had gathered in traditional and colourful costumes. The mood was very festive and awesome. Sadguruji was welcomed with the traditional Arati. HE performed Guru Pujan and blessed all present with his

The concept this time for GUDHI PADWA celebrations was "EKTA CHS" and showcasing the diverse and rich traditions of India. It was a unique concept. The bhajan mandali was also special this time! The Young Brigade had occupied the stage & enthralled the audience with their performance. Little Shubham, Sudeep, Dayesh, Varun...performed exceedingly well. They presented various bhajans and their lovable voice won hearts of all present. The team was supported by Sandeep, Nivedita and Sanjay. The melodious bhajans were followed by a wonderful skit of EKTA CHS which presented the virtues and various colours of Indian Culture in the form of a story. Some graceful dance performances depicting the dance culture practised in various states of our Bharat Mata covering East, West, North & South. As they say, a picture speaks a thousand words. Kindly have a look at the photos and you will get the idea. The message was clear: Anekata me Ekata. We may be diverse, but the beautiful culture & values of this Country brings us, binds us together. The Art and Cultural Wing of the Foundation put up a great show and it aptly concluded with Revered Sadguruji joining the troupe on the stage with his graceful movements on the stage.

Revered Sadguruji was felicitated by Kriyaban Sharada Sharma & Gajapathy, our Kriyaban from Chennai Centre. There was thunderous applause from the audience. Sadguruji also launched a new DVD of the Foundation featuring NAAD-YOGA a special program which was celebrated on the occasion of International Day of Yoga. Suhas Patil & Rajeev Raval were also invited on stage for the inauguration of the DVD. They have played a pivotal role in bringing out these DVDs. Well done Rajeev & Suhas. One more New Year gift from HIM to all of us.

Then arrived the moment which everyone was waiting for – Param Pujya Sadguruji’s Aashirvachan! In HIS mesmerizing speech, HE talked about the significance of Gudhi Padwa (known by different names in the various parts of India), the importance of positivity & enthusiasm. He explained as to why this festival starts with eating bitter neem leaves. It is for swallowing the bitter experiences, taking it in the stride and move ahead. He shared some of His experiences from the fields of Art and other experiences. He also talked about importance of unity. He narrated as to what is the real meaning of hoisting of Gudhi. Words would not do justice to the divine experience we all felt. However, photos will give some idea.

Sadguruji also appealed to all to be united! HE also connected to various relevant topics prevalent in the society today. As always, the audience felt that His Aashirvachan should go on & on.

Heeraji's lucid “Nivedan” was very apt and she really anchored the evening very well! Sadguruji appreciated the efforts of all the performers. He also applauded the enthusiasm of all the participants. He said wherever there is Energy & Enthusiasm, dullness and darkness can never come.

All in all, a wonderful evening. New Year could not have started on a better note. It was an evening to cherish for a long time. The Mahasatsang concluded with Vote of Thanks by Prakash Irde, Hon Secretary of the Foundation.

Thanks to the untiring efforts of all the volunteers for this beautiful programme. Special mention is must of Rajeev Raval, Chandrakant Baraskar & Archana Mangalore who worked on a beautiful theme & executed it so well. The concept of various dance presentation was amazing. The prasadam was sponsored by Paradkar Family.

Kudos to all involved for making this a grand show. And we all join together & offer our humble gratitude to Sadguru Devata for giving us such lovely moments. Pranams Sadguruji. We all are truly blessed and fortunate.

Jai ho. Jai Gurudev.

As narrated by Kriyaban Shri Hrishikesh Ambaye