The Significance of the Sadhu Vaswani Annual Rath Yatra in Pune
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The annual Sadhu Vaswani Rath Yatra is held in Pune to celebrate Saint Sadhu Vaswani’s 145th birthday.
Pune’s streets resonated once more with sacred chants and calls to observe Meatless Day on November 25.
PUNE: Sadhu Vaswani Mission held its 58th Annual Rath Yatra on 23rd November in Pune to mark the 145th birth anniversary of saint Sadhu Vaswani.
A tradition since 1966, it drew participants from around the world walking for ahimsa & animal rights.
The procession began at 5 PM from Sadhu Vaswani Mission and went through the streets in Pune Camp and ended by 8 PM back at the Mission.
The highlight of the yatra was the rath, a custom-made, spaceship-like vehicle featuring a lifelike statue of Sadhu Vaswani and a standee of Dada J.P. Vaswani. The rath was taken through the streets, covering a 5-kilometer stretch through Pune Camp. The streets came alive with devotion and purpose as Didi Krishna Kumari, Head of Sadhu Vaswani Mission, led the yatra and distributed prasad to the participants and passersby.
The procession included floats showcasing various messages of compassion and floats with singers singing bhajans and kirtans. Hundreds of people walked and chanted along in the yatra.
Two halts were made at Pudumjee Compound and Kohinoor Hotel. Recorded talk of Dada J.P. Vaswani was played to inspire the gathering. Speaking at the halts, Didi Krishna emphasized Sadhu Vaswani’s message of love and compassion for all beings and urged people to observe Meatless Day on 25th November. She also stated that a vegetarian diet is the best option for natural health and healing.
One of the participants, Bina from Mauritius said, “It was a soulful journey that spiritually uplifted me. It’s an out-of-the-world experience.”
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