PUNE: Sadhu Vaswani Mission, Pune, observed Guru Purnima on Thursday, July 10, 2025, with a full day of spiritual observances, drawing hundreds of attendees from across the globe. The day was a tribute to the timeless teachings of the Gurus Sadhu Vaswani and Dada Vaswani, whom many regard as their spiritual masters. International Sadhu Vaswani Centres also observed satsangs and special initiatives to venerate the Gurus.

Hundreds had gathered at 6 a.m. for the cleansing of the idols of the Gurus at their Sacred Samadhis. This was followed by 108 havans with 108 Gayatri Mantra recitations. 108 is a number regarded as complete and sacred—ancient seers chose 108 as the sacred count, believing that it aligns man with the Divine. Children as young as 4 took part.

At 11:30 a.m., a satsang was held, featuring bhajans, kirtan, and a message by Didi Krishna Kumari, head of the Mission. She spoke about the eternal presence and protective power of the Guru. She emphasised that while the Guru is always with us, guiding and guarding us, the disciple must walk the path with complete faith and surrender. At 1 p.m., langar was served to all. 

The evening satsang included bhajans and kirtan with recorded teachings of Sadhu Vaswani and Dada Vaswani. 

As part of Guru Purnima observances, the Mission carried out various seva activities. Fruits were distributed in hospitals, ration kits were provided to needy families across Pune, and over 800 children from 4 municipal schools received school essentials such as stationery kits, socks, and handkerchiefs. 

Many regard Sadhu Vaswani and Dada Vaswani as their Guru. “The Guru is ever-giving, ever-forgiving, ever-loving,” said Raju Akali, a senior. “He is with us always—an incarnation of God.”

Neelam, who knew Dada closely, shared, “In a world full of noise and disconnection, just remembering that Dada is my Guru brings instant calm. No healing has touched me like his grace. Standing before his Samadhi fills me with strength and peace.”

Ramprasad, who has served as a security guard at the Mission for 28 years, described Dada as a ‘Digpala’—a divine guardian. “He protected all when he was physically here, and even now, he watches over us all astrally.”

Traditionally observed on the full moon day of Ashadha, Guru Purnima is a spiritual occasion dedicated to honouring the Guru—the one who leads seekers from ignorance to inner illumination.

Sadhu Vaswani Mission carries out free daily feeding of the poor, free education for the needy, disaster-relief activities, and daily animal feeding under the guidance of Didi Krishna, Global Head of Sadhu Vaswani Mission.

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The celebration’s highlight was the annual Modi Khana, a tradition honoring Guru Nanak’s compassionate practices, in which devotees purchase grains that are then distributed to needy families. This year, the Modi Khana raised an impressive sum of Rs 2,18,100

The groceries distributed to each underprivileged family included 1 kg each of sugar, chole, tur dal, matki, rajma, moong, kala chana, sabudana, besan, chavli, and peanuts. I also need clothing items such as a gown, towels, a single bedsheet, napkins, and basic hygiene items such as soaps, toothpaste, and coconut oil.

The Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations, also known as Guru Purab, commenced with morning seva. In the afternoon session, devotees from near and far gathered for soulful bhajans and kirtans, filling the campus with the sacred chants of “Satnaam” and “Waheguru.” In a recorded talk, Dada J.P. Vaswani shared profound insights into Guru Nanak’s life and teachings, emphasizing the values of humility and service that the great Guru embodied.

As the Modi Khana commenced, devotees queued to purchase items from Didi Krishna, who sat as a grocer for the families. Didi then placed the purchased items at the Lotus Feet of Dada J.P. Vaswani and Sadhu Vaswani which were later distributed to the needy families.

“I see Guru Nanak in Sadhu Vaswani, and it is his love that drew me here. The emotions are incredibly hard to put into words,” shared a devotee from Mumbai. Sam, a devotee from South America expressed, “I feel I am in bliss; I am in heaven.”

After the Modi Khana, devotees enjoyed a traditional guru langar, partaking in a fellowship meal together.

In the evening, a recorded discourse by Sadhu Vaswani was broadcast. Didi Krishna also delivered a talk on Guru Nanak’s life and teachings. The sacred day ended with bhajans and kirtans, extending until midnight.

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MUMBAI: Madame Tussauds New York, the world-renowned wax attraction, today revealed the wax sculpture of the eminent “Yoga Guru” Swami (Baba) Ramdev, at an event graced by the presence of the yoga guru himself. The wax figure will be available for fans to meet and interact with at Madame Tussauds New York.

Baba Ramdev, recognized as a new-age youth idol for his inspirational approach to yogic practices, has effectively influenced individuals of all ages, promoting healthy living through Yoga and ancient Ayurvedic treatments. His noteworthy contributions to Ayurveda, Business, and Agriculture have garnered him a dedicated global fan base. The unveiling of his wax figure serves as both a gift to his audience and a tribute to the yogi who continues to inspire millions, reflecting the unwavering faith of his followers in the present and projecting into the future.

Speaking on behalf of Madame Tussauds New York, spokesperson Tiago Mogodouro remarked, “Today, we are delighted to unveil the wax figure of Baba Ramdev. His commitment to society through the promotion of Yoga, introduction of Ayurveda culture, and advocacy for healthy living is truly a gift for us all. This moment is a source of pride for us, having the figure of this charismatic personality displayed in our world-famous, Madame Tussauds New York wax attraction.”

He continued, “The unveiling transcends the immortalization of the yoga guru in a wax figure, it stands as a testament to the profound impact and global reach of his teachings. Baba Ramdev’s figure represents a harmonious blend of spiritual wisdom and health, mirroring the admiration and respect he commands worldwide. We take immense pride in honoring his contribution to yoga and wellness, anticipating that his presence will inspire our visitors to embrace the journey of self-improvement and holistic wellbeing.”

Speaking on the occasion, Yog Rishi, Swami Ramdev said, “Today it is a moment of great honor as my wax figure in ‘Tree Pose – a classic standing posture which establishes strength and balance’ – has been unveiled at Madame Tussauds New York. I consider this as an important recognition of the global influence of Indian culture, especially Yoga and Ayurveda.

This wax figure symbolizes much more than my journey. It represents the ancient and spiritual wisdom of India which is based on the principles of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramaya” which present the ideal of life.

Furthermore, I would like to express my gratitude to Madame Tussauds for this honor and all those who have embraced the teachings of Yoga and Ayurveda. Let us continue to share this Indian heritage with the world, and foster a healthier and more harmonious global community.”

Baba Ramdev, the co-founder of Patanjali Ayurveda Ltd, one of India’s largest and most prestigious Ayurveda businesses, has played a pivotal role in encapsulating the true essence of Ayurveda, blending ancient wisdom with the latest technology. Madame Tussauds artisans, in a previous visit to London, meticulously took over 200 exact measurements and pictures during the figure sitting with Baba Ramdev, ensuring a realistic resemblance in the creation of his wax figure.

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This year being the 10th edition, Vidushi Meera Panshikar; a senior vocalist and guru from the Jaipur Gharana, Sanjay Sant; a gramophone record collector, and Yashwant Thitte; a young and talented Harmonium player will be the awardees during the ‘Vasantotsav’. Rs 51,000 and a memento will be the award form for a senior musician -guru, and music researcher, while a talented young musician will be bestowed with Rs 21,000 along with a memento.

Vasantotsav Awards will be given on Sunday, January 21, the concluding day of the three-day music fest.

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The exhibition will be open to all till July 15th and there is no entry fee to visit the exhibition. Timing of the exhibition is 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on all days. Sane is known for making outstanding paintings of Shree Swami Samarth. Over 25 different paintings of Shree Swami Samarth are displayed at the exhibition.

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In the noon session, devotees gathered in large numbers from all over the world for soulful bhajans and kirtans. The children, youth, and elderly all joined in the chorus to ‘jai gurudev’.

Didi Krishna Kumari, Executive Head of Sadhu Vaswani Mission, addressed the devotees. She said, “We live in a world of uncertainty. From our health to finances to relationships everything is uncertain. Man himself, the planet itself, and the universe in itself are uncertain. In such an uncertain world, the truly fortunate one is he who has found a Guru.” Continuing, she said, “We are truly blessed for we have in our lives two Great Masters who were so humble that they never referred to themselves even as a Guru.” She then continued to share experiences from her life and highlighted the importance of surrendering to the Guru. In conclusion, she gave a prayer for all to recite every day in offering and remembrance of the Guru, “I am yours and may I always be yours.” Following her talk, she gave prasad to all devotees with her own hands.

Everyone partook in the Guru langar – fellowship meals at the program. Yukta Chandwani, a volunteer said, “Seva is purifying. While we give of ourselves in the sevas, what we receive is incomprehensible.”

The evening satsang featured discourses of Sadhu Vaswani and Dada J.P. Vaswani.

On this day, service activities included distributions of ration kits to the poor and needy. Seva of the visually impaired was also held where they received an umbrella and backpack each. One of the beneficiaries Gangasagar Patale said, “These gifts are extremely useful to us. I am a student in the first year of BA and the backpack will help me carry my books comfortably and the umbrella will protect me from the rains.”

Guru Purnima celebrations at the Mission and its global centers were indeed a day of remembrance of the Guru and living his teachings of serving the poor and needy.

The post Guru Purnima Observed at Sadhu Vaswani Mission on July 3rd, 2023 with 108 Havans, Satsangs, Talks & Sevas appeared first on NRI News.