AVATAR MEHER BABA at Meher Mount on August 2, 1956, with caretaker Agnes Baron and close disciple Eruch Jessawalla.
On the first Saturday in August, there is always a celebration of the anniversary of Avatar Meher Baba's 1956 visit to Meher Mount.
This year's special guest speaker is Hardeep Hanspal who met Avatar Meher Baba in 1962. He also was with Meher Baba in 1963, 1965 and 1969.
He and his wife, Indra, currently reside in Meherabad, India, and are very active in taking care of Meher Baba's Tomb Shrine or Samadhi.
Hardeep says, "So this long association with Baba and His mandali [close disciples] for more than 50 years of my life,has given me a rich experience of His Divinity and grace and, above all, His love and compassion. I have many, many stories to share with what I feel.”
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION PROGRAM
The program schedule for the Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, August 6, 2016:
11:30 a.m.: Potluck Lunch on the Topa Topa Patio
1:15 p.m. : "My Life with Meher Baba" - Hardeep Hanspal
3:00 p.m.: Arti (prayers, songs, poems, quotes) under Baba's Tree
4:30 p.m.: Tea & Closing on the Topa Topa Patio
All are welcome. There is a suggested donation of $20 to help cover expenses.
ABOUT HARDEEP HANSPAL
Hardeep Hanspal was born into a well-to-do, orthodox Sikh family in the Punjab region of India. At 18 years old, he lost his parents which resulted in him starting a “gypsy life.”
HARDEEP HANSPAL, with his wife INDRA, will shares stories of meeting Avatar Meher Baba.
“I was depressed in grief and pain terribly, both mentally and physically. My heart was broken with great agony, and I lost interest in life and left my home abruptly.”
He then spent nearly two years (1961-1962) “wandering in search of God from place to place with great suffering and mental torture. Many days I was to remain without food and water.”
In November 1962, “I had beloved Baba’s darshan at the East-West Gathering and found my God in the form and name of Meher Baba.” After that, Hardeep had the opportunity to again meet Meher Baba for His Darshan in 1963, 1965 and 1969.
Hardeep visited Meherabad (where Meher Baba’s Tomb Shrine or Samadhi is located) and Meherazad (Meher Baba’s last home in India), for the first time in 1965 with a small group from Pune with Meher Baba’s permission.
In 1971, Hardeep married Indra, and they have two children, son Sujit and daughter Kirti, both married to American Baba lovers, who live in North Carolina. Indra became a Baba Lover after her first visit to Meherabad in 1976.
In 1993, the Hanspals moved to Meherabad “to serve Baba’s cause on account of sister Mani’s [Mani S. Irani, Meher Baba’s sister] directions by Beloved Baba’s grace.”
They both do various duties for the Avatar Meher Baba Perpetual Public Charitable Trust. Hardeep is the Samadhi Hill supervisor, and both of them are involved in cleaning, maintenance and management of Meher Baba’s Samadhi area. They also help provide food to the pilgrims in Hostel D at Meherabad, and Indra attends to the laundry at the Meher Pilgrim Center in Meherabad.
“I say with 100% honesty that ‘I not only know Meher Baba as God in human form, but feel Him so.’ His touching hand with love to solve my difficulties in life will never be forgotten. Thousands of salutations with gratitude. Hail my Master God Avatar Meher Baba. Thank you Baba.”
NO-HOST DINNER BOCCALI'S AFTER THE CELEBRATION
There is a no-host dinner dinner after the event at 5:30 p.m. at Boccali's restaurant for all who are interested. Boccali's is located at 3277 Ojai Santa Paula Road, Ojai, CA. If attending the dinner:
- Please arrive at the restaurant by 5:15 p.m. Seating is limited. Later, you might not get served.
- Please bring cash or your checkbook. Boccali's does not accept credit cards.
- With such a large group, there are no separate checks. The total bill - including tax and a 20% tip - is divided by all participants. Each person pays that portion of the bill.
- RSVP to Sam Ervin if you are attending the dinner.
The dinner is a delightful time of fellowship and relaxation after a Meher Baba-filled day at Meher Mount.
WHAT TO BRING FOR THE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
- A dish or beverages to contribute to the potluck lunch. Your food should be ready to eat and not require additional prep or cooking. Plates, cups, and eating utensils will be provided.
- A hat, sunscreen and water are recommended.
- There is a suggested donation of $20 to help cover the costs of the event.
The weather will be warm and beautiful. The Anniversary is a wonderful time to remember and celebrate the presence of the Avatar of the Age at Meher Mount.
PLEASE DO NOT
- Please do not bring your pets.
- There are no fires, incense or candles. The fire danger is extremely high.
- For more information, see the Visitor Guidelines.
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS
If you are traveling to Ojai from out of the area, there are a number of places to stay in nearby Ojai, Santa Paula and Ventura. See more information about the area.