Mumbai Samagam …
An Unforgettable Experience

- Jagjit Khambe

People had described the atmosphere of the Samagam to me before, and I was sure that by now I had a fairly clear idea of what this colourful event had to offer. A fellow devotee, however, assured me that there was certainly no substitute for the actual experience. I am sincerely grateful to him for having convinced me embark on a journey that completely changed my outlook of the Mission and all that it stands for.

This was not just another visit to India; indeed it was something much more than that. I was not going to visit the Samagam – I was going to meet the Samagam, and it seems almost kind of weird now when I try to write this. It is said that Sangat beings the moment one conceives the idea to attend and begins preparation. I had certainly the idea but could never have been completely prepared.

We sat in the Terminal 3 departure lounge waiting eagerly to board our flight. As we sat looking out of the window towards the other planes taking off a certain anxiety sneakily entered my head. Sensing my doubt my companion spoke out: “Oh yaar, I just can’t wait. It’s going to be great. We’ve all been talking about this for so long and now you will see for yourself!” having touched the issue he began to describe the Samagam ground, Bhawan, the colourful Mumbai saints and the lively atmosphere that would surround all this. We talked continuously on the flight, and during our stopover in dubai, finally settling for a few hours sleep on the last leg of the journey.

As I stepped off the plane a gush of hot air greeted me (30 degrees C at 6pm – two days before the Samagam). There was little time for me to drag my own suitcase before Mahapursh came rushing to welcome us. One thing you come to appreciate quite quickly is that a large proportion of the people warking at the airport are mahapursh. However, we were not allowed to leave the airport until some customs officers had enjoyed sifting through our suitcases for over an hour. They were very inconsiderate to say the least and this frustrated me. But what really surprised me was when, at end of it, my fellow devotee remarked: “Sir, thank you for your time. Please come to our annual Samagam tomorrow, it would be a pleasure to have your company” – he meant it!

Outside, most respected Mata Kanta Ji (the late Rishi Vyas Dev Ji’s wife) warmly welcomed us. Dressed in white and holding a bouquet she was a very frail and old, but extremely glowing personality, and had been standing in anticipation for well over two hours. Leading us into her car she again showered her affection on us and said to the driver mahapursh .. “Rajmata Ji is coming in half an hour so lets get a move on.”

Outside the domestic terminal crowds of devotees had gathered. One by one I was introduced to complete strangers who kissed and hugged me like I was their long lost son. I was still acclimatizing to the animated dialect; heat; the smell; and huge amounts of perspiration that this country had to offer but I knew it was worth it when I saw the huge smiles and sparkling eyes of these wonderful individuals. As Her Holiness Rajmata Ji presided out of the doors a huge sound of cheering filled the airport as everyone joined in the arousing welcome. Mata Ji and the accompanying saints were swiftly led to their cars we made our way to the Chembur Bhawan.

As we drove along the bruised and battered roads I brushed the mosquitoes away from my face. Looking out of the window I saw the harsh reality of what is Mumbai. Sure enough there are wonderful sights and sounds (and ‘Bollywood’) but there is also poverty. Children loving in slums played on dangerous roads without shoes. It made me appreciate how naïve and ignorant I can be living in the west. As my head populated with these thoughts I saw a glistening of lights in the distance. A large open area of eighty acres was scattered with colour and sound. It was beautiful. It was my first sight of the magnificent Samagam ground that was to host this auspicious event.

Approaching the main entrance we saw the fantastic construction of the main gate. Turning into the ground I could see the famous Gopi Ji and party working high up on home made scaffolding adding final touches. “mata Ji is going to open the exhibition first,” someone said. We jumped out of the cars and walked the huge Marques. The sound of drumming and singing was loud and frantic. I was shocked to see how many people had gathered. A massive processing led Mata Ji into the exhibition were she toured round to bless the devotees and their hard work. All the while I was introduced to new mahapursh each with a bigger and brighter smile and stronger hug!

We returned to the Bhawan, which was beautifully decorated, and also had it’s own special gate standing 30ft high. The place was buzzing with activity and I had an opportunity to meet with all the residents whilst they made last minute preparations for Satguru’s arrival. I, on the hand, was looking for somewhere to sleep.

The crowds stood patiently waiting for the true Master Satguru Baba Hardev Ji – divine power manifest – to arrive. A convoy of cars entered the gates and the doors were swiftly opened. As His feet touched the ground I heard a sound that still resonates in my head now. The earth shook as Satguru was cheered in unison. As He made his way up in the Bhawan’s newly installed lift a small party of devotees awaited eagerly to perform a short play, but all the while Baba Ji kept looking out of the window to bless the gathered devotees below. The joy on all faces was unbelievable. Many people had traveled bare foot without food for miles just to receive a glimpse of the Master and they sung and danced in a devotion that I cannot even begin to describe.

We woke up early the next morning. Langar in the Bhawan was carefully prepared by a devoted team and was continuously served. By now I had met many saints from abroad, even so far as from America and Australia. We had gotten up early to take part in the 20kilometre procession to the Samagam ground. The holy trinity was seated in a beautifully decorated float, which moved slowly along with several hundred devotees down one of the most busiest roads in Mumbai. The blistering heat could not evaporate the joyous mood of the occasion as devotees sung and danced all the way, chanting slogans of universal brotherhood and unity.

Eventually we arrived at the Samagam ground where the Master was greeted by an unbelievable large gathering of devotees. This was the first time I had seen the Samagam ground during the day and it was simply breathtaking. The enormity of the event is almost shocking and one cannot begin to estimate the amount of effort that must have taken place to host it. It is on a similar scale to that of the Delhi Samagam but the atmosphere is very much more relaxed, vibrat, and personal. The stage was the image of a heavenly palace with the words ‘Dhan Nirankar’ written in neon lighting. A massive screen was placed outside since even the huge area of the pandal was too small. There was absolutely no room to move, and nobody dare get up for fear of losing their place. The atmosphere was electric as both young and expressed their loving feelings in unique ways and various dialects.

The next five days were fantastic. I had opportunities to spend time with the locals and with saints form abroad. I enquired about the way of life and learned about the Mission’s history. On numerous occasion I observed devotees breaking down in tears as they spoke of the love and encouragement they received from the late Rishi Vyas Dev Ji. His efforts are deeply engraved in history. In between this I was enjoying the Samagam and the exhilarating words and feelings of all those that spoke, not to mention the sights and sounds of the city.

(His Holiness’ discourses have already been published in an earlier issue) Baba Ji stressed the need for unity and love amongst mankind and confirmed devotion as the key to true worship - “Worship without awareness is worship in vain”. Baba Ji also said “Progress without compassion is an evil” and that “One is not human if he lacks humanistic values”. Satguru explained, “Apparent truths change with time, but God is the eternal truth. You cannot measure God’s existence with time. All things have a limit but Nirankar is limitless.” All those presenting themselves shared similar views. Rev Sis. Manmohan Ahuja Ji explained that Satguru has provided us with a way of thinking and viewing the world that helps to bring us closer together. Rev. JS Puri Ji explained that no power can bring a person to change his way until he himself makes the conscious decision to do so. Rev. Dhanwant Ji (US) said “Heaven is already on earth but True Master gives us the eyes to see it and wisdom to be a part of it”. “Life is an ice cream, enjoy it before it melts” said another. The Sewadal really was also very topical plays touching on the issues of education, faith, teamwork, selfless service, and first aid.

Every night we would convene at the Bhawan where the saints would dance in devotin. But they were not alone in their joy.  Along with them Satguru would stand on the second level of the Bhawan and watch his devotees with glazed eyes, and He would left his arms and shuffle his feet to be a part of it. There was not a single person that could resist not standing still. Satguru later explained in his discourse that this dancing was not likened to any other dance; it was an expression of spiritual ecstasy that only spiritually enlightened individuals exhibited; it is with a sincerity only Guru and Gursikh can appreciate.

The last day of the Samagam signified Guru Vandana. Plays and songs were performed in honour of Satguru, which culminated in the tying of a special garland on Satguru’s turban - after which there was euphoric rejoicing, whilst Mata Kanta Ji sang a joyous hymn. Her Holiness Rajmata Ji also sang in devotion to Satguru, and prayed in her discourse that we should surrender unto the Master’s word and imbibe righteous values in our lives. In his discourse Satguru paid tribute to the efforts of everyone and honoured the great contribution of the late Rishi Vyas Dev Ji who laid the foundations, remarking that if his life had been based merely on words then we would have forgotten him long ago. There are now 165 Satsangs that take place in Mumbai alone! On the last day there was also a mass marriage celebration in which 88 couples were wed according to the simple marriage ceremony. In an emotionally charged final few thoughts Satguru said that he was willing to trevel thousands of miles to please devotees and would pledge every breath in their service. We all knew that these were not mere words. Nobody is more devoted to the cause than Satguru himself.

On the final day Baba Ji was ready to reschedule his flight because the queue of devotees wanting to seek blessings at the Chembur Bhawan was simply too long. When Baba Ji finally made his way the Sewadal could not hold back the crowds of people that rushed to gather the ‘holy’ dust from Satguru’s car. In a last scene I can still remember the arousing salute given as Baba Ji stood up and waved to the gathered saints out of the sunroof. Here was a mark of the love, devotion, and consideration that the Satguru felt towards each and every devotee.

The Samagam experience taught me many things: It taught me about the great efforts and service made by one man in particular- Rishi Vyas Dev – whose firm faith in the Master helped him to make a positive difference in so many people’ lives. Now his wife is performing the same role selflessly full of spirit. I also saw how people who have absolutely no material possessions were willing to give their all, and were still happy. I observed people serving day and night without recognition but enjoying every minute of it. They felt fulfilled in seeing the Guru’s glimpse, and it was amazing to see people of so-called different class and status; of colour and creed enjoying their lives in each other’s company. What really stuck out though, was the team effort of everyone. Together, the impossible was made possible.

It is easy to get stuck in our own narrow-minded worlds. This experience has shown me that there is much more to life, and that the Mission stands for much more than what we sometimes interpret it to be. Satguru is making huge efforts to propagate a much-needed vision of universal harmony. I would like to share in that vision and enjoy the privilege of making it a reality.