Dr. Shikha Mishra
Bhandara Week from October 16–20 to feature Satsang, agricultural seva and spiritual observances; organic paddy harvesting underway across 70 acres
LEAD REPORTING
DAYALBAGH, AGRA, October 16: Dayalbagh is preparing for the Holy Bhandara of Param Guru Maharaj Sahab, the Third Revered Sant Satguru of the Radhasoami Faith, which will be celebrated on Sunday, October 18, with devotion, Satsang and community service. The five-day Bhandara Week, scheduled from October 16 to 20, brings together Satsangis from designated regions across India and abroad for spiritual observances and agricultural seva.
The main Bhandara will be held in the fields at Dayalbagh on October 18, with programmes organised in morning and afternoon shifts according to the prescribed schedule. Branches of the Radhasoami Faith in India and overseas will also participate through video transmission, enabling devotees to join the observances from their respective locations.
Satsangis have begun arriving at Dayalbagh, where visiting brothers, sisters and children are expected to participate in agricultural seva, Satsang and other scheduled activities in accordance with the established programme.
Five days of spiritual observances and seva
The Bhandara Week programme combines spiritual gatherings with collective service, reflecting the importance of devotion, discipline and community participation in the Radhasoami Faith.
On October 16 and 17, agricultural seva and Satsang are scheduled during the morning and afternoon shifts. Initiated sisters on October 16 and initiated brothers on October 17 will pay obeisance at the Pawan Smritalaya between 9 am and 11 am on their respective days.
Bal Satsang Darshan visits are also scheduled during the same hours on both days for students and children of the Super Humane Scheme, accompanied by one parent, preferably their mother.
The main Bhandara on Sunday, October 18, will begin with agricultural seva and Aarti in the morning. Agricultural seva, Satsang and other scheduled programmes will follow during the second shift, when the Holy Bhandara of Param Guru Maharaj Sahab will be observed in accordance with the prescribed norms.
The programme will continue on October 19, when Jigyasu sisters, children and Jigyasu brothers are scheduled to pay obeisance at the Pawan Smritalaya at their respective allotted times. Bal Satsang Darshan visits for children and students of the Super Humane Scheme are also planned.
On October 20, regular agricultural seva and Satsang will continue, alongside the recitation of two Paths by regional Satsang teams during the evening Satsang.
Remembering the spiritual legacy of Param Guru Maharaj Sahab
Born on March 28, 1861, in Varanasi, Param Guru Maharaj Sahab was named Pandit Brahm Shankar Misra. Following Param Guru Huzur Maharaj, He guided the Satsang as the Third Revered Sant Satguru from 1898 to 1907. He departed for His Nij Dham, the Eternal Abode, on October 12, 1907, in Varanasi.
His spiritual and philosophical legacy includes Discourses on Radhasoami Faith, a work that explains the principles of the faith and explores subjects relating to the spirit, creation and spiritual practice. The work presents these subjects in a systematic and reasoned manner.
Param Guru Maharaj Sahab also outlined initiatives relating to education and the organisation of Satsang. The published Bachans of Param Guru Huzur Mehtaji Maharaj record His wish to establish a university of Satsang. They also describe the establishment of a school and, subsequently, other educational institutions at Dayalbagh as steps towards realising that vision.
His teachings continue to form an important part of the spiritual and institutional heritage commemorated during the Bhandara observances.
Prem Sutra: The enduring message of love
The spiritual significance of Param Guru Maharaj Sahab’s teachings was also highlighted by the present Sant Satguru, Param Pujya Gracious Huzur Prof. Prem Saran Satsangi Sahab, in His address on March 5, 2013.
Referring to the Prem Sutra of Param Guru Maharaj Sahab, He cited the Sanskrit aphorism:
“अथ प्रेमसूत्रं व्याख्यास्यामः।”
Its general meaning is: “Now we shall explain the aphorism of love.”
The reference underscores the central place of love and spiritual understanding in the teachings associated with Param Guru Maharaj Sahab, adding a reflective dimension to the annual observances.
Organic paddy harvesting adds a dimension of collective service
Alongside the spiritual preparations, agricultural activities are progressing at Dayalbagh, where paddy cultivated entirely through organic methods across 70 acres is currently being harvested and threshed.
Harvesting is underway in fields south of the canal, with the cut paddy being transported to the Bhandara Ground. There, threshing is being carried out to separate the grains from the panicles.
Brothers, sisters, young people, elderly participants and children of the Super Humane Scheme are participating in the agricultural activities according to the prescribed programme.
The ongoing work brings agricultural service into focus as an integral part of the Bhandara Week preparations. The participation of people across age groups reflects the collective character of the activities, in which spiritual observance and practical service proceed alongside one another.
As Dayalbagh prepares to celebrate the Holy Bhandara on October 18, the five-day programme combines remembrance of Param Guru Maharaj Sahab’s spiritual legacy with Satsang, community participation and agricultural seva. The observances are expected to bring together devotees from across India and abroad in a shared expression of faith, service and devotion.
