AMARTITHI 31 JAN

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Beloved Avatar Meher Baba,

The Fifty-Fourth Amartithi of Beloved Avatar Meher Baba falls on Tuesday, 31st January 2023. The observance of the Fifty-Fourth Amartithi(Anniversary of Avatar Meher Baba’s Darshan) will be for two days, i.e.,from 12 noon on 30th January to 12 noon on 1st February 2023. The main function, as usual, will be on 31stJanuary 2023.

ALL ARE HEARTILY WELCOME TO ATTEND AVATAR MEHER BABA’S FIFTY-FOURTH AMARTITHI FUNCTION AT MEHERABAD, ARANGAON,AHMEDNAGAR (M.S.)

During Amartithi, from 6 a.m. on 30th January until 12 noon on 1st February 2023, a wooden railing will be placed in front of the sacred marble at Baba’s Samadhi. Instead of bowing down, pilgrims may enter the Samadhi and take Darshan by reaching over the railing and touching the marble.

OBSERVANCE OF SILENCE

Observing Silence from 12 noon to 12:15 p.m. on 31st January at Beloved Avatar Meher Baba’s Samadhi is the most significant event during Amartithi. It has been observed thatsome pilgrims, who may be new to Beloved Baba, are not aware of this and instead visit different places at Meherabad during this time. It is, therefore important that all Centers impress upon Baba lovers the importance of the Silence period so that they will be in attendance at the Samadhi during the observance of Silence.

OTHER

1) Meherabad Management requests all the pilgrims to use water very sparingly. Hot water for bathing will be provided from11:00 p.m. 30th January to 7:00 a.m. 31st January.
2) Pilgrims in the close vicinity of the Samadhi are requested to do their utmost to maintain the sanctity of the Tomb-Shrine.
3) Pilgrims are requested that before they leave their Tents/Hostels for the programme on the Hill on 1st February morning, they must, without fail, deposit their luggage at Hostel B for Lower Meherabad pilgrims and Tent F for New Site pilgrims and collect the same before their departure.
4) During Amartithi, despite police and security arrangements, some thefts do occur. Therefore, pilgrims are cautioned to be very careful
with their valuables, especially their purses, pouches, gold ornaments, mobiles, cameras and other items carried by hand.
5) For their safety, pilgrims are asked to wear their Entry Tokens at all times and volunteers are deputed to inquire of anyone seen without a token.
6) There will be stalls selling light refreshments and meals at Lower Meherabad, New Site, Pilgrim Education Site and Upper Meherabad till early afternoon on 1st February2023.
7) MEHERAZAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM 28TH JANUARY THROUGH 4TH FEBRUARY. THIS INCLUDES ALLAMARTITHI DAYS (30th January through 1st February). Hence pilgrims should NOT visit Meherazad during these days for any purpose whatsoever, whether by public bus, private bus, car or rickshaw. Meherazad will be open for pilgrims onSunday, 5th February 2023.
8) We do not know what the Corona situation will be in 3 months’ time. Keep in mind that the pandemic is not finished. Remember that Avatar Meher Baba wanted us to be practical in health related matters. We advise all to wear masks, as being in a crowd means a risk of getting infected by Covid.

FROM: AVATAR MEHER BABA PERPETUAL PUBLIC CHARITABLE TRUST
King’s Road, Post Bag 31, Ahmednagar 414 001
(Maharashtra State) India.

Please pass on the above information about the Amartithi programme to all the lovers of Avatar Meher Baba in your area.
AVATAR MEHER BABA KI JAI!!!

In the Love and Service of Avatar Meher Baba,
(FRAMROZE. J.MISTRY)
CHAIRMAN

ACCOMMODATION AT MEHERABAD

Jai Baba,

We are happy to announce that Meherabad accommodation facilities, i.e. Meher Pilgrim Retreat (MPR) and Hostel D, will be open from 22nd October 2021.

Due to the continuing pandemic, the following are the criteria for those who wish to stay at the Meherabad accommodation facilities i.e. MPR and Hostel D during their pilgrimage:

• A pilgrim must have received at least a single dose of vaccine against COVID.
• A copy of the vaccination certificate and a copy of the Aadhaar Card or any other photo-identity card showing date of birth should be attached to the reservation request.
• Masks are required in both indoor and outdoor common spaces of the buildings.
• Because of the pandemic, pilgrims need to be below 65 years and above 10 years of age at the time of applying and arriving for their stay.
• A pilgrim must have NO existing health conditions.
• No medical facilities or consultations will be provided by the Trust for the pilgrims. However, if a pilgrim falls sick during their stay, if necessary, the Trust will provide transportation to a hospital in Ahmednagar.
• Capacity for the MPR and Hostel D is limited to 50 pilgrims each.
• No walk-in bookings are accepted.
• Stay will be limited to 3 nights.
• Reservation requests will not be considered before one week of the date of expected arrival or within 24 hours of the expected time of arrival.
• Latest check-in time at both the facilities is 6 p.m.
• Accommodation at the MPR or Hostel D will not be extended beyond 3 nights.
• Pilgrims who have already stayed at the MPR or Hostel D after the 22nd of October, and want to apply again for another stay will be wait-listed. First preference will be given to those who have not had the chance to stay during the on-going pilgrim season.
• Pilgrims will be allowed to have the meals only at the place where they are staying, i.e. MPR or Hostel D. Pilgrims staying at MPR will not be permitted to eat at Hostel D and vice versa.
• Residents and other pilgrims are not to enter or dine at these facilities i.e. MPR or Hostel D.

In the spirit of true pilgrimage, all are asked to abide by the Trust rules.

In Baba’s service,
Shridhar Kelkar
Chairman