An Unforgettable New Year’s Eve In The Company Of Sri Sri Babathakur

by Smt. Champa Dasgupta

In December 2007, my husband (Shri Anjan Dasgupta), myself and our son (Dev) visited Delhi for a 3-week vacation. Coincidently Sri Sri Babathakur happened to be in Delhi (C R Park) during that time. We were extremely fortunate to receive His Darshan, Guru Vaani and Guidance on several occasions during our stay. Even Dev (just 5 years then) eagerly looked forward to visiting Sri Sri Babathakur everyday and receiving his daily quota of (a chocolate bar) prasad!

On the evening of December 31^st, we went to seek out Sri Sri Babathakur’s blessings for the New Year. There were several other devotees waiting to receive His darshan, and the atmosphere resembled one of a close family get-together, with kids playing and adults chitchatting while waiting for Sri Sri Babathakur in the living room.

Bhaktas relaxing and enjoying while waiting for Sri Sri Babathakur

After some time Sri Sri Babathakur emerged from of His room and we all prostrated before Him to receive His blessings. He spoke about many things pertinent to the way one ought to lead his/her daily life. Everyone was eagerly listening to His words and I felt like being in the presence of a kind Mother. A Mother showering blessings on Her kids, assuaging their anxieties with Her soothing words, dissolving their ego and false sense of the Self. It’s hard to describe in words, the immense and pure joy I felt in my heart sitting there listening to Sri Sri Babathakur. I could sense Sri Sri Babathakur’s love for all of us, and felt overwhelmed in the presence of One who doesn’t bare an aorta of grudge against anybody in the world and treats everybody equally. The environment in the room to say the least was absolutely joyous, harmonious and serene.

Sri Sri Babathakur addressing bhaktas

Following Sri Sri Babathakur’s address, we all sat down to have prasad - a wonderfully delicious and filling dinner comprising of vegetable sandwiches, vermicelli with vegetables, aloo dam and chutney. As is His norm, Sri Sri Babathakur checked on everybody during the dinner to ensure that all were being well fed and were enjoying their meal. Dinner was followed by dessert in the form of a huge multi-layered, multi-fruit cake.

The cake!

Sri Sri Babathakur cutting the cake

Sri Sri Babathakur cut the cake and upon the bhaktas' ernest request, had a little bit of the cake. After enjoying the delicious cake, everyone convened outside for a lovely firework display put up to ring in the New Year. It was such a joy having Sri Sri Babathakur amongst us, watching the firework display and cheering everyone on.

Fireworks to herald in the New Year

Shortly after midnight, we all moved back indoors, sought Sri Sri Babthakur’s blessings and proceeded to depart for homes. Without doubt, it was the most auspicious, memorable and joyous New Year’s Eve I have ever experienced. To this day, I am instantly overcome by an immense sense of peace and happiness recollecting the proceedings of that amazing evening spent in the company of Sri Sri Babthakur.