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14
Jan

PLEASE NOTE:

There is no need for any correspondence with the Trust Office on the subject of Amartithi programme and arrangements.

If you are planning to attend the Amartithi programme, please be sure to read the Advisory at the bottom.

Also, items whose deadlines have passed have been omitted from the message below:

*****

AVATAR MEHER BABA

PERPETUAL PUBLIC CHARITABLE TRUST
KINGTS ROAD, POST BAG NO. 31,
AHMEDNAGAR, (M.S.) 414 001.

V.S. KALCHURI

22nd OCT. 2009.

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Beloved Avatar Meher Baba,

The forty-first .Amartithi of Beloved Avatar Meher Baba falls on Sunday, 31st January, 2010. For this sacred occasion it is expected that pilgrims from all over India and around the world will be visiting the Tomb-Shrine of Avatar Meher Baba at Meherabad Hill, Ahmednagar (M.S.) India to take part in the Educational Gathering.

The observance of the forty-first Amartithi (Anniversary of Avatar Meher Baba's Darshan) will be for two days, i.e. 30th January morning to noon of 1st February, 2010. The main function, as usual, will be on 31st January, 2010.

By Beloved Baba's grace, it will be made possible for pilgrims visiting the Tomb-Shrine of Beloved Avatar Meher Baba, for the forty-first Amartithi, to stay at the Meherabad Estate from 8:00 a.m. of 30th January to 12 noon of 1st February, 2010.

ATTENTION

Darshan of Beloved Avatar Meher Baba will be available inside the Tomb-Shrine of Beloved through a regulated queue designated specifically for this occasion. However, due to the influx of pilgrims during Amartithi, it is requested for the benefit of all that pilgrims take the least time possible for darshan and to take darshan only once on 31st January, 2010.

QUEUE TOKEN SYSTEM

We are continuing our Queue Token System. After collecting a single token with a number on it, each Pilgrim will be free to move about until the number on his/her token is announced and displayed on the signboards. THE PILGRIMS SHOULD JOIN THE QUEUE WHEN THEIR NUMBER IS DISPLAYED. Please be alert because if your number has passed through the Darshan line and the next higher number has also passed, you will miss your turn and will require a new token.

A) REGARDING ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE:

Please note:

1) Pilgrims should not arrive at Meherabad before 8:00 a.m., on 30thJanuary 2010, and should leave Meherabad by 12 noon, on 1st February 2010.

2) There will be stalls selling light refreshment and meals at Lower Meherabad, New Site and Upper Meherabad till early afternoon on 1st February 2010.

3) There will be separate lodging arrangements for men and for women at Meherabad as usual. Pilgrims are reminded that they should continue to abide by Beloved Baba's wishes, as expressed by Him in the 1958 Sahavas, that men and women pilgrims should stay in their own quarters and not visit, enter, or rest in each others quarters. Pilgrims should lovingly cooperate with the Management in this matter and the Management reserves the right to caution any pilgrim who fails to abide by Beloved Baba's wishes as mentioned above.

4) Pilgrims are requested to bring warm clothes, blankets, bedding with mattress, and flashlights (torch). The quarters for men and women are separate; so to avoid confusion it is advised that men and women of the same family pack separate bags, and bundle their bedding rolls separately BEFORE their arrival at Meherabad.

5) Meherabad Management requests pilgrims to use water very sparingly. Hot water for bathing will be provided from 1 1:00 p.m.,30th January to 7:00 a.m., 31st January.

6) Pilgrims in the close vicinity of the Samadhi are requested to do their utmost to maintain the sanctity of the Tomb-Shrine.

7) The NEW SITE at Upper Meherabad: This site with the facility of tents, bathrooms, toilets and parking will be available for groups of pilgrims who wish to cook their own food. This New Site is at Upper Meherabad not too far from the Samadhi. Kitchens will be erected on this site only.

9) During Amartithi, in spite of police and security arrangements, some thefts do occur. Therefore, pilgrims are cautioned to be very careful with their valuables, especially of their purses, pouches, cameras and other items carried by hand specially so while going for the bath. At no time should these be left in a public area unattended. 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.

10) Pilgrims leaving on 1st February should note that the programme ends at 10 am with an Arti. Therefore, they are requested that before they leave their Tents/Hostels for the programme on the Hill on 1st February morning, they must deposit all their luggage at Hostel B hall for Lower Meherabad pilgrims and Tent F for New Site pilgrims without fail and collect the same before their departure.

C) REGARDING BOARDING ARRANGEMENTS:

Please note: There will be stalls erected by local vendors at Lower and Upper Meherabad where pilgrims can purchase light refreshment and meals during their stay at Meherabad.

D) REGARDING TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS:

Please Note: There is now a second S.T. Bus Stand in the Tarakpur area of Ahmednagar, However, Pilgrims should alight at City Bus . Stand.

1) State Transport(S.T) authorities will be requested to ply their buses from Ahmednagar Railway Station and S.T. Bus Stand to and from Meherabad at fixed hours on 30th and 31st January, 2010 and on 1st February 2010.

2) Volunteers wearing Baba badges will be at the Railway Station and Bus Stand to guide pilgrims visiting Meherabad.

3) ON SATURDAY 30TH JANUARY 2010:

A) S.T. buses will go to Meherabad from the Ahmednagar Railway Station from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., according to train timings.

B) Extra S.T. buses will go to Meherabad from the S.T. bus stand from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Pilgrims arriving before 7:00 a.m. may take a regular S.T. bus to Meherabad (Arangaon).

4) ON SUNDAY 31ST JANUARY 2010:

A) S.T. buses will go to Meherabad from the S.T. bus stand via Ahmednagar Railway Station from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

B) Return Journey: Extra S.T. buses will go from Meherabad to Ahmednagar Railway Station and S.T. bus stand from 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m. on 31st January, 2010.

5) ON MONDAY 1ST FEBRUARY 2010:

Extra S.T. buses will go from Meherabad to Ahmednagar.

(Railway Station and S.T. bus stand) from 5:30 a.m. onwards.

6) Pilgrims arriving from outstations by special buses, or by private cars, or by hired taxis are requested not to take their vehicles up Meherabad Hill. Vehicles should be parked only in the parking zone at the New Site or Lower Meherabad. Washing of vehicles at Meherabad is prohibited; drivers and cleaners should be instructed accordingly by the parties concerned. This should be strictly observed.

7) Please note that Entry Permits for buses must be obtained before departure by those coming into Maharashtra State by special buses from other states.

8) MEHERAZAD WILL BE CLOSED JANUARY 26TH THROUGH FEBRUARY 3RD THIS INCLUDES ALL AMARTITHI DAYS (30th January through 1 st 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 reopen for pilgrims on Thursday 4th February 2010. Facilities at Dharamshala and Hostels will be closed from 25th January to 3RD February 2010.

PROGRAMME

PLACE: The holy Tomb-Shrine of Avatar Meher Baba on Meherabad Hill, Ahmednagar (M.S.) India.

SATURDAY, 30TH JANUARY 2010

8:00 a.m. onwards: Arrival of Meher Pilgrims at Lower Meherabad; Darshan and Prasad at Tomb.

2:00 p.m. onwards: Prem-Meelan on Hill.

4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.: Bhajans, dance and drama.

7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.: Film of Avatar Meher Baba or special programme on the Hill.

8:00 p.m.: RECESS for meals down the Hill.

10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.: Sahavas on the Hill.

Jai Baba!

SUNDAY, 31ST JANUARY 2010

7:00 A.M.: Lighting of the Dhuni.

8:00 a. m. to 11:00 a. m.: All pilgrims assemble on the Hill. Prem-Meelan of pilgrims and singing by bhajan mandali of different Meher Centers.

11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Welcome address and talk about the Trust activities.

11:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.: Announcements

11:45 a.m. to 12 noon: Meher Dhoon

11:55 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.: Darshan at the Tomb stopped.

12 noon to 12:15 p.m.: All present to observe complete silence.

12:15 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.: The Master's and Repentance Prayers in different languages followed by Arti. Darshan resumes from 12:15 p.m.

1:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Songs and bhajans on the Hill.

1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.: RECESS for meals down the Hill.

4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.: Baba programme on the Hill.

7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.: Film of Avatar Meher Baba.

8:00 p.m. : RECESS for meals down the Hill.

10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.: Sahavas on the Hill. Additional programmes on the Hill.

Jai Baba!

MONDAY, 1ST FEBRUARY 2010

7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.: Bhajans on the Hill. Darshan continues.

10:00 a.m.: Programme ends with Arti. Prepare for departure.

E) DISTRIBUTION OF PRASAD AT SAMADHI ON 31ST

On 31st January Samadhi management faces acute problem of distribution of cooked Prasad such as lemon rice, sheera (sweet rava) and other cooked items. Hence no cooked Prasad BUT ONLY WRAPPED DRY PRASAD WILL BE ALLOWED to be distributed near the Samadhi.

All centers and individual desirous of distribution of Prasad will have to apply in advance to brother Shridhar Kelkar advising what kind of dry Prasad they wish to distribute, brother Shridhar Kelkar will advise time slot for distribution of Prasad so that the Prasad is evenly distributed during the entire day. PLEASE NO'T'E THAT LAST MINUTE REQUESTS ON THE AMARTITHI DAY WILL NOT BE ENTERTAINED.

Jai Baba!

ALL ARE HEARTILY WELCOME TO ATTEND

AVATAR MEHER BABA'S FORTY-FIRST AMARTITHI

FUNCTION ON MEHERABAD HILL.

Please pass on the above information of the Amartithi prrogramme to all the lovers of Avatar Meher Baba in your area.

JAI AVATAR MEHER BABA!!!

IN AVATAR MEHER BABA'S SERVICE,

(V.S. KALCHURI)

CHAIRMAN

*****

ADVISORY:

For Baba lovers attending Avatar Meher Baba's Amartithi 2010:

Dear Baba lovers,

Avatar Meher Baba ki Jai!

The H 1N 1 flu virus has affected all countries of the globe including India. When tens of thousands of pilgrims converge on Meherabad from all parts of India and from all over the world for Avatar Meher Baba's Amartithi, sharing common sleeping quarters, having meals together, mixing freely and embracing each other in Babas love, the risk of contracting this flu is significantly increased. All pilgrims are therefore advised to be acutely aware and sensitive not to expose their fellow pilgrims if they have flu like symptoms. Baba would be so pleased if we think first of others at the cost of our own pilgrimage.

The high risk categories are people suffering from chronic respiratory problems (such as asthma), cardiac problems, diabetes, obesity; pregnant women are at risk of having a more severe form of the H1N1 flu; children are also in a higher risk category, especially young children under 5years of age, as also children attending a school where there are cases of H1N1 flu.

Pilgrims are cautioned to be careful while traveling to keep your hands clean, and to cover your face with a mask or a folded scarf if you are in a crowded vehicle with people coughing around you. Any pilgrim falling ill with fever and cough while in Meherabad should cover their face with a mask or folded scarf and report to the nearest medical facility immediately for treatment.

But above all, before you start your journey for Meherabad, think more of your fellow pilgrims if you have flu like symptoms or are at high risk. Ali that our Beloved Baba wants of you is your love, not your attendance at any cost, putting at risk thousands of His lovers.

Wish you all dears a safe journey and a glorious Amartithi in Beloved Baba's Abiding Love & Remembrance,

V.S.Kalchuri