The next day, 25 November, because Dr. Khare's house was some ten miles away, Baba set out for begging with Gustadji, Adi and Babadas to Dr. Nath's residence again, this time to receive bhiksha from the Khares. Again, in reverential silence, Baba received bhiksha. With Baba's permission, Dr. Nath had arranged for a photograph to be taken of the occasion by a local photographer. Except for Gaya Prasad, neither his wife Janaki nor his son and his family had ever seen Baba before. "How blessed both families were that Meher Prabhu first entered his life of begging at their doorstep, and received his first alms from their hands. For their love and devotion, the Lord bestowed a gift unto them which will one day make them hear the Eternal Song."
From the 26th, the companions began going out into the streets of the ancient city to beg. Their appearance was similar to Baba's — barefoot, in white kafnis, carrying the brass begging bowl and orange cloth satchel, and wearing green turbans. They begged in groups of two, walking from house to house until they had received bhiksha. Although in Benares there was no lack of sadhus or ascetics or beggars, being the most famous Hindu place of pilgrimage in India, the companions' peculiar attire made people stop and inquire about their religion, sect, caste or guru.
Some people gave for the sake of love or in the name of their God; some did not. In a Muslim locality, Kaka and Nilu were ridiculed: "You two look like Punjabi wrestlers! Why are you begging; why don't you get a job?" But even though the companions had to undergo such humiliating experiences, the begging from door to door was successfully accomplished.
Dr. Nath arranged living accommodations for Baba and the companions in Sarnath, and Don left to oversee the premises there. Adi had accompanied Dr. Nath to Sarnath to ensure proper arrangements for the men and women were made.
While Baba and the companions were discussing the foot journey from Benares and Sarnath north to Hardwar and the provisions to be taken with them, it was noted that there was no money left for food.