Age was wonderstruck: "As a moth that goes mad for the flame regardless of the danger to its life — such was the condition of the masses of Hamirpur during the darshan programs given by Baba during the Fiery Free Life. The fire of love was aglow in full brilliance, and in its flame, people were experiencing a sweet comfort never felt before in their lives of trouble and concern."
Indeed, while commencing the very first darshan in Kanpur, Baba spelled on the board, "The spiritual atmosphere of this place is very high."
During these ten days, darshan programs took place at the towns and villages of Hamirpur, Bharwa, Sumerpur, Ingohta, Maudaha, Mahewa, Mahoba, Kulpahar, Panwari, Rath, Nauranga, Majhgwan, Jarakhar, Dhagwan, Amarpura, Khangaram, Dhanauri, Banda and Harpalpur. At each place, the first activity was the ceremony for the seven destitute, disabled and needy men and women. None was an outright beggar, although each represented an extreme case, and had been selected after a laborious search. They had been chosen irrespective of caste, religion or sect and were brought before Baba as his guests. According to Baba's wish, at the place of darshan, a makeshift room was set aside, curtained off on all sides, with a small raised platform in it. Hot water, soap and towels were kept ready and the "guests" would follow Baba to the room. Except for the mandali and a few workers, no one was permitted inside. Baba would place his head on the feet of the seven destitutes after washing and wiping them dry, and as his love-gift would hand each Rs.51.
Baba would then go to the darshan canopy. Before his arrival, loudspeakers blared out: "NO ONE SHOULD BOW DOWN TO MEHER BABA OR TOUCH HIS FEET." There was pin-drop silence as Baba entered the pavilion and took his seat on the stage.
According to his wish, this message was conveyed:
Spiritually, we are all one and equal. The same Infinite One resides in us all individually and indivisibly. I bow down to you collectively and individually, considering you the representatives of that one, unchanging, eternal Truth! The meaning of my bowing my head and offering salutation to you is your offering salutation to me; and so, after my salutation to you, there is no need for anyone to salute me!
With folded hands, Baba offered his namaskar to all amid repeated cries of "Sadguru Meher Baba ki jai!"