No set program was scheduled in Vijayawada, but when people came to know of Baba's presence, almost 300 gathered near him.
As Age recorded, "For the next two weeks, the landscape of Andhra Pradesh underwent a transformation, and the only sound heard was the Song of Flame. Trees, creepers, flowers, the wind — all were overcome with ardor and joy. Even inanimate objects seemed to come to life! A wonderful atmosphere prevailed as the intoxication of Wine took hold."
For five long years, since 1947, Andhra lovers had invited Baba to bless their land with his physical presence. Before his arrival, people had different experiences. Some saw him in dreams; some claimed they saw him appear physically. The whole of Andhra had become "tipsy" and Age marveled at this sudden change.
Beautiful arches decorated with plantains and saplings were raised in different towns and villages. Tents, canopies, pandals and pavilions were erected, their entrances embellished with festoons, and the ground covered with costly silk and embroidered saris for the Christ to tread upon.
"Andhra received the Avatar in a way befitting for him to be received by humanity," Age continued. "The Sun of the Song was rising on the horizon eager to share Its sweet music with those hearts receptive to Its tune. Its rays penetrated every home and began singing the praises of the Divine Beloved. People speak of the wonders of the angels and fairy kingdom, but the charms of a 'fiery' kingdom of Wine are more wondrous, for it contains the joy of the Avatar's physical presence.
"For two weeks in January 1953, the whole of Andhra was aflame; nothing but the ashes of his Song of Fire remained. It seemed as if Meher Baba had shut Andhra away from the noise of desires and the world, so it would hear only the sweet strains of the melody of his Song."
Pendu reserved a train compartment for the group, and on the afternoon of 17 January 1953, Baba and his contingent of about 50 men left Vijayawada for Tadepalligudem. On the train Baba listened to his lovers tell stories and jokes and inquired often about the speed at which the train was running. Jalbhai and Dhake amused him with funny tales; Kumar narrated fantastic "true" episodes of his life. The train passed Eluru, where they saw Ranga Rao supervising the construction of a large pavilion. They waved to him and he waved back.