War broke out, and the fighting over Kashmir continued for three weeks. Now that the blackout was in force throughout the country, however, Baba again ordered the kerosene lamps hung outside his windows. He indicated he was no longer pestered by the insects. His "disturbance" was of a different sort!
A similar thing would happen in Guruprasad. The Poona railway station was a short distance from Guruprasad, and continuous shunting of trains went on throughout the day and night. Besides this, the road in front of Guruprasad was always congested with traffic, and occasionally loudspeakers nearby added to the din. Baba was not troubled with this cacophonous medley; but the slightest movement on the part of his night watchman caused him to become highly irritated. He was disturbed even when Bhau's cotton trouser fluttered slightly, as previously related!
Adi's office in Ahmednagar was busy with much activity for the upcoming Western sahavas. Signed forms began arriving with the names of those planning to attend from America, Canada, Australia, England, France, Switzerland, Israel, Africa, Lebanon and Pakistan. The monsoon rains had been plentiful so that the town of Ahmednagar, Meherazad and Meherabad had enough rainfall to solve the acute water problem that year. After many trips to Bombay, Adi had finally secured permission from the government to use the newly constructed hospital building to house those Westerners who were coming for the sahavas. The granting of this permission came about due to the intermediation of the Health Minister of the Maharashtra government and the Speaker of the Bombay legislature, Trimbak S. "Balasaheb" Bharde. Special air-conditioned train coaches from Bombay to Ahmednagar were reserved for those arriving. A caterer from Poona was contracted to supply meals; and other arrangements, such as acquiring linens, servants and other provisions were being concluded successfully. Everyone, however, was soon in for a bombshell!
Baba came to mandali hall on the morning of Saturday, 4 September 1965 (Zoroaster's birthday that year) and announced to those present — Mani, Rano, Goher, Eruch, Pendu, Adi, Aloba, Bhau and Francis — his decision to cancel the December sahavas. There was a look of infinite fatigue and sorrow in his eyes, as he announced this.
He said: "The world situation is very bad and growing worse daily. The pressure of my Universal work is affecting my health tremendously, and the pain in my neck is beyond limit. It is the universal Cross that I bear. I have decided to cancel the Western sahavas which was to be held this December. I do not in the least like canceling the sahavas, but I have to. I know what I am doing."