When Baba came to the decorated hall, he embraced each of the men, grumbling to Le Page, "All my birthday means to me is that I have to get up early, wash my face and hands. It is just more trouble for me!"
A tape of Bill's daughters, Jenny and Ruthie, singing for Baba was played. Francis read the song he had written for the occasion, and Bhau recited his arti in Hindi, Aadi Sachetana (Primordial Consciousness).1
In decorating mandali hall, the servant-boys had hung a large balloon over Baba's chair. After Baba was seated, Bill was asked to puncture it, and a light shower of rose petals fell onto Baba. The morning was pleasantly spent reading out telegrams and birthday greetings to Baba, and when necessary, replies were dictated by him.
Every year, celebrations of Baba's birthday became more elaborate as new lovers and new Centers sprang up throughout India and the world. In Ahmednagar, Sarosh, at the time the mayor of the town, approached Baba with the idea of a procession with a large picture of Baba carried in an open jeep throughout the town, and Baba gave his consent. A weeklong celebration of kirtan programs at different venues was held as a forerunner to the main event on the 25th.
Bill Le Page was driven into Ahmednagar that day to watch the parade. The half-mile long parade began at 5:00 P.M. and lasted for five and a half hours. Bands led the way, as devotees sang and cheered the Avatar's praises. The jeep was splendidly decorated to resemble a boat, and the large garlanded photograph of Baba was the main focus of attention. From their housetops, people showered flowers on his picture as it passed, and fireworks were lit at various stops along the way. Dr. Hira Lall Chopra of Calcutta was the special guest speaker again that year at the Ahmednagar Center, and he met Baba at Meherazad for fifteen minutes.
Other Centers also sponsored public meetings about the Avatar, feedings of the poor and film showings. In Hyderabad, 73 days of programs were held to commemorate the Ancient One's 73rd year on Earth. As Age noted, "Although in seclusion, Baba kept the doors of his heart wide open through which flowed constant rivulets of Wine! In the hearts of his lovers, the flame of his remembrance was glowing brighter and brighter!"
Baba cabled those in Myrtle Beach and elsewhere:
Footnotes
- 1.See Appendix I for the English translation.