Baba sent Rustom to explain the purpose of this order to the relatives, but they were adamant. Finally, Baba had to personally intercede. Only after his intervention did the relatives accept his instructions and participate in the feast of vegetarian food.
Holidays of every religion — such as Moharrum and Id of the Muslims; Dassera, Diwali, and Ganpati of the Hindus; Christmas and Easter of the Christians; and Pateti of the Parsis — were celebrated by the Meherabad community, during which time the schools and dispensary would be closed. Zoroaster's birthday was celebrated on 14 September.
“”Baba wrote on the slate, "Zoroaster was a great Spiritual Master, like Muhammad and Christ."
That evening, Baba became angry with Behramji, who he said was disturbing him by speaking in a loud voice, while Baba was trying to converse with Yeshwant Rao and Sadashiv Patil, who had come. Suddenly, Baba turned towards Behramji and struck him once with his bare hand. In spite of being a stout, muscular fellow, Behramji fell down. Then Baba's mood changed.
“”He had a gramophone record played and explained, "Zoroaster was born at the very moment that I struck Behramji."
Many people from distant places throughout India would come to Meherabad for Baba's darshan. Thursdays and Sundays turned into regular festive occasions as throngs of people arrived. Although the gatherings were splendid, Baba suggested that a dharamshala be built near the well to accommodate the crowds and offer them adequate facilities. It was erected and named Shri Upasni Serai (Inn). Pilgrims could spend the night there, receive meals and have their general health attended to when needed.
The Upasni Serai was inaugurated on Sunday, 20 September, and Baba directed Waman, the tailor, to deliver the opening address. When he stood up to speak, he was so nervous that he began sweating profusely. Despite much coaxing, Waman could not utter anything distinctly and began stammering. Finally, he haltingly spoke one line congratulating Baba for opening the dharamshala. Everyone cheered and enjoyed the amusing incident. Afterward, according to Baba's instructions, Vishnu explained in Marathi the object and purpose of the wayfarer's inn, and all were given sweets as prasad.
During this period, Baba's school chum Khodu came to reside at Meherabad. Khodu was the close friend who had accompanied Merwan to Shirdi to meet Sai Baba and Upasni Maharaj in 1915, and he would recount this story to the other men.
