But the mannerisms of such a Master as Upasni Maharaj were often mysterious and inexplicable. At the time, Maharaj was in a terrible jalali mood, abusing those in his presence and anyone who approached him. Not knowing Maharaj's fiery temperament, Gandhi was shocked by his nakedness and uninviting behavior.
Later, when Nusserwan informed Baba of his conversation with Gandhi, Baba repeated that Gandhi's time had not yet come, so Nusserwan should not be disappointed that he had not succeeded in bringing him to Meherabad.
Meanwhile, to begin the birthday celebration a ceremonial bath was performed. Baba sat on a broad wooden stool in a small bathing room near the well and allowed each of his followers to pour a mugful of warm water over him. After dressing in a resplendent white robe, Baba began giving darshan. Many had come from the surrounding villages and from the city of Ahmednagar, and most brought garlands which they placed one on top of the other on Baba. From the neck down, Baba's body was completely covered with flowers.
An incident occurred which revealed the pain Meher Baba would endure at the hands of his lovers. One person unknowingly placed a garland of roses around Baba which had several ants nesting in it. After some time, the ants began biting Baba and his face turned bright red — but he did not stop the darshan program and continued smiling as each person bowed to him. Someone cried out, "Look at Baba; what a glorious countenance he has! His face is like a shining sun!" Another person remarked, "Baba's cheeks are like pink roses!"
Only after the mandali removed the pile of garlands from his neck did they discover the ants.
Baba ruefully gestured, "My face is swollen and red from the ant bites not because of divine radiance. See what I must endure at the hands of my lovers. They always wish to garland me and I permit it for the sake of their happiness, yet how I suffer. Such is my fate."
Earlier that morning, just before arti was performed, Memo looked up at Baba and remarked, "Merog, today on your birthday you are being worshiped as God on Earth. Since I am your mother, I should also be respected; and I tell you now that there is only one thing left I want in this world — you must get married! How I wish that you get married and have children who will play on my lap."