But once they arrived in Rahuri, where they were well received, Baba's mood changed.
“”In the calm rural setting that evening, while sitting on a special gaadi on the verandah, looking up at the stars just beginning to appear in the evening sky, Baba remarked, "Every star, though appearing to be a mere sparkling dot, is not a world but a mighty sun with a solar system of evolving planets like our own. Those planets are like the Earth in many respects. It is only the immeasurable distance between us and them that make them appear so small. Our own Earth, too, is a mere bright dot for those who see it from their planets."
Dhake's brother-in-law was the town's doctor, and he invited Baba to his house for dinner. Baba and the group went there and then returned to Meherabad at eleven that night. Baba relaxed for a while in the school office and then directed the mandali to go to sleep. Alone, he went to inspect the cooking in preparation for the public feast which was to be given the following day in honor of Upasni Maharaj's birthday. After satisfying himself that all arrangements were being carried out properly, and having given encouragement to those in the kitchen, Baba retired for the night.
In spite of going to bed late, all were up at five o'clock on Wednesday morning, 18 May 1927 to celebrate Upasni Maharaj's 57th birthday. A colorfully decorated bathing room was erected near the dhuni and nearby (where Sai Darbar had been) was a grand pavilion with flags and other decorations. The whole of Meherabad sparkled with a holiday atmosphere as several village bands played boisterous music. At eight o'clock Baba came to the bathing room where the women mandali washed his feet, followed by the ashram boys, and then the men mandali and various guests all taking turns.
As soon as this ceremony was over, Baba took a bath by himself, allowing the men mandali to assist him, and then he changed into a fresh sadra. Rustom picked him up, carrying him to the main tent on his shoulders amidst deafening cheers. There Baba was placed on a richly decorated gaadi, where arti and puja were performed. The garlands and flowers showered on Baba were so profuse that he was completely covered. Baba signaled to begin serving the food while various musicians performed, including Adi Sr. on the harmonium.
