The Hanuman Chalisa Havan held on May 19 in celebration of 75 years of Chinmaya Mission was much more than a beautifully conducted spiritual event. It was the culmination of months of planning, dedicated seva, and the collective devotion of many individuals working together under the grace of Hanumanji.
The journey began in March when the idea of the Havan first took shape. From the outset, there were unique challenges. Chinmaya Haridwar did not have an existing open-air setup suitable for a full-scale Havan, so every aspect required thoughtful planning and creativity. During those early discussions, Ramesh and I worked closely together, exploring possibilities and refining ideas. Throughout the process, Swami Ishwaranandaji was always available to guide us remotely, offering encouragement, wisdom, and practical insights.
As April unfolded, plans became more concrete. Layouts were drawn, logistics discussed, and teams formed around various aspects of the event. One particularly inspiring development was the decision to bring the Sidhabari Hanumanji murti from Chinmaya Ashish Trust. What began as a simple thought soon felt divinely ordained. By Hanumanji’s grace, Shivani and Easwar happened to be traveling to India and lovingly brought the murtis with them. Looking back, it seemed that every piece fell into place exactly when it was meant to.
The planning meetings themselves became an expression of seva. The festival and priesting teams met repeatedly, carefully discussing every detail of the layout and ceremony. From the Havan kund placement and devotee seating to processions, decorations, chanting arrangements, prasad distribution, and technical requirements, every element was thoughtfully considered. It was inspiring to witness so many minds and hearts working together with a single purpose: to offer the very best to Hanumanji.
Then came the day itself.
What unfolded was not merely an event but a sacred offering woven together through devotion, dedication, and grace. Every moment carried a sense of divine presence, reminding us that when hearts unite in prayer and service, something truly extraordinary can happen.
Many witnessed the beauty of the Puja, Havan, uplifting chanting, and the atmosphere of peace and joy that filled the space. What many may not have seen was the tremendous effort behind the scenes. Behind every flower arrangement, carefully placed chair, technical setup, chant, and meal served were individuals offering their time and energy as an act of devotion.
The coordinators remained at Haridwar until midnight on the eve of the event, meticulously preparing every aspect of the venue. Their dedication ensured that everything flowed smoothly, allowing all of us to immerse ourselves fully in the spiritual experience. It was deeply humbling to witness the teamwork, care, and spirit of seva present at every stage of preparation and execution.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Ramesh and Ramkumar for their tireless attention to detail and flawless execution. Their steady leadership helped transform months of planning into a beautiful reality.
Our gratitude also extends to Suma, Sushil, and Seema, whose uplifting chanting elevated the collective spirit and filled the atmosphere with devotion. Their voices became instruments through which sacred vibrations touched every heart present.
Special appreciation goes to Kavitha, Lalita, Jyoti, Meera, Shylaja, Aru, and Ganesh for their unwavering support and countless acts of service. Whether visible or behind the scenes, their contributions were invaluable.
A sincere thank you to Abhishek and Srinivas for expertly coordinating the audiovisual systems and livestream. Their efforts enabled devotees around the world to participate virtually and share in the blessings of the occasion.
Special thanks are also due to Shivani, Raji, and Meg, who quietly and lovingly kept the prasad kitchen running behind the scenes. Their dedication ensured that everyone was nourished not only physically but also through the warmth and devotion with which the food was prepared and served.
With all hands on deck and hearts united in prayer, we were blessed with a truly magnificent Puja and Havan. One of the most moving sights of the day was watching Swami Ishwaranandaji so completely immersed in the sacred proceedings that he remained on his asan throughout the entire Havan, rising only after its completion. His unwavering focus and devotion inspired all who were present and served as a powerful reminder of the depth that such sacred rituals can evoke.
As the day unfolded, many moments felt touched by divine grace, but one final incident stood out as especially meaningful. A Hanumanji murti that had originally been intended for me as one of the yajmans was offered instead to a yajman family from Tampa who joined at the last moment. It was given gladly in the spirit of Atithi Devo Bhava—the timeless teaching that the guest is truly divine.
What happened afterward felt like a beautiful reminder of Hanumanji’s mysterious and loving ways. Following the completion of the Havan, Swamiji unexpectedly gifted me a Hanumanji murti. In that moment, it felt as though Hanumanji had simply chosen to return in another form, reaffirming that what is offered with love is never truly lost.
As we reflect on this blessed occasion, our hearts are filled with gratitude—for every volunteer, every devotee, every prayer, every chant, every offering, every meal prepared, every technical detail managed, and every act of service performed with sincerity and love.
This Hanuman Chalisa Havan was not simply a successful event. It was the result of months of preparation, selfless service, and the devotion of an entire community. More importantly, it reminded us that when seva is offered with humility and love, grace naturally follows.
May the blessings of Hanumanji continue to guide all who participated, and may the spirit of devotion, unity, and selfless service experienced on this sacred day remain alive in our hearts for years to come.