Upcoming Events
Shri Datta Jayanti Mahotsava
Shri Datta Jayanti Mahotsava is the largest, most magnificent and most important annual celebration at Maniknagar. The five-day Mahotsava is celebrated every year with great splendour from Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi to Pournima. The celebrations commence with the Punyatithi of Shri Manik Prabhu Maharaj on the first day, observed in accordance with traditional Vedic rites, and culminate on Shri Datta Jayanti with the magnificent celebration of Shri Prabhu Maharaj’s Janmotsava. The Mahotsava draws lakhs of devotees from different parts of India as well as from abroad. Throughout the festival, free Annadaan is offered to all devotees, reflecting Maniknagar’s longstanding tradition of hospitality and Seva. Eminent Vedic scholars, distinguished musicians and other accomplished personalities participate in the celebrations, enriching the Mahotsava with religious, spiritual and cultural programmes. The five-day festivities conclude with the Grand Darbar, bringing the five-day Mahotsava to a grand ceremonial conclusion.
Vedant Saptah Mahotsava
This week-long celebration of devotional music, scripture recitations, and philosophical discourses is dedicated to the Aaradhana of Shri Martand Manik Prabhu and Shri Shankar Manik Prabhu. Known as the Saptaha, it is observed in the Hindu month of Phalgun, typically falling in March or April. A highlight of the festival is the evening Bhajan, led by His Holiness, which draws large gatherings of devotees. The Saptaha culminates in the vibrant Dindi—a nightlong procession where devotees sing and dance in joyous devotion, creating an atmosphere of spiritual ecstasy and collective celebration. The entire week radiates divine energy, drawing people into deeper reflection and connection with the teachings of the Gurus.
Shravan Maas Mahotsava
The month-long Shravan Maas festival, held between July and August, honors Shri Manik Prabhu Maharaj with daily Mahapooja rituals including Rudrabhishekam, Bilwarchana with 1000 Bilwa leaves, and Sahasranaam chanting. Mondays feature special Bhajans, and evenings include Pradosha Pooja and Vedic chanting. Raksha-Bandhan sees Yagnyopaveetam renewal by students and priests. Mahasankashti honors Lord Ganesh, and Krishna Janmashtami marks Krishna’s birth with midnight Bhajans. On Shravan’s 13th new moon day, Devi Venkamma’s Maha-Samadhi is commemorated. The festival concludes on Bhadrapad’s first day with Anna-Pooja performed by Shreeji.
Devi Pancharatra Mahotsava
In Maniknagar, Devi Venkamma is revered as Shri Madhumati Shyamala, the divine Shakti of Shri Dattatreya. During Sharad-Kaala, the Madhumati Pancharatra Utsav is celebrated at Shri Venkamma Mandir from Ashwin Shukla Panchami to Navami. For five sacred days, the temple comes alive with mantras, bhajans, and rituals including Shreesookta Abhisheka, Sahasra-Kumkumarchana, Kumarika Poojan, Devi Bhagavata and Saptashati Parayana, and Havan. The spiritually charged atmosphere draws devotees to seek the blessings of Madhumati Shyamala for peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
Guru Aaradhana Mahotsava
According to the Hindu calendar, the Punyatithi of Shri Siddharaj Manik Prabhu Maharaj falls on Ashwin Krishna Tritiya, and that of Shri Manohar Manik Prabhu Maharaj on Ashwin Krishna Saptami. In honor of these two revered Gurus, a five-day festival known as Guru Aradhana is celebrated annually from Tritiya to Saptami. This sacred period is marked by devotional rituals, special poojas, bhajans, and spiritual discourses, drawing devotees from far and wide. The Guru Aradhana not only commemorates the lives and teachings of the Gurus but also serves as a time for reflection, spiritual renewal, and deepening of one’s inner connection to the divine.
Manik Pournima Parva
The Taittiriya Upanishad says – Swadhyay Pravachanabhyam na Pramaditavyam, meaning, one should never stray away from the process of continuous self-study and listening to the Upadeshas or messages from the Guru (or the Vedas). Manik Pournima Parva is an opportunity provided to the devotees and seekers of truth to listen to the instructions of the Guru and accordingly progress on the path of spiritual development. A special interactive discourse is held on every Pournima at Maniknagar, where Shri Maharaj Ji expounds the most difficult and complex principles of Advaita Vedanta in a simple yet impressive manner.
Other Festivals
In addition to the major festivals, numerous other celebrations are observed throughout the year with deep religious devotion. Remarkably, both Hindu and Muslim festivals are celebrated with equal enthusiasm at the Samsthan. Festivals like Gyarhavin Shareef and Moharram are observed alongside Hindu festivities, reflecting a spirit of inclusiveness and unity. This harmonious blend of traditions fosters mutual respect and love among communities, serving as a powerful reminder of the values of tolerance and togetherness. In today’s world, where divisions often prevail, such an interfaith celebration stands as a shining example of communal harmony.
