THE OPENING OF BABA HOUSE

 
For about two months from the third week of August 1948 there was no plan to go on a mast tour, so Baba invited the two visitors from the West who were residing at Meherabad, Delia and Jean, for a stay with Him in a bungalow at Ahmednagar. Mehera, Mani, Norina, Elizabeth and a few others were already there. About this time Baba was informed that construction of the Baba House at Meherazad (Pimpalgaon-Malvi) was completed.

Someone suggested having the housewarming function hosted by Baba Himself. He agreed, so on August 27, 1948, the women disciples and devotees from Meherabad and Ahmednagar, and a few from Bombay and Poona, were especially called for this occasion. It was a very happy get-together in Baba's love. By morning all had assembled at the Rest House at Meherazad — Baba House was built at its rear side.

The winter morning warmth was quite pleasing, and the wind wafted the fragrance of flowers in bloom from a little garden supervised by Kaka Baria. (Later the gardening work was directed by Mehera.) Baba used to call it "The Garden of Allah." Baba walked with ease and grace through the garden, and as He reached Baba House, a silver key was handed to Him. He looked pleased and unlocked and opened the door. Baba was led to a beautiful couch inside the house where Gulmai, mother of Adi Sr., garlanded Him, and a chorus arti in Gujarati was sung.

Coincidentally, according to the Hindu calendar it was Gokul Ashtami Day — the birthday of Lord Krishna. Was it symbolic, to indicate that Baba House was to be the Brindavan of this age?

As wished by Baba, Kaka Baria had prepared a short speech befitting the occasion, but none of the men mandali was allowed inside the houses or the garden. In those days the men disciples of Meher Baba were not allowed even to look at the women mandali who permanently resided with Him, particularly Mehera and Mani, so Kaka's speech was relayed from the men's quarters. Kaka wished that all should love and obey Baba wholeheartedly in all matters, big and small.

At 11:00 A.M. the women who had assembled perched on the lawn for lunch, which was served on big banana leaves. The Westerners, also, ate in Indian fashion. It was a lovely sight. Baba's regal and upright figure, clad in a white sadhra, moved through the rows. He would ask one if she liked the lunch; to another He would gesture to do full justice to the special dish. It was a simple way of conveying His intimacy.

By afternoon everyone returned to Ahmednagar. The day was indeed memorable for those who participated in this function.