Patna: A grand Mahasatsang led by spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar commenced at Gandhi Maidan in Patna on Friday evening, drawing a crowd of around 50,000 devotees. The event, infused with spiritual discourse and cultural performances, also saw the participation of Bihar’s deputy chief ministers, Vijay Sinha and Samrat Chaudhary, along with BJP leader Prem Kumar and other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar praised Bihar as a land of “sweetness, makhana, and purity,” likening the event to a spiritual Kumbh Mela. “You have performed so well that everyone’s heart is filled with joy,” he said, promising to return to Bihar in the future.
A key moment in the event was the presentation of a 1,000-year-old Shivling, which Sri Sri Ravi Shankar brought to the satsang. He recounted its history, stating that after Mahmud of Ghazni destroyed the Shivling, pieces of it were preserved by the Agnihotri community in South India for centuries. “They kept it in their home for a thousand years, waiting for the day when India would be independent and the Ram temple would be built. Today, it has reached Somnath,” he said, describing it as a fulfillment of long-held spiritual aspirations.
The event also emphasised youth empowerment, with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar announcing plans to provide skills training and employment opportunities. “I want the youth here to be skilled. No young person should remain unemployed,” he said, encouraging attendees to register for training programs. He further promoted the use of Ayurveda, urging people to explore alternative treatments such as Austrapati for joint pain.
In a digital outreach initiative, he asked attendees to turn on their phone flashlights and download the Satva App, which he described as a tool for daily meditation and spiritual growth.
The event witnessed a historic cultural moment as 1,012 women from Bihar and Nepal performed Jhijhiya, a traditional folk dance, setting a new record in the Asia World Book of Records. The recognition was confirmed by Mamta Raj Mehta from the organisation.
Additionally, multiple educational institutions—including Amity University, Chanakya Law University, Chandragupta Institute of Management, and IIT Patna—signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Art of Living to promote skill development and holistic education.
