On July 10, 1958
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From Mani's notes we hear:
The highlight was the 10th of July gathering in Meherabad, consisting of a selected number of Baba-lovers, mostly men, invited from various parts. Beginning with some 75, the number grew till it reached over 200. Among the very few women invited were the Maharani of Baroda and the Rani of Kurudward . . . Baba greeted the group in Meherabad on 9th afternoon, when he also gave darshan to his Arangaon villagers. That evening the Baba-gathering saw the lovely films of his 1956 Sahavas in the U.S. and the one taken in Andhra during his mass darshan, 1954.
At the hour of midnight Baba's "dhuni" fire was lit, in accordance with his wish. And almost immediately after, the rains came, breaking the long dry spell that threatened famine in Ahmednagar district; reviving the farmers' hopes and gladdening the heart of the scorched countryside. When Baba left for Meherabad on the wet chilly morning of the 10th, the trees and garden were looking so much fresher, and the birds were loudly telling everyone about it, perhaps they were also proclaiming the fact that he was looking specially beautiful that special morning.
As Baba entered the packed meeting hall at Meherabad, two of his lovers were allowed to garland him. He took off the garlands and placed them on the little table by his side. Not unnaturally, all found themselves edging closer, to be near as possible to the Beloved. At Baba's gesture Eruch called out that they should not crowd, adding "The Spaceless One wants some space!"
Drinking in every moment of his beloved company, they sat before him, while he talked with them, joked with them, discoursed with them, in the way only Baba can do. The sky being overcast, it was rather dark inside the hall, and Baba had the verandah curtains rolled up to admit more light, explaining that in the dark he could not catch those who might be dozing! And so later when it grew darker and lights had to be brought in, there was a spontaneous burst of laughter from all.
Baba told them to sing bhajans and perform his arti, as this was their last chance; adding "But only up to 9 o'clock. After 9, no bowing down.
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