###New Year’s Revelry or Eternal Heritage — Udaipur Chooses the Glory of Sanatan

While the world sways to the rhythm of Western-style New Year celebrations, Udaipur has turned toward the timeless magnificence of Sanatan culture, embracing devotion over distraction and divinity over noise. On the sprawling grounds near Magnus Hospital in Meera Nagar, an extraordinary spiritual festival is unfolding under the guidance of Jagadguru Pujyapad Sri Vasant Vijayanand Giri Ji Maharaj — a sacred celebration dedicated to cultural revival, inner awakening, and the collective prosperity of mankind. The grand Dharma Mahotsav will continue until January 5, drawing thousands of devotees each day.

On the second evening of the festival, during the narration of the Eklingnath Shiv Mahapuran, Gurudev delivered a heartfelt message to the youth. He reminded them that even as the world indulges in parties and nightlife on December 31, the true joy lies not in fleeting celebration, but in connecting with the eternal strength of Sanatan Dharma. Those who choose reflection, devotion, worship, and sacred rituals at the turn of the year, he said, are truly blessed — for they step into the new year with spiritual wealth rather than worldly excitement.

Gurudev narrated divine episodes on the glory of Lord Shiva’s many names and forms, including the rare tale of Sage Mridandi and the blessings of Shiv Naam. He urged devotees to cultivate positive thought and positive speech, reminding them that ancestors dwell spiritually within the household, forever bestowing their compassionate tathastu upon future generations. When life feels stagnant despite effort, he said, it is often our thoughts and karmic patterns that require transformation. Instead of trying to change the world, strengthen your own virtues — and life itself begins to change.

“Devotion must be practiced with effort,” he emphasized, “while sin should be avoided even if it comes freely.” Reverence for God must hold the highest place in life — not symbolically, but in practice. He encouraged devotees to honor the divine with the same dignity they reserve for themselves: when buying new clothes, first offer attire to the deities at home, preserving purity and sanctity. A true devotee of Lord Shiva, he said, even has the power to rise above destiny.

As Gurudev’s melodious bhajans filled the air, the devotees swayed with joy and reverence, immersed in a sea of devotion and spiritual ecstasy.

A Night of Divine Resonance — December 31 in Udaipur

The organizing committee announced that the evening of December 31 will witness a historic devotional celebration. Renowned bhajan singer Lakhveer Singh Lakha will enthrall the gathering with soul-stirring devotional renditions. Devotees have been asked to bring a one-meter red thread, which Gurudev will consecrate with 27 sacred mantras as knots are tied one by one. This Shiv Kripa Kavach Dora will serve as a divine protector — a shield of prosperity, relief, courage, and fulfillment.

Welcoming the New Year with Self-Illuminating Lamps

Gurudev also gave a unique spiritual call to households across Udaipur and beyond: before midnight, devotees are to place a lamp at their home shrine, filled with ghee and prepared with a wick — but left unlit. As midnight strikes, he will chant sacred mantras from the festival site, and it is believed that lamps across countless homes will spontaneously illuminate, filling the atmosphere with divine fragrance, blessings, and auspicious energy.

As millions welcome the new year with noise and glitter, Udaipur will greet it with light, faith, and the eternal glow of Sanatan grace — a celebration not of a passing calendar moment, but of timeless spiritual awakening.