New Covid-19 Guidelines for Pilgrims: 23 April 2022.

“I want you to remain undisturbed and unshaken
by the force of life’s currents,
for whatever the circumstances,
they too will be of My own creation.”
 – Meher Baba –

 

After a long spell of restrictions on travel, Beloved Baba has opened the door once more for His lovers to come for Darshan at His Samadhi. The guidelines have now been amended as follows:

  • Wearing a mask is not compulsory and is only by choice.
  • Social distancing will continue for pilgrims queuing for darshan while under the portico of the Samadhi. 
  • A railing has been placed in front of the sacred marble. All are requested not to touch the threshold, the frame of the door, the railing or the covered marble of Baba’s tomb inside the Samadhi, but rather to pay obeisance to the Beloved with folded hands.
  • Sitting inside the Samadhi is currently not permitted.
  • The use of hand sanitizer before entry to the portico of the Samadhi is still compulsory.
  • The singing of songs, bhajans etc. outside the Samadhi is now permitted in a designated area, namely the extension to the portico of the Samadhi. Social distancing in this area is not mandatory.
  • Prasad provided by the Trust will be distributed by those on Samadhi duty. No pilgrim is allowed to bring or distribute prasad.
  • The offering of flowers is not permitted at the Samadhi, but such offerings can be made at Baba’s photo under the tin shed.
  • No one may enter Baba’s Cabin, but darshan may be taken from outside the door.
  • Baba’s Gaadi will continue to remain inaccessible.
  • Those wishing to stay at the MPR and Hostel D are no longer required to show proof of vaccination, nor are those visitors or residents who wish to eat in the respective dining halls.
  • The museum will be open once a week on Saturdays from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm. Pilgrims wanting to visit the museum are required to wear a mask in order to enter this enclosed space.
  • Pilgrims staying in Hostel D who want to tour the MPR building are allowed to do so between 4.30 pm and 6.00 pm.

Although many of the restrictions of the past two years have been loosened, it is imperative to keep in mind that the virus may come back at any time with a new variant, which could be milder or stronger than previous variants. In the last few days there has already been a slight surge in cases in some states in India.

Meherabad is a meeting place for Baba lovers who travel long distances from different parts of India and across the globe. Experts have warned us against letting our guard down. Such vigilance will go a long way in helping to keep Meherabad open and safe so that all can enjoy pilgrimage to Meherabad and Beloved Baba’s Samadhi.

 

GIVEN THE UNCERTAINTIES OF THE PANDEMIC, ALL THE ABOVE DECISIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE IF CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRE IT.

 
Framroze Mistry, Chairman, and the Board of Trustees.