Rakeshji’s 60th Birthday Celebration Unites Devotees Globally For ‘Festival of Bliss’
India-West Staff Reporter
EAST STROUDSBURG, PA – Shrimad Rajchandra Spiritual Center, USA hosted the Festival of Bliss, a three-day celebration marking the 60th birth anniversary of its founder, Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji. The event held September 26–28, at the center’s campus here, brought together devotees and seekers from across the world for a weekend of devotion, reflection, service, and community wellness.
The festivities opened with birthday tributes and a musical dedication by devotees, followed by a lakeside veneration and discourse. Addressing a large gathering, Rakeshji spoke on the distinction between human birth and human life, explaining that true life is lived when human existence is transformed into a “Festival of Bliss.” He urged seekers to awaken to the difference between what is worthwhile and what is not, reminding them that spiritual awareness allows one to remain detached even in the midst of worldly entanglements.
The celebration wove together spiritual enrichment and service. Acclaimed musician Sachin Sanghvi offered a devotional performance, while Rakeshji delivered transformative discourses guiding seekers toward inner peace and growth. A major humanitarian initiative saw volunteers hand-pack more than 100,000 meals for communities worldwide struggling with hunger and malnutrition.
On September 27, Shrimad Rajchandra Love & Care USA, in collaboration with St. Luke’s University Health Network, hosted the Poconos Health and Wellness Fest. More than 250 local residents benefited from free screenings, wellness workshops, and consultations with licensed medical professionals, addressing urgent healthcare access needs in the Pocono Mountains region.
Expressions of gratitude highlighted the spirit of selfless service central to the mission, and the festival culminated in a moving diksha ceremony in which Rakeshji initiated three seekers into Atmarpit Diksha, inspiring others to deepen their spiritual commitment.
The Festival of Bliss not only commemorated Rakeshji’s milestone but also reaffirmed the center’s mission of integrating spirituality, wellness, and compassion into community life.
