Baba Hari Dass for the Aradhana for Baba Hari Dass hero image with flowers

Sacred Series: 8th Annual Aradhana

Honoring Baba Hari Dass, Beloved teacher & inspiration

The aradhana (annual ceremony of honor and remembrance) for Baba Hari Dass (Babaji) is observed annually the day after the full moon. This year, we will celebrate Babaji on Saturday, September 26, with a puja (​​ceremonial offering), yajna (ancient Vedic ritual), and kirtan (devotional singing) at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, followed by a bhoj (feast).

The date of Babaji’s passing was September 25, 2018, the second day of Pitru Paksha, on the day after the full moon. Pitru Paksha on the traditional Hindu calendar is an auspicious 16-day period beginning on the full moon day in late August or September. In this tradition, Pitru Paksha is an important time for annually honoring ancestors with tarpanam (making offerings) and shraddha (ritual paying homage). If one leaves their body during this period, as Babaji did, it is considered particularly auspicious.

There are a number of ways through which you may choose to participate:

  • Aradhana & Bhoj:
    Join the aradhana festivities on Saturday, September 26. Arrive for the morning rituals that begin at 7:00 a.m., and stay for the bhoj. Please register before September 24 and include the total number of people in your party. Note: Only one vehicle per registration; register each vehicle separately.

Cost: FREE. Donations to help cover costs are welcome!

  • Aradhana & Bhoj with Overnight Accommodations:
    Book an overnight stay for Friday, September 25, and stay through the aradhana & bhoj. Arrival and check is between 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
    Check out is 11:00 a.m., however, you may choose to stay until 5:00 p.m. and enjoy general access to the campus. Dinner on Saturday, September 26, is not included. Please register at least 48 hours in advance to your scheduled day of arrival.

Cost: Based on lodging selection

  • Aradhana via Livestream:
    Celebrate Babaji’s aradhana from afar via livestream on the Temple YouTube channel. No pre-registration necessary.

Cost: FREE

Schedule

Saturday, September 26
6:30 - 6:55 a.m. PDTAradhana Day Event arrivals
7:00 - 7:30 a.m. Offerings at the Memorial for Baba Hari Dass
7:30 - 9:30 a.m. Aradhana Puja & Yajna
9:30 - 9:45 a.m. Arati
9:45 - 10:30 a.m.Closing & Kirtan
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.Bhoj
11:30 a.m.Aradhana Day Event concludes
Aradhana & Bhoj
Date
Saturday, Sep 26, 2026
Time
7:00 am - 11:30 am
Location
In-Person/Online
445 Summit Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076
  • Tuition & Fees

    Aradhana Day Visit:

    • Cost: FREE

    Aradhana + Overnight:

    • Cost: Based on lodging selection

    Online via Livestream:

    • Cost: FREE
  • Registration Details

    Aradhana & Bhoj: Register for the aradhana & bhoj via the button above. Cost: FREE. Donations to cover the costs of food and event expenses are gratefully accepted.


    Aradhana & Bhoj with Overnight Accommodations: Book an overnight for Friday, September 25, and stay for the aradhana & bhoj on September 26. Cost: Based on lodging selection.

    Overnight Stay


    Aradhana via Livestream: Celebrate Babaji’s aradhana from afar via livestream on the Temple YouTube channel. No pre-registration necessary. Cost: FREE

    Temple Livestream


    Please contact Guest Services with any questions – email guestservices@mountmadonna.org or call (408) 846-4090.