In Loving Remembrance of Swami Vishnudevananda
Bhagavatam Saptaha and Bhandara
Every year on 9th November, we commemorate the Samadhi Day of our beloved Guru, Swami Vishnudevananda, with a Bhandara at Sivananda Kutir, Uttarkashi. Through this sacred offering, we remember his life, teachings and spirit of selfless service by serving the Sadhu community and the local people of Uttarkashi.
As part of the Bhandara, winter provision kits are offered to Sadhus living in the Himalayas, helping them prepare for the cold months ahead. Last year, we had the blessed opportunity to serve 150 Sadhus and around 400 local villagers. This year, we pray to be able to extend this service to many more.
Srimad Bhagavatam Saptaha
In the days leading up to the Bhandara, from 1st – 7th November, we will organise a Srimad Bhagavatam Saptaha for the local village community.
The Srimad Bhagavatam is one of the great devotional scriptures of India, centred on the glory of Lord Krishna. Through the stories of the Lord and His devotees, it reminds us that sincere devotion, remembrance of God and selfless living can lead the mind towards peace and liberation.
It was Swami Vishnudevananda’s wish, especially in the later years of his life, to hear the Bhagavatam being recited beside Mother Ganga. It is therefore a great blessing to continue this offering in the very place he loved—beside the sacred Ganga and in the lap of the Himalayas.
During the Saptaha, local students who have excelled in their studies will also be honoured with school bags, mementos and monetary prizes, encouraging them in their education and recognising their dedication and hard work.
An Offering of Service
You are warmly invited to join us in these sacred celebrations and to share in this offering of devotion, service and remembrance.
We also humbly seek your support towards the Bhagavatam Saptaha and Bhandara. Your contribution, large or small, will help us continue these offerings to the Sadhu and local communities of Uttarkashi.
You may choose to contribute towards one or more of the expense categories listed below.
If you would like to make a donation or receive further information, please write to himalayas@sivananda.org.in.
Bhandara Expense Estimate
| Expense Category | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Bhandara Kits for Sadhus | ₹4,10,000 |
| Dakshina for Sadhus, Priests and Local People | ₹2,03,000 |
| Provisions | ₹55,000 |
| Travel Expenses for Sadhus and Priests | ₹50,000 |
| Bags for Bhandara Kits | ₹40,000 |
| Sweets | ₹30,000 |
| Flowers | ₹12,000 |
| Total | ₹8,00,000 |
Bhagavatam Saptaha Expense Estimate
| Expense Category | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Priest Dakshina | ₹1,20,000 |
| Tent, House Setup and Decoration | ₹1,00,000 |
| Provisions | ₹80,000 |
| School Kits | ₹40,000 |
| Puja Items | ₹35,000 |
| Staff Dakshina | ₹25,000 |
| Shawls | ₹20,000 |
| Sweets | ₹20,000 |
| Vegetables | ₹15,000 |
| Flowers | ₹15,000 |
| Clothes for Priests | ₹10,000 |
| Flex Printing | ₹8,000 |
| Bags for School Kits | ₹7,500 |
| Devata Dakshina | ₹3,000 |
| Trophies | ₹1,500 |
| Total | ₹5,00,000 |
Total estimated cost of both programmes: ₹13,00,000
May these celebrations be a humble offering at the feet of our Gurudev, and may the blessings of the Divine bring peace, strength and prosperity to all.
