Self-styled godman ‘Sarathi Baba’ followers hold New Year satsang in Bhadrak, days after Paradip event

Supporters of self-styled godman ‘Sarathi Baba’ aka Santosh Roul, organised New Year religious gatherings in Bhadrak district on Wednesday and Thursday nights, days after a similar event was held in Paradip.

Sources reported that on Thursday evening, hundreds of Sarathi followers assembled at Patuli village under the Bhandarpokhari block in Bhadrak, where a satsang and devotional programme was organised to mark the New Year.

Participants were seen offering prayers to Sarathi’s photograph, performing bhajans, and engaging in group devotional singing and dance.

Event Held With Rituals

Reports added that the programme was organised in the open village area, where the self-proclaimed godman’s portrait and symbolic footwear were placed on a decorated platform and adorned with flower garlands. Several devotees wore peacock feathers on their heads as part of the ritual observance. The event continued into the night despite cold weather conditions.

"Seva (care), sadhana (spiritual discipline), and satsang (spiritual assembly) are the three things that our god has asked us to preserve. Over 500 people gathered today. We conducted a charity and a divine satsang,” said a woman at the event.

Organisers said the gathering coincided with the 18th birthday of a local youth, which was observed alongside the New Year through religious activities. Satsang sessions, meditation, and narration of Sarathi Baba’s teachings were held during the programme.

Large Gathering, Charity Activities Held

Participants from multiple parts of Bhadrak attended the event. ‘Devotees’ claimed that around 1,200 devotees were present at the gathering. A preacher associated with the Sarathi ashram addressed the congregation during the programme.

Organisers also carried out a blanket distribution programme, providing blankets to around 50 people as part of what they described as a service initiative.

"Our god has taught us in his ways. We are also drunk in devotion. We have been so swayed by the ways of Sarathi that, unlike other intoxicants that wear off in a few hours, this devotion stays on forever,” said another woman at the event.

No comments could be received from the Bhadrak police in this regard.

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Similar Event Held In Paradip

A similar New Year celebration by Sarathi followers was reported earlier in Paradip, where devotees had also gathered to perform devotional rituals and group prayers in front of Sarathi Baba’s photograph. Local sources said the events were organised independently by followers without any public announcement.

‘Sarathi Baba’, whose real name is Santosh Roul, was arrested in 2015 in connection with multiple criminal cases and remains a controversial figure in Odisha. Despite legal proceedings and past restrictions, gatherings involving his followers continue to be reported in different parts of the state.