RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat to Inaugurate Jaisalmer Chadar Mahotsav; 10.8 Million Devotees to Recite Dadaguru Iktisa in Unison on March 7

The program will be held under the auspicious guidance of Gachchhadhipati Acharya Shri Maniprabha Suri Ji. The inspiration behind this grand spiritual gathering is Pujya Acharya Shri Jinmanojna Sagar Ji. The Chadar Mahotsav Committee is chaired by Maharashtra Government Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, with former JITO Chairman Tejraj Golecha serving as Convenor. Around 400 saints from various Indian traditions and nearly 20,000 devotees are expected to attend the three-day event.

First Formal Abhishek After 871 Years

According to Chairman Mangal Prabhat Lodha, this initiative is not merely a religious ritual but a global movement of faith, unity, and spiritual awakening. At a designated time, devotees across India and abroad will recite the Dadaguru Iktisa Paath simultaneously, creating a collective wave of spiritual consciousness worldwide.

For the first time in 871 years, the sacred Chadar of Dadagurudev Shri Jindattsuri will undergo a formal ceremonial Abhishek. Prior to this, the Chadar will be brought in a grand procession (Varghoda) from the Jaisalmer Fort to the festival venue. On March 8, Upadhyay Mahendrasagar Maharaj will be conferred the title of Acharya.

Global Participation in the Collective Recitation

Prakash Chandra Lodha, National Chairman of the Dadaguru Iktisa Program, stated that the central attraction of the three-day Chadar Mahotsav (March 6–8, 2026) will be the historic collective recitation by 10.8 million devotees worldwide on March 7. Devotees across countries will participate simultaneously, spreading spiritual energy globally.

Key Programs Over Three Days

March 6: The festival will commence with the ceremonial entry of Gachchhadhipati, Acharyas, Upadhyays, and revered saints. A religious assembly will be addressed in the presence of RSS Chief Mohan Rao Bhagwat. A commemorative coin and special postal stamp for the Chadar ceremony will be released. In the evening, a live theatrical presentation based on the life of Dadagurudev will be staged for the first time.

March 7: A grand Chadar procession will begin from Jaisalmer Fort. Subsequently, 10.8 million devotees worldwide will recite the Dadaguru Iktisa Paath. The Chadar Abhishek and puja will take place in the afternoon. A cultural evening featuring renowned musicians will be held as part of the Bhakti Mahotsav.

March 8: Upadhyay Mahendrasagar Maharaj will be elevated to the position of Acharya, along with a Ganini title ceremony. On the same day, sacred water (Aok Jal) and Vasakshep associated with the Chadar will be distributed among devotees.

Massive Dome Tents Under Construction

Mahendra Singh Bhansali, President of the Jaisalmer Jain Trust, informed that large dome tents have been under construction for a month at the Dedansar Ground in preparation for this historic Jain community event. A museum is also being set up at the venue. Approximately 20,000 devotees of Dadaguru Jindattsuri from across India and abroad are expected to attend. Jaisalmer district is considered an extremely significant religious site for the Jain community.

Sacred Chadar: A Symbol of Unwavering Faith

According to Organizing Committee Secretary Padam Tatia, the first Dadaguru, Acharya Shri Jindattsuri, is regarded as a great 11th-century spiritual leader. As per tradition, his last rites were performed in Ajmer on land granted by King Arnoraj. During the cremation, the miraculous event of the Chadar not burning became a symbol of divine grace and remains a center of deep faith for devotees.

Historical records state that about one and a half centuries ago, the Maharawal of Jaisalmer brought this Chadar from Anhilpur Patan to mitigate a devastating epidemic. Currently, the sacred Chadar is preserved at Shri Jinbhadra Suri Gyan Bhandar inside Jaisalmer Fort. The Chadar Mahotsav is organized based on this revered tradition.

National Scholarly Seminar

On March 7 and 8, 2026, a National Scholarly Seminar will be held on the theme: “Contribution of the Dadaguru Tradition to India’s Cultural Unity, Social Harmony, and Integration.”

Institutions including Jodhpur University, Rajasthan University, Prakrit Bharati Institute, and the Centre for Society and Cultural Studies will participate as knowledge partners. Various Acharyas, Jain monks and nuns, and subject experts will be present.