Mata Shri Jalfa Devi Ji Temple Celebration 2026: a day of devotion
Nangal, April 2026
Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra (VMRK) maintains an annual events calendar woven with devotional celebrations at its Lighthouse Centers. Eagerly awaited, attendees look forward to participating at these events with great fervor.
This year, VMRK decided to branch out beyond celebrations at the Lighthouse Centers. On April 6, VMRK released the announcement of its first devotional celebration at Mata Shri Jalfa Devi Ji Temple. The event, set for April 12, honored Mata Shri Jalfa Devi Ji, a revered form of Goddess Shakti. The news sparked immense joy and spread quickly. Attendees from many Indian states journeyed to the temple, eager to be part of the occasion.
Planning and preparation
The temple sits on a hillside with a road that leads to the temple gateway. From there, a trail of steps ascends to the temple. The hilltop location was of particular interest when VMRK volunteers conducted the site visit to get a clear sense of the terrain and the space available.
VMRK used the findings from the site visit to inform the event planning. The relatively level area adjacent to the gateway became the ideal spot for the main event tent. VMRK then selected several areas within the temple grounds to accommodate the large crowd expected. A big open space about half a kilometer away from the temple was designated for food services and accommodation. The free medical camp was also set up on the same site with a small three‑bed treatment center and an ambulance on standby.
Carrying out those plans proved challenging because the final stretch to the temple was steep and difficult for trucks to navigate. When vehicles could not go further, volunteers hand carried the materials to the temple. Once onsite, teams of volunteers prepared the amenities, while other volunteers cleared overgrown vegetation along the final stretch to the temple and spruced up the temple premises.
Celebration eve
The excitement among attendees was so strong that many began arriving on April 11. Attendees appreciated that VMRK provided free shuttle services between the nearby bus station, the VMRK Nangal center, and the temple. Many took the opportunity to visit the medical camp on their way to the temple.
Throughout the day, the temple became increasingly lively with more arrivals. By evening, the temple courtyard became livelier with a large crowd singing devotional songs. People danced with joy on their faces and looked forward to the celebration planned for the next day.
Event day
From early in the morning, attendees started taking their seats at the main event tent. Mindful that the April heat could cause dehydration, VMRK volunteers served water and lassi (sweet buttermilk) at the food service area and near the main event tent. As bigger crowds continually arrived, those needing medical help could easily visit the small medical camp that VMRK set up beside the temple gate. To support urgent needs, two additional ambulances were stationed near the main grounds to transport patients to the base camp or hospital.
Sant Baljit Singh Ji’s arrival
At around 9:30 am, devotional songs began echoing across the event grounds. Shortly thereafter, a wave of excitement rippled through the air as Sant Baljit Singh Ji arrived. Upon greeting the gathering with a warm smile, Sant Baljit Singh Ji proceeded into the temple to pay his respects to the Goddess. After that, the temple administration requested him to ceremonially plant a Bodhi tree sapling near the main event tent.
Following this, Sant Baljit Singh Ji took his seat on the dais and addressed the attendees. After encouraging everyone to visit the temple often, he then led multiple chants of “Shakti Peeth Jalfa Mata Ki Jai.” The chant praises the Goddess, whose temple is considered a Shakti Peeth (a sacred seat of Goddess Shakti). The crowds were filled with joy as they enthusiastically raised their hands and replied with a resounding “Jai” each time!
Embracing devotion and sacred togetherness
With the atmosphere charged with devotion, devotional singer Sonu Surjit began performing devotional songs. The attendees embraced each moment with great merriment in the presence of Sant Baljit Singh Ji. They sang wholeheartedly, clapped with their hands raised high and many danced during the celebration.
Before long, the main event tent and the other seating areas were filled to capacity. As more attendees continued to arrive, volunteers expanded the seating area by laying mats beside the pathway leading to the main event tent.
The eight LED screens and audio equipment installed across the seating areas helped everyone see and follow the event clearly. Sant Baljit Singh Ji went beyond these arrangements by spending time with attendees seated outside his view. He moved between the dais and the pathway, reaching even those seated nearly 400 meters away.
Cherished darshan of Sant Baljit Singh Ji
Seeing Sant Baljit Singh Ji up close inspired deep happiness across the gathering. At many moments, people continued to dance with heartfelt devotion as Sant Baljit Singh Ji walked along the pathways. Smiling warmly and acknowledging their devotion, Sant Baljit Singh Ji often raised his hands while enjoying the devotional singing and dancing. The sight was truly mesmerizing!
The program continued into the evening with performances by devotional singers, including Master Saleem. Throughout the event, the attendees’ enthusiasm never wavered. Their spirits soared even higher whenever Sant Baljit Singh Ji requested a particular devotional song.
The event concluded with an Aarti, after which Sant Baljit Singh Ji spoke briefly. When he moved into the temple to attend the Aarti, many followed. When it was time for Sant Baljit Singh Ji to leave, attendees lined the pathway, cherishing another opportunity for his darshan.