History was made at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday, 5 July, as over 15,000 people gathered for ‘Man to HANUMAN’, creating an unforgettable celebration of faith, unity and collective devotion that has set a new benchmark for the largest synchronised congregation of Hindus chanting the Hanuman Chalisa in Africa.
Hosted by Chinmaya Mission South Africa to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Global Chinmaya Movement, the landmark gathering brought together people of all ages, backgrounds and communities in a powerful demonstration of harmony and shared purpose. Thousands of saffron flags filled the stadium while participants chanted the sacred Hanuman Chalisa in unison through 27 rounds of collective prayer, creating a moving atmosphere of peace, positivity and spiritual upliftment.
Ahead of the historic gathering, the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, sent a special message of support to Chinmaya Mission South Africa and Swami Abhedananda, describing the celebration as “a landmark reflection of seven and a half decades of the Mission’s dedicated service towards preserving our timeless spiritual heritage.” He also recognised the invaluable contribution of the Indian diaspora in strengthening South Africa’s social, cultural and economic fabric, saying it has served as “a vibrant bridge between India and South Africa, deepening the bonds of friendship and shared heritage between the two nations.”
The gathering was led in the divine presence of Pujya Swami Abhedananda, Spiritual Head of Chinmaya Mission South Africa, together with internationally acclaimed devotional music icon, Bhajan Samrat Anup Jalota, who travelled from India especially for the occasion. Deeply moved by the scale and emotion of the gathering, Mr Jalota opined from the stage that making this offering of chanting 27 rounds of the Hanuman Chalisa in South Africa felt like the greatest purpose of his life.
“The event exceeded all our expectations. ‘Man to HANUMAN’ was about far more than the number of people gathered in one place. It was about witnessing thousands of individuals standing together in one voice, with one prayer, having one identity, and one resolve. The atmosphere throughout the day was truly uplifting, and we are deeply grateful to every person who travelled from near and far to be part of this historic occasion.” said Pavan Maharaj, Trustee of Chinmaya Mission South Africa. Participants travelled from across KwaZulu-Natal and beyond via free community buses helping thousands attend the event.
The event also celebrated the success of the community-led ‘Flower of Flour’ initiative, which saw thousands of contributions of flour, butter, ghee and sugar donated in preparation for the unprecedented and monumental offering of 27,000 rhots to Lord Hanuman. Organisers described the initiative as a powerful reflection of the generosity and collective spirit that characterised the event from beginning to end.
Over 15,000 packed lunch meals, fruits, bottled water, and rhot prasad were given to all those who attended, in line with the event’s commitment to compassion, oneness and love for all. Devotees at the Mission said this reflected Swami Abhedananda’s vision that every person who attended should feel welcomed, loved and leave spiritually fulfilled, with no one departing the event hungry.
Just before the event concluded, Swami Abhedananda delivered a heartfelt address that captured the central message behind ‘Man to HANUMAN’. “If we are one as a community, we can make a better South Africa. If we are one, we can build a better India. If we are one, we can make a better world.” His words reflected the vision that inspired the gathering from its inception, to unite the community beyond all differences and foster a renewed sense of pride, purpose and positivity.
Reflecting on the day’s significance, Maharaj added: ” For Chinmaya Mission South Africa, the greatest achievement extended well beyond any record. What we witnessed was the power of people coming together in faith, humility and mutual respect. In a world that often focuses on what divides us, this gathering reminded us of what is possible when people unite around values of compassion, service and hope. We believe every person who attended has become part of a defining moment that will inspire generations to come.”
The Honourable Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Arthur Thamsanqa (Thami) Ntuli, attended the event as guest of honour and joined devotees in the chanting, embracing the spirit and energy of the historic gathering. In his address, the Premier acknowledged the significant contribution of Chinmaya Mission South Africa under the guidance of Swami Abhedananda. “In South Africa, under the guidance of Pujya Swami Abhedananda, the Chinmaya Mission has made a valuable contribution to our society. Through spiritual education, youth development, community outreach, and cultural preservation, the Mission has nurtured generations of principled citizens,” he said.
As Chinmaya Mission South Africa celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Global Chinmaya Movement, organisers hope the success of ‘Man to HANUMAN’ will leave a lasting legacy by strengthening community connections, inspiring future generations and demonstrating South Africa’s enduring spirit of unity.
