Gujarat couple donated their property worth Rs 200 crore, rode on a chariot and distributed money and clothes.

Gujarat businessman Bhavesh Bhandari and his wife, who have decided to spend the rest of their lives as Jain ascetics, have donated their entire wealth worth ₹200 crore. Before donating, he organized a grand procession in which he distributed clothes and money.

The procession was organized in Himmatnagar city, in which thousands of people participated. The Bhandari couple were seated in a big truck decorated like a chariot, and they were throwing clothes, coins and notes at people on the way. He also donated his mobile phone and air conditioner during the four kilometer long procession.

In the “baraat”, the Bhandari couple were dressed up as a bride and groom, and they were clad in gold jewelery from head to toe. He was also accompanied by a band of musicians and dancers. He had decided to donate all his property in February.

On April 22, the Bhandari couple will sever all ties with their family and embark on a barefoot journey across India. They would survive only on alms and have only two things: a white robe, a bowl for alms, and a broom.

At the end of the “Baraat”, the initiates have to undergo a painful ritual called “Keshlochan” with their heads shaved. In this ritual, they have to pluck their hair one by one once every six months. This ritual symbolizes the strength and sacrifice of a Jain monk to bear pain.

The couple is following in the footsteps of their 19-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son, who took monkhood in 2022 after similar rituals. In 2023, a multi-millionaire diamond merchant and his wife also renounced their wealth and dedicated their lives as monks and nuns. Their son also took monk's ordination five years after his parents.

First Published – April 15, 2024 | 4:54 PM IST

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