Final Farewell to Spiritual Guru Pilot Baba

Disciples of Somnath Giri, also known as Pilot Baba, conducted his last rites in Kankhal. The former Indian Air Force pilot, who participated in several significant wars, took sanyas in 1974. Notable figures, including former Union minister Ajay Bhatt and international disciples, attended to pay their respects.

Disciples of spiritual guru Somnath Giri, popularly known as Pilot Baba, gathered at his ashram in Kankhal on Thursday to perform his last rites.

Somnath Giri, who passed away recently in Mumbai, was laid to rest with a 'mahasamadhi' — a burial in the sitting posture, as per tradition.

Prominent attendees, including former Union minister Ajay Bhatt and representatives from 13 akharas, came to pay their respects. Also present was Japanese disciple 'Yogmata' Keiko Aikawa.

The last rites were performed by Pilot Baba's disciples, Sadhvi Chetnanand Giri and Sadhvi Shraddha Giri.

Somnath Giri, before his spiritual journey, served as a pilot in the Indian Air Force and participated in the 1962 war against China and the 1965 and 1971 wars against Pakistan. He embraced sanyas in 1974.

(With inputs from agencies.)