On the 23rd of June 1978, it was to be his 76th birthday. It would be celebrated, like it was never celebrated before, in Akola. This small city would get the privilege of celebrating the grand event. It was a historical day for Akola. Invitation cards were printed and sent out. Newspapers carried the news of this unusual celebration, along with a beautiful portrait of Shri Nathji.
On the 18th of June, the celebrations were to be carried out at the Mahamateshwari Mandir. Violent rains lashed out at the celebration–as if the powers of darkness were intent upon destroying the powers of light.
On the 20th of June, the celebrations were to be carried out at the Bhola Nath Mandir. Again a violent rainstorm disrupted the function. Shri Nathji was seen in the temple surrounded by a small group of his devotees, and a large number of children in rags who had entered within to save themselves from the rain. It was a desolate picture in contrast to the earlier visit of Shri Nathji in March.
On the 22nd of June there was a lecture at the Pramila Tai Hall. The rains tried their worst again. But the Hall was well filled, though not packed. It appeared that people were still too afraid of the forces of Nature to go out and meet God. And the rains would strike punctually–just when the functions were to begin. It appeared almost a pre-planned design of the forces of evil-the asuri bal, which sought to destroy the spread of righteousness in the world.