A spiritual teacher born in Poona in 1894, who kept silence for 44 years and whom his followers regard as the "Avatar."

Why did Meher Baba keep silence?

He began his silence on 10 July 1925; he is recorded as saying this was not an austerity but that there was "nothing more for him to gain."

Why is Meher Baba regarded as the Avatar?

His followers worldwide, across several religious traditions, came to regard him as the long-awaited Avatar; this is their devotional belief, not an objective fact.

Near Ahmednagar, Maharashtra; it is Meher Baba's colony and his samadhi (memorial shrine).

Is "Don't worry, be happy" really Meher Baba's phrase?

Yes, it is regarded as his teaching, and it was this phrase that inspired Bobby McFerrin's Grammy-winning 1988 song.

Avatar Meher Baba Jayanti

Avatar Meher Baba (born Merwan Sheriar Irani) was born on 25 February 1894 in Poona, into a Zoroastrian (Parsi) family. From 10 July 1925, he observed silence, which continued until his death — nearly 44 years. His followers regard him as the "Avatar" — this is a devotional belief held by his followers, not presented here as an established historical fact.

This year's dates (2026)

Jayanti (Gregorian-fixed)Wednesday, 25 February 2026

Meherabad (near Ahmednagar) is his main centre of work and his samadhi (memorial shrine).

Of the four figures covered in this set of pages, Meher Baba's connection with Maharashtra is the strongest — he was born in Poona, and almost his entire life's work took place within Maharashtra.

Significance

Avatar Meher Baba's significance rests on his long silence and his multi-faith following worldwide — followers from Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Zoroastrian traditions regard him as the long-awaited Avatar, according to the Trust's own careful phrasing. His teaching "Don't worry, be happy" is said to have reached a global audience through Bobby McFerrin's Grammy-winning 1988 song of the same name. At Meherabad, he ran food and clothing distribution for the poor, a charitable hospital, and a free residential school.

Life and legacy

Born on 25 February 1894 in Poona as Merwan Sheriar Irani; his father Sheriar was a Zoroastrian who had come from Persia. Between the ages of 19 and 27, he had spiritual encounters with five figures — Hazrat Babajan, Upasni Maharaj, Sai Baba of Shirdi, Tajuddin Baba, and Narayan Maharaj — whom his followers later called the "five Perfect Masters." In the early 1920s, his disciples gave him the name "Meher Baba." From 10 July 1925, he began his silence — not, he is recorded as saying, as an austerity, but because there was "nothing more for him to gain." In 1923, the Meherabad colony was established near Ahmednagar. He died on 31 January 1969 at Meherabad; his samadhi there remains a place of pilgrimage.

Who observes it

Meher Baba's followers worldwide — from many religious traditions, including Hindu, Parsi, Muslim, and Christian — as well as people connected with Meherabad and other Meher Baba centres observe this birthday through remembrance programmes.

How it is observed

At Meherabad and Meher Baba centres worldwide, the day is typically marked with remembrance gatherings, readings from his teachings, and programmes of silent reflection. There is no specific puja ritual or vrat (fast/observance) — this is a modern followers' memorial-day tradition.

Maharashtra connection

Of the four figures covered in this set, Meher Baba's connection with Maharashtra is the strongest and most foundational. He was born in Poona. At age 19, still in Poona, he encountered Hazrat Babajan, an event regarded as the beginning of his spiritual transformation. Sai Baba of Shirdi and Upasni Maharaj of Sakori — both established Maharashtra saints — were among his "five Perfect Masters." Meherabad, near Ahmednagar, is his main centre of work, his colony, and his final resting place (samadhi) — still an international pilgrimage site in Maharashtra today.

Good to know

The word "Avatar" should be understood as his followers' belief, not as an established, undisputed fact.
The start of his silence (10 July 1925) and his birthday (25 February) are two separate dates.
Check the visiting hours and guidelines of the Meherabad centre (Ahmednagar) before planning a visit.

FAQ

Who was Meher Baba?: A spiritual teacher born in Poona in 1894, who kept silence for 44 years and whom his followers regard as the "Avatar."
Why did Meher Baba keep silence?: He began his silence on 10 July 1925; he is recorded as saying this was not an austerity but that there was "nothing more for him to gain."
Why is Meher Baba regarded as the Avatar?: His followers worldwide, across several religious traditions, came to regard him as the long-awaited Avatar; this is their devotional belief, not an objective fact.
Where is Meherabad?: Near Ahmednagar, Maharashtra; it is Meher Baba's colony and his samadhi (memorial shrine).
Is "Don't worry, be happy" really Meher Baba's phrase?: Yes, it is regarded as his teaching, and it was this phrase that inspired Bobby McFerrin's Grammy-winning 1988 song.