A Gujarati couple who donated Rs 200 crore to become monks receives money from the chariot

Recently, a Gujarati couple who selflessly donated about Rs. 200 crore to live as monks and abstain from material belongings participated in a parade to divide their fortune. This noteworthy contribution was given in February by businessman Bhavesh Bhandari and his spouse, who follow the “Sayyam Jeevan” path of Jain ascetics. They’re expected to publicly declare their intention to seek a renounced life later this month.

The pair could be seen standing triumphantly atop a lavishly adorned vehicle, simulating a majestic chariot, in the viral video that went viral on the internet. They threw garments and rained cash on the assembled throng with enthusiasm as the procession made its way into Himmatnagar. They didn’t stop there; throughout the four kilometers, they gave away their air conditioners and cell phones to those in need.

For those who are not acquainted with the custom, people who aspire to monkhood dress lavishly, imitating brides and newlyweds, decorated with gold jewelry, and are accompanied by exuberant music and dancers during such processions, known as “baraat.”

The pair, who gave all their possessions in February, intends to sever all links with their family on April 22 in order to travel throughout India in bare feet and only accept charity. All they will have is a broom, a bowl for alms, and a white robe.

Bhavesh Bhandari: Who is he?
Born into a well-to-do family in Sabarkantha, Bhavesh Bhandari had a pleasant childhood. He worked as a builder and carried out his business in Sabarkantha and Ahmedabad. The family has an extensive history of interacting with monks and other Jain adherents.

The couple is leading by example; in 2022, their 16-year-old son and 19-year-old daughter both accepted monastic life via identical rites. A rich diamond trader and his wife gave up their worldly goods and became monks in 2023, following in the footsteps of their son, who had done the same five years before.