This Hanuman Jayanti Feed 2000 Monkeys

If you go to Parikrama Marg around Vrindavan early in the morning, any day of the week, the sight before you will surely put a smile on your face. You will find 83-year-old Bhole Baba walking slowly with tens and hundreds of monkeys hopping gleefully behind him. 

With a bag full of food in hand, he stops to greet each and every monkey before feeding them to their stomach’s full. He talks to them, listens to their chatter, but more than anything, he ensures they never go hungry. Feeding 2,000+ monkeys every day is no small feat, but Bhole Baba has taken it upon himself to do that and more. This Hanuman Jayanti, you can join his mission. 

What others see as a monkey’s mischief, Bhole Baba sees as desperate hunger 

Many years ago, Vrindavan was full of gardens on all sides. These gardens were the monkeys’ home. They had enough food and thus had no need to venture into human territory. But times changed, and gardens became concrete jungles. The monkeys lost their homes and their source of food. Naturally, they entered the city looking for food. Today over 5,000 monkeys live in Parikrama Marg, waiting to be fed.

“People complain that the monkeys snatch their belongings. But have you noticed, they give it back as soon as you give them a little food? I see their mischief as their pleas for food. If their stomach is full, why would they bother you?” - Bhole Baba

Bhole Baba started his seva in 1978 when his salary was just 97.5 Rupees

In the 1970s, when Bhole Baba was employed in the Indian Railways, his Guru Ji suggested he utilize a part of his monthly income to serve animals, as a way of worshipping God. The idea stuck with him, and he started his seva soon after. He bought carrots and bananas and whatever else he could afford, and fed the monkeys in Vrindavan. Since then Bhole Baba has never thought of abandoning his seva.

“When I was transferred to Agra in 1990, I missed the monkeys so much. But I fed the monkeys there. When familial obligations became a priority, I did my best to feed at least a few if not many. I came back to Vrindavan in 2018 and reunited with the monkeys in the Marg, and my joy knew no bounds. And a few months ago, when I fractured my leg, I just couldn’t rest. I took an e-rickshaw to the Marg. I knew the monkeys would be waiting, hungry. I can’t fail them…” - Bhole Baba smiles

But now, his seva is at risk, owing to rising costs and lack of resources

Every morning before dawn, Bhole Baba walks to the Annakshetras (feeding centres for sadhus) to collect roti, channa, fruits, or whatever food there is, to feed the monkeys. In the initial days, there were 10 to 12 Annakshetras in Vrindavan. Today, the numbers have dwindled down to 3. People who offered food and groceries as charity are no longer able to afford the increasing costs. Bhole Baba needs your help to continue his mission.

“Currently I cover half the Parikrama Marg and feed 2,000+ monkeys. My dream is to cover the whole Marg and feed all the 5,000+ monkeys that live there. But now, it looks like I won’t be able to feed even those 2,000. There’s no food to give. I request you to donate fruits and grains, to feed the monkeys. Hanuman Jayanti is around the corner and by feeding these monkeys we can offer our prayers to Bajrang Bali himself. Please help me.” 

About Bhole Baba: For over 40 years, Bhole Baba has fed thousands of hungry monkeys in Vrindavan—every single day, without fail. Neither age nor illness has stopped him. His love and devotion are a true inspiration.