Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh), Date: 9 January 2026:The Chenchu Sankranti Mahotsav 2026, held at the sacred Mallikarjun Jyotirlinga shrine in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh—one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva—concluded in a truly historic and memorable manner. The grand event emerged as a remarkable confluence of Sanatan tradition, tribal heritage, spirituality, social harmony, and national unity.
The festival witnessed the dignified presence of eminent saints and spiritual leaders, Jagadgurus, Mahamandaleshwars, political leaders, social activists, and prominent representatives of the Chenchu tribal community, along with participants from India, Nepal, and other regions.
Special Felicitation of Pradeep Khanal.
On this auspicious occasion, Pradeep Khanal, renowned spiritual and cultural figure and World Spiritual Ambassador, was specially felicitated by the collective fraternity of saints, spiritual leaders, tribal representatives, and religious communities.
The honor was conferred in recognition of his extraordinary achievement of completing pilgrimages to more than 450 sacred sites within a single year.
450 Pilgrimages: A Unique Spiritual Mission of the Modern Era
Within the span of one year, Pradeep Khanal successfully undertook extensive pilgrimages across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Tibet (China), covering over 450 sacred Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh pilgrimage sites. His journey included spiritual practices, worship rituals, meditation, and meaningful cultural and interfaith dialogue.
Eminent saints and scholars present at the event described this pilgrimage as unprecedented in the modern era, stating that such a vast spiritual journey has not been witnessed since Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya and Sikhism’s founder Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
According to the speakers, Adi Shankaracharya traveled extensively across India to propagate Advaita Vedanta, while Guru Nanak Dev Ji undertook long journeys to spread the message of devotion, equality, and human unity. In the contemporary age, Pradeep Khanal’s pilgrimage has emerged as a symbol of the revival of Sanatan Dharma and a bridge for global humanity.
Dignified Presence of Jagadgurus and Mahamandaleshwars
The Chenchu Sankranti Mahotsav 2026 was graced by the presence of the following distinguished spiritual luminaries:
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Adhokshajanand Devtirtha Ji Maharaj, Peethadheeshwar, Govardhan Peeth
Jagadguru Kalki Bhagwan,
Mahamandaleshwar Dr. Swami Prakashanand, Rishikesh
Swami Advaitanand Giri, Gangotri Dham
Mahamandaleshwar Nilima Mata Ji, Ujjain
Swami C. Ramasubba Reddy
Shivananda Datta Saraswati
Udayananda Swami, Karimnagar
Raksha Pande ( Sister Mohan Bhagwat ,Pujaniya Sarsaghchalak RSS) Ravindra Kumar Pande,
Mr. Balraj Nune , National Coordinator BJP,
Mangesh Bhagwat , A Krishna Kishore ( chief Organiser)
All the revered saints delivered profound discourses on spirituality, preservation of Sanatan culture, harmony between nature and humanity, and social cohesion.
Special Blessings and Historic Declarations
One of the key highlights of the event was the special blessings bestowed upon Pradeep Khanal by Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Adhokshajanand Devtirtha Ji Maharaj, Jagadguru Kalki Bhagwan, and other Mahamandaleshwar gurus.
While offering blessings, Jagadguru Shankaracharya stated:
“The work carried out by Pradeep Khanal for the promotion of Sanatan Dharma, preservation of pilgrimage culture, and unity of humanity will remain recorded in history for generations to come.”
Jagadguru Kalki Bhagwan and other Mahamandaleshwars echoed similar sentiments, describing Khanal’s mission as a spiritual movement ushering in a new era for Sanatan Dharma, with a far-reaching positive impact at the global level.
Notable Participation from Political and Social Leadership
Alongside spiritual leaders, the event also saw the participation of prominent political and social figures, including:
Balraj Nune, National Coordinator, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Raksha Pandey, sister of RSS Chief Pujaniya Mohan Bhagwat Ji
Ravindra Kumar Pandey, brother-in-law of Mohan Bhagwat Ji
Mangesh Bhagwat
A. Krishna Kishore, Chief Organizer
In addition, several political leaders from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, social activists, and senior leaders of the Chenchu tribal community actively participated, making the event highly inclusive and impactful.
Chenchu Tribe and the Pride of Sanatan Tradition
The Chenchu Sankranti Mahotsav was specifically organized to highlight the cultural identity, ancient traditions, and historical connection of the Chenchu tribe with Sanatan Dharma.
The Chenchu community is traditionally regarded as the ancient custodians of the Srisailam region and devoted indigenous worshippers of Lord Mallikarjun.
Leaders of the Chenchu community praised Pradeep Khanal’s pilgrimage as a symbol of tribal–mainstream unity, cultural respect, and spiritual renaissance, and extended their heartfelt honor to him.
Address by Pradeep Khanal: A Global Message of Sanatan Consciousness
After receiving the felicitation, Pradeep Khanal expressed his gratitude and shared his vision, stating:
“This honor is far greater than a personal achievement. It represents respect for Sanatan culture, saints, tribal communities, and global humanity. The purpose of my pilgrimage was not merely to visit sacred sites, but to spread the message of dharma, compassion, coexistence, and peace across the world.”
He further explained that his journey aimed to build spiritual bridges among Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh traditions, emphasizing that religious tolerance and cultural diplomacy are essential for today’s world.
National and International Message
Speakers at the event expressed confidence that Pradeep Khanal’s pilgrimage would further strengthen India–Nepal relations, reinforce South Asian cultural unity, and spread a powerful message of global peace and harmony.
The journey is also expected to open new avenues in religious tourism, cultural research, academic studies, and international spiritual dialogue.
Conclusion: A Spiritual Light from Srisailam to the World
The Chenchu Sankranti Mahotsav 2026 transcended the boundaries of a religious festival and emerged as a historic platform for the revival of Sanatan Dharma, recognition of tribal heritage, spiritual–political dialogue, and international friendship.
From the sacred land of Mallikarjun Jyotirlinga, Srisailam, this spiritual message is expected to illuminate the world with peace, harmony, and the spirit of human unity.
