Sanatan Nation: Unofficial but Spiritual Inauguration of the Historic Shankhnad Mahotsav in Goa for Sanatan Rashtra

Bureau: Ponda, Goa — In a landmark spiritual and cultural event, Criminologist Snehil Dhall, Founder of Crimeophobia, attended the world’s first-ever ceremonial inauguration of a Sanatan Nation, organized by Sanatan Sanstha. The grand event — Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav — was held from May 17 to 19, 2025, at the Infinity Maidan, Goa Engineering College, Farmagudi, to commemorate the 83rd birth anniversary of Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale and the silver jubilee of Sanatan Sanstha attended by the Chief Minister of Goa with various kinds of regional support.

This spiritually significant event marked a new chapter in cultural revivalism, with seven days of rituals and programs, including the hoisting of the Sanatan Rashtra Flag and the launch of the official Sanatan Rashtra Song — symbolizing the spiritual declaration of a Sanatan Nation. The Mahotsav witnessed participation from over 19,000 devotees representing 23 countries and was graced by the holy presence of Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale, despite his ongoing health concerns. The initial three days were reserved only for special invitees; the event is now open to the general public for three long days of yagna towards Sanatan Rashtra.

The Goa Government supported and protected the event, with Goa Chief Minister Hon. Dr. Pramod Sawant attending and felicitating Dr. Athavale as a symbolic gesture of national fortification. Later, Dr. Athavale handed over a relief fund to the Chief Minister for strengthening national defence. During his speech, the Chief Minister made it very clear that Goa is not just for Sun, Sand, and Sea but also the Land of Temples. The tourist state has always been known for its party culture; however, the beginning of an organization spiritually inaugurating Sanatan Rashtra under major protection of the Government would now encourage various other State Chief Ministers to support their spiritual organizations that hold the sentiment towards a Hindu or Sanatan Rashtra.

Notable dignitaries in attendance included Hon. Shripad Naik, Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy; Hon. Sudin Dhavalikar, Minister for Power, Goa; Hon. Subhash Uttam Phal Desai, Minister for Social Welfare and Archaeology; Hon. Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, MP and Prince of the Mysuru Royal Family; and various other officials and dignitaries from different parts of Bharat and the world.

During the Mahotsav, a rare and sacred 1000-year-old Sorathi Somnath Jyotirlinga was also publicly displayed, drawing thousands of seekers. Criminologist Snehil Dhall, who leads Crimeophobia – A Criminology Firm and is the Founding Trustee of the Ministry of Happiness, acknowledged the event as a turning point in the spiritual revival and cultural nationalism of Bharat, noting the importance of such gatherings in combating modern societal decay and promoting dharmic justice systems rooted in Sanatan values.

Notably, Criminologist Snehil Dhall was the first to announce during last year’s event that the Crimeophobia team had made significant efforts toward establishing the Transnational Sanatan Commission. This initiative caught the attention of various spiritual and political leaders, inspiring them to begin their own aligned efforts across Bharat and beyond. The venue of this year was transformed into a divine township titled Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale Nagari, featuring:

• A grand entrance named Bhagawan Parashuram Suvarnadwar
• Seven symbolic roads named after the Saptarishis
• Three main pandals titled Shrinivas, Shridevi, and Bhudevi Mandapams
• Fifteen meal service pandals, each named after Hindu deities
• Iconic statues of Shriram, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and representations of historic dharmic battles like Shrikrushna lifting Govardhan and the slaying of Afzal Khan

The event began with Shankhnad (sacred conch-blowing), Vedic rituals, and the lighting of ceremonial lamps, initiating what many attendees referred to as the first spiritual step toward a unified Sanatan Rashtra — a non-political cultural and dharmic system based on seva (selfless service), peace, and spiritual governance.

As expressed by Shri Chetan Rajhans, National Spokesperson of Sanatan Sanstha, the Mahotsav aims to preserve the Sanatanatva (eternal nature) of the nation, protecting it from ideological and physical threats. He further stated that the event is the spiritual inauguration of Sanatan Rashtra (Nation), while their organization has been creating awakening and awareness events for the past 25 years in Goa.

This historic Mahotsav has set the tone for a national movement where crime prevention, cultural heritage, and spiritual resilience intersect — a cause that finds deep resonance with Crimeophobia’s mission of defending communities through criminology rooted in cultural identity, national security, and dharmic values. In addition, the event largely marks the spiritual connect for the Ministry of Happiness, which has its objective slogan of “The Sanatani Way” aligned with its core purpose: “Being Happy Can Reduce Crime.”

To continue the spirit of awakening and to address key matters of international importance discussed during the event, Crimeophobia will soon launch a dedicated series of videos and articles that were prepared for public interest concern international conflicts. These will explore various themes surrounding spiritual governance, cultural nationalism, global Hindu identity, crime prevention, and transnational threats — all viewed through the lens of criminology and Sanatan values, fostering global dialogue and awareness.