Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan and veteran wrestler The Great Khali joined spiritual leader Dhirendra Krishna Shastri during the ongoing Sanatan Hindu Ekta Padayatra 2025 on Saturday. The initiative led by the Bageshwar Dham head is aimed at fostering unity among Hindus and spreading the message of Sanatan values across India.
Beginning on November 7, the 10-day padayatra will pass through Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh before ending on November 16. Thousands of devotees and participants have already gathered to be part of what Shastri termed a movement for Hindu unity and national strength.
#WATCH | Faridabad, Haryana | Former cricketer Shikhar Dhawan says, "I am very happy to be here. The idea of Acharya Dhirendra Shastri behind this padayatra is to make Hindus rise above caste lines and promote Hindutva… There is great strength in unity. Hindus should unite and… https://t.co/I5xtEiHVRB pic.twitter.com/gaAeaMhbbH
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2025
Shikhar Dhawan voices support for the movement
Speaking at the event, Shikhar Dhawan fully supported Acharya Dhirendra Shastri’s cause. The stylish left-handed batter, known for his calm demeanour on and off the field, praised the spiritual leader’s vision to unite people beyond caste and community lines.
“I am very happy to be here. The idea of Acharya Dhirendra Shastri behind this padayatra is to make Hindus rise above caste lines and promote Hindutva. There is great strength in unity. Hindus should unite and become strong for a strong nation,” Dhawan told ANI.
The presence of Dhawan at the padayatra attracted the attention not only of cricket lovers but also of those who see his participation as proof of increased popular support for spiritual and cultural movements.
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The Great Khali Urges People to Join the Yatra
The event was also attended by wrestling legend and former WWE superstar The Great Khali, who called upon people from all walks of life to participate in the padayatra.
“Everyone should attend this padyatra and make it successful,” Khali said, emphasizing collective participation and the importance of unity for the nation’s progress.
Khali, in addition to Dhawan, provided an aspect of celebrity power to the event and inspired more people to take an interest in the spiritual journey.
Dhirendra Krishna Shastri on the Purpose of the Padayatra
Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, in his address to the gathering, described padayatra as a peaceful and spiritual march with the aim of strengthening Hindu unity, and not against any community.
“It is 145 kilometres long. The padyatra will begin with the national anthem and Hanuman Chalisa. Seven oaths will be taken daily. Nearly 40,000 padyatra participants have already registered at Bageshwar Dham. They are coming from all over India, from every corner, from every street,” he said.
He further explained that the movement is to promote love and unity among Hindus and to reinforce the spirit of Sanatan Dharma.
“We are not marching against Muslims, but in support of Hindus. Those who love Hindutva, love Sanatan and love the tricolour are coming for this padyatra. Some people want to see the moon in the tricolour. We want to see the tricolour on the moon,” Shastri added.
A March of Faith and Unity
Involving some 40,000 participants on this journey, the Sanatan Hindu Ekta Padayatra is one of the major socio-religious events in northern India. Starting each day with the national anthem and Hanuman Chalisa, oaths were taken daily on unity, respect, and devotion.
For Shikhar Dhawan and The Great Khali, joining hands with Acharya Dhirendra Shastri reflects a message that goes beyond faith – a call to collective harmony and national pride.
As the padayatra moves through Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, its message remains profound: together we stand, united we progress.
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