YH June2018 | Page 14

Sivamani at night post aarti was truly unbelievable. For the first time I realized the impact of music in life. Music is the catalyst to bliss. Percussionists like Sivamani have that gift (like Sadhvi Ji truly said – Sivamani is music). Lord Shiva and the Mother Ganga. The mantra chanting, the kirtans and bhajans, the discourses by HH Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati in the presence of thousands of seekers, it was collective consciousness in full bloom. The soulful bhajan “Radhe radhe” sung by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati is still going on as I pen these words. Not everyone would be able to understand the purity and the magic that happened there just by reading this article perhaps. For that, you will have to go and participate yourself next year in 2019. And if you go, do go with an open heart, without being judgemental if possible. If you are judgemental, you may not be able to see the beauty, the purity, and experience the awakening. The wonders of IYF 2018 though just didn’t stop here. Sivamani at night post aarti was truly unbelievable. For the first time I realized the impact of music in life. Music is the catalyst to bliss. Percussionists like Sivamani have that gift (like Sadhvi Ji truly said – Sivamani is music). His performances made those 7 days even more special an experience and memorable as well. Our gratitude to him! Our gratitude also to the 80 Y O G I C H E R A L D 12 Gurus, Acharyas and Masters from different parts of the globe who shared those invaluable techniques, wisdom and above all love with all the participants. As the ceremony came to an end on March 7, visitors from all corners of the world, sensed a deep attachment with the 7-day memorable event, the holy land, the magical environment. The festival was a life transforming spiritual retreat, which rejuvenates our body and mind, inspires us, and elevates our thinking to a new level, adding a purpose to our life. The ceremonies, the activities, the people, presented a blend of uniqueness with interconnectedness to the amazing world. The International Yoga Festival is worth