Guruji's 90th Birthday Celebration

November was a great month to be attending classes at  R.I.M.Y.I. Geetaji, Prachantji and Guruji were so well and their teaching was magnetic and highly energised. There was an air of excitement building as December approached, it was a massive undertaking for Geeta who supervised the event including hosting her wider family at her home.

The first event on the 10^th of December was open to everyone, free of charge and free of booking. Invitations were given to everyone at the Institute. This event was held at Govinda Gardens, a short Rickshaw ride from the Institute. We were there to witness and share in Guruji's earth, fire and water rituals (pujas), which were beautiful, smokey and watery!

Guruji's priests chanted for many hours during these rituals. Guruji's family was close to him but it was Guruji that sat still for 4 hours whilst these rituals were performed.

Lunch was served for 700 people. Tables were laid in long lines and men served great bowels of beautiful Indian delicacies down through each line. So efficient and organised. Whilst eating we could talk to people from all over the world who had come for Guruji's birthday. It was time also to talk and share with Indian people from the Institute classes.

After lunch Prachant and Geetaji spoke and we were invited to spend time at the merchandise tables where things had been made in commemoration of Guruji's birthday. One of the most outstanding things was the DVD on Guruji's life "Leap of Faith" Now available at our IYANZ library for hire.

That night there was a photo exhibition of Guruji and his life's work, which was beautifully presented in a modern context and was very popular with everyone.

On the 11^th from 10 to 12 at the Institute Geetaji gave a philosophical talk. We all took our place on the floor, leaving no place spare, to listen spellbound for two hours. Just a glimpse of what she was talking about.

"work without expectation (karma) do asana without expectation (karma).

Any yoga whether conscious or unconscious is valuable physically and for the soul. Cleanse yourself, purify yourself and do everything for God. Practice for God, teach for God...

Friday 12^th was a special night with the first screening of a new DVD of Guruji's life "Leap of Faith" There was a standing ovation as Guruji entered the hall. He spoke to us and blessed us and then the movie began. I found this event very moving and enjoyable. It certainly was a meeting of the clan. From Patricia Walden, Manusso, Faeq, and many other famous and familiar faces adding to the glamour and excitement of the night.

The morning of the 13^th was Indian Dance. A lecture demonstration given by one of India's top performers showed and explained the meaning and history of the dance as so beautifully performed by the dancers.

That evening there was a play by one of India's popular performers. The play had a philosophic, poetic theme and told of a dying man's reflections of his life.

This was followed by a Yoga demonstration by the children of the Institute. The children of course stole the show with their vibrant and playful interpretation of the wonderful art of yoga. The students were volunteers, not chosen, but they all displayed an extraordinary level of proficiency, which the audience loudly applauded and cheered. This put us in a wonderful mood to go home and reflect and rest for  the last day, the 14^th Guruji's birthday.

We were back to Govinda Gardens for this event. It was in the evening before sunset. We gathered in our most beautiful clothes. The wearing of "beautiful clothes" had been a joke that Geeta had with us about seeing us in our "beautiful" clothes, not yoga clothes! We could even wear our hair down, wear make up and shiny shoes! Geeta was there to greet us and we all took our seats until Guruji arrived and there was another emotional standing ovation for him. Guruji was on the stage with his family and close friends. The sun was setting now and the light just beautiful against the colourful backdrop of rocks and gardens.

Faeq spoke of his times with Guruji, Manusso spoke about of his gratefulness to Guruji and his family. Geeta spoke and so did Prachant. Each sharing something very special about the event, their father and family. I found this very honest and moving and felt humbled to be part of this wonderful night.

Geetaji mentioned for the first time, the dreadful way the bombing had affected Guruji and everyone. How one of their most faithful students and friend lost their grandson in the terrible events in Mumbai.

Then Guruji spoke and he called us "his children" many times. This was the theme of his talk. We were "his children" and at this time we felt very loved by him and will remember the loving way he spoke about us. We felt his devotion to us, his students, his dedication to us and our learning.

Dinner was served for about 500 people. The food was exquisite. This time we had to walk around the tables, there were so many people I thought I would be squashed in the crowd. However spaces opened up, often by the lovely manners of the Indian gentlemen. There was then plenty of space to sit with friends and acquaintances to eat the sumptuous food. There was desert but I was too full of everything that had happened over the 5 days of events and there were too many people to catch up with. The moon was out by this time and it was a beautiful sight in a beautiful setting. The celebrations were over and we could go home with our feelings and our memories of this occasion.

Three days later of course Guruji and followers were off for a 3-day tour of Bellur. I was not able to accompany them, I hope they had a magnificent time. To think Guruji had the energy for all this is truly an inspiration and great credit to his energy and power as a man of Yoga.