Fifty years ago this February, The Beatles had visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Ashram in Rishikesh, India. It was the year 1968, and the ashram was happy to host one of the biggest rock bands in the history of music. This year, the ashram is celebrating 50 years of the famous visit by remembering the life and teachings of Maharishi. This also coincides with International Yoga Festival.
Read more: Travellers will soon be able to stay in Rishikesh’s Beatles Ashram
Taking about the event, Swami Saraswati said that the Maharishi had always focussed on the importance of meditation, and that it is important for the modern citizens to meditate and bring harmony, love and peace to the world. He further added, "When the Beatles came to India their whole journey became from the grief to grace. After having divine darshan of Maharishiji, their whole life was filled with grace. That inspiration and transformation are what they shared through their songs which touched millions. Today, let us take this song of peace, love, oneness and yoga, here from the banks of Mother Ganga, from the lap of the Himalayas, in our hearts back with us to our countries and transform our communities.”
There were some important classes held as well, such as Traditional Hatha Yoga, Odaka Yoga, MetaFlow, and Japanese Traditional Mantra with Japanese musicians Setsuo Miyashita, Gumi, Keigo Tanaka, and Momoko Nagano. In true spirit of International Yoga Festival, the event was something nothing less than extraordinary.
You would be surprised to know that the Beatles had written numerous songs during their stay in India. Some of these songs you should check out are Dear Prudence, Blackbird, Julia, Mother Nature’s Son (inspired after Maharishi’s lecture), and Wild Honey Pie, to name a few.
Read more: The best of Rishikesh attractions. Plus, The Beatles Ashram!
