International Yoga Festival: 50th anniversary of The Beatles' visit to India celebrated

Participants of the 29th International Yoga Festival -- currently underway at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh in northern India -- took part in a special meditation at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram on the fifth day of the event.

Participants from 94 countries traveled to the ashram by foot where they indulged in meditation and chanting.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram attracted international attention after the Beatles came to India in 1968. The year 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the British band's visit to the country. In February 1968, they traveled to Rishikesh to attend an advanced Transcendental Meditation course at the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Their stay in India inspired some 50 songs that went on to become some of their biggest hits.

“Maharishi always emphasized the power and vital importance of meditation," Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji said. "I often share meditation is the best medication for all agitation. "Today, the world needs more meditation. Meditation brings equanimity, harmony, love and peace to our lives. Meditation gives you the inner connection. In the age of internet, we also more than ever need our inner net to stay grounded and balanced. Internet grants us the fastest speed but our inner net grants us the direction.”

He 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 is what they shared through their songs which touched millions.”

Nostalgia is good for tourism industry, and Uttarkhand Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj revealed that the last three days of the International Yoga Festival will be dedicated to celebrating 50 years of Beatles' visit to the hill station.

The International Yoga Festival, jointly organised by Ayush and Parmarth Niketan Ashram, will come to an end on March 7.