This was the second year of the Yoga Festival at our new site in France. Many people had caught on to the possibility of booking rooms, leading to a very eager pre-registration. Fortunately there was something also for campers, who after all still make up the largest part of Yogafest participants: our host had built fine new outside showers.
I remember the early peaceful days before the festival began. As always it seemed amazing that this quiet place would be filled with people and activity in just a few days. But of course students, teachers, guests, friends, and family came and soon the festival was in full swing. Still, even with a turnout of 1,150 people in the midst of an active program, it seemed peaceful with plenty of space to mellow out.
This year was special in that we had many special guests, including teachers such as Gurcharan Singh from Boston, the Cabinet Minister from
India, Trilochan Singh, and particularly Bibiji Inderjit Kaur. Many students mentioned her heartfelt workshops, counseling, and presence afterwards as a particular treat. No wonder Bibiji was given a special send-off, with the mantra choir singing and flowers presented.
The music at sadhana was particularly good this year, with many musicians such as Gurudass Singh and Kaur from Spain, Matamandir Singh and ensemble from Amsterdam, Holland, Sat Hari Kaur from Mexico and Gurubasant Singh & Co. from Frankfurt, Germany. Behind the stage, the sun would rise and shine through the early morning mist of the lake. This year’s ransibhai was also a treat, with some of the best music to be heard from midnight to 4 a.m., enough to inspire and enrapture even the most tired music-lover.