The Mahashivratri celebrations in Isha are something that is not to be missed. After two years of restrictions due to COVID-19, this time around, again many more people from all sections of society and corners of the world got the chance to join this night of exuberance in person. The Isha Forest Flower team caught up with some of them. Here is what a few well-known cricketers and actors had to say about their experience of Mahashivratri in the presence of Sadhguru and Adiyogi.
Award-Winning Actress and Filmmaker
This is my first Mahashivratri at Isha. It is my privilege to be here. Before coming to the ashram, I was actually thinking, ‘What a fortune it is!’ We missed Krishna; we missed Rama; we missed Shiva – but we did not miss Sadhguruji in our lifetime. I always wonder, ‘Why was I not born when Krishna was around, or when Rama was around?’ But thank God, we didn’t miss Sadhguruji.
Usually, I entertain people. Today, for a change, I’m not the entertainer but among those who will be entertained. I am part of the audience at these Mahashivratri celebrations, and a witness to this grand festival. I feel truly grateful to be here.
Former Cricketer and Bowling Coach
I wish you and everybody a very happy Mahashivratri. Great to be here at the Isha Foundation. And this is my first visit. It’s an honor and a pleasure to be here. Just terrific! I’d only heard of this. People need to come here to experience it. I think seeing is believing.
I am actually thrilled to be here. It was an outstanding experience. I’ve been a great follower of Sadhguru. I had the opportunity to play some golfing rounds as well with him. I wanted to be here, no matter what. Whatever my schedule, I made sure that it was all canceled or postponed because I wanted to be here. So I’m finally here. I’m so thrilled and honored to be here as a guest of Sadhguru and Isha.
I’m not a good dancer. I’m just a cricket player who would make the batsmen dance on the field. Well, this is a completely different field for me. But then, the whole vibe, the energy is outstanding. I think what Sadhguru has done is phenomenal. The kind of message that he is passing to people across the globe has been wonderful. And it’s not just him but the volunteers of Isha as well. I think they’re doing a fabulous job. I’m really looking forward to coming here more often, to making more visits to this place.
Actress and Singer
This is my first visit to Isha, and I feel wonderful. The whole event has been quite a spectacle, actually. I am very fond of the elements, and all of the elements are always used so beautifully here at Isha. For me, the highlight was the fire dance. I always connect very strongly with the fire element. So I just love seeing that, and thoroughly enjoyed it. One word to describe the energy of this place – I would be very unoriginal if I said this, but – celebratory.
Actress
This is my first visit to Isha. I’ve been missing out on this event for the last two years for a lot of reasons, and we had COVID going on as well. We were all scared, but at the same time, I wanted to make it. This time it finally happened, and I think it’s the right timing. I think when Lord Shiva wants you to do that, you’re there. It’s a great privilege to be here. It’s such a great vibe.
Before getting to the event, I was so tired, and after getting here… The vibe of the whole place was lit. This place has a completely different vibe. Sadhguru brings a completely different level of energy to the whole place. Seeing him dance, the entire crowd begins to dance with him. This is the first time I’m seeing it live.
I am truly grateful to Sadhguru for having me here today. Like every year, he so warmly welcomes everybody here, to such a massive event. If I had to describe my experience of being here on Mahashivratri in one word, it would certainly be ‘gratitude.’
Cricketer
In the past few months, a lot of things have happened in my life – the grief, the disappointment, and the being upset about losing someone so close. This Mahashivratri is something which is very, very positive. I think, Sadhguru, knowingly or unknowingly, has influenced my life a lot. There are times when I actually listen to him before I go to the match. It just makes me feel really, really good. Being so up close, experiencing this wonderful night with him, is very, very interesting.
I’m very excited because I have been wanting to come for a very long time, and it was just not happening. And this time, when I was free and I got an invite, I was like ‘I definitely have to experience this.’ The minute I walked in and saw Adiyogi’s face, I was really happy. And the music around it just makes you feel so positive. I feel that was something which was needed very badly. You can see the smile on my face already. I don’t need words to explain it.
