A fresh start to 2009

We heard the story of a traveler who said, 'when you go to Italy, you must see the Vatican...when you come to India, you must experience an ashram...it's just what you do.' We figured what better time to visit an ashram and practice some yoga than the start of the new year. So, we arrived at a beautiful Shivananda ashram, nestled up in the lush hills among the rubber and coconut palm trees, on the afternoon of New Years Eve. Knowing that on normal days 'lights out' is at 10:30, we didn't think we would have a memorable celebration at midnight...however, we thought we would be starting January 1 out on the right foot. Instead, we joined all the other guests down by the lake just outside the ashram grounds. There was music and singing, fireworks and dancing, and it all culminated in a huge bonfire made from a tower of dried palm fronds. We were in a truly international crowd (of perhaps 200 people) standing around this raging bonfire sending off 2008 and welcoming in 2009. We rounded out the year chanting 'Om Namo Narayanaya', a Sanskrit chant for world peace as the clock rolled over to midnight. People from all corners of the world were sitting cross-legged on the floor of the dark open air hall in the cool evening air chanting in unison and sending out positive energy for a peaceful 2009. It was quite a humbling and inspiring way to celebrate and welcome in the New Year.