Ram and Sonali Banerjee are originally from India living in England and since the last seven years they have been organising the World Yoga Festival in the outskirts of London, which has been getting more and more local and international response, having become a referent in the true world of Yoga in the west.
Initially they started the project just knowing that Europe needed an authentic Yoga Festival presentation, and that's how the first festival happened in the summer of 2016 and subsequent years, having brought thousands of people together along these years in a green field site with beautiful nature right outside London. The festival happens each year in the summer, towards end of July and lasts for four days.
"The totality of Yoga, that is what we want to bring." Ram
What they envision to bring to the festival is a glimpse of the authentic nature of Yoga, which is not about "stretching and excercising" as often understood in the west; they have taken a vision in the eight limbs of Yoga considering all the aspects, in order to keep the lineage transparent and true.
The activities range from asana, pranayam, meditation, yogic techniques, use of sound - until Advait Vedanta and Sanskrit lessons... and much more. They also keep the true flavour of the yogic path from India by serving wonderful Indian and other vegetarian food and keeping the festival away from alchohol. This allows them to create a beautiful energy and atmosphere for any Yoga practitioner, for a seeker, or for anyone interested in the sciences from India for the wellness of the body-mind system. The musical programs are also a way to bring an atmosphere of celebration and joy to the gathering.
Manish Vyas will be present also with his band offering a Mantra - Kirtan concert in the evening of July 29, 2022 plus a Naad Yoga Workshop next morning. That is how in this opportunity, Manish is interviewing the founders of this project, to share with the world their incredible vision.
"In Yoga, you don't have to re-invent a lot - you just have to maintain it, continue it, keep the authenticity and everything will be fine." Ram
If you are interested in the path of Yoga, wherever you are in the world and wherever you are in the path, there will be something for that (and the next step beyond) waiting for you at this unique festival.
+ Information about the festival Summer-2022: World Yoga Festival |Berkshire |United Kingdom
Transcription of the Interview in our Blog
Youtube video