Last Friday, December 11, the place was swarming with people, dressed in the brightest and most colourful costumes exuding excitement. If it wasn't the costumes one just had to look at their faces to capture the carnival air.The colourful shobha yatra by participants from 32 countries marked the eleventh day celebrations of the eightieth birthday of Yogacharya BKS Iyengar. Some for the first time like Lucia and Geles from Spain and others for the `nth' like Jeong Lee of South Korea.

The Australians had tied eucalyptus leaves with yellow ribbons onto their lapels and hair. The Canadians were all dressed in white and red to go with their magnificent flag with the red maple leaf. The Japanese and South Koreans weren't far behind either when it came to being colourful in their traditional outfits. The two member team from Indonesia wore lacy tops and colourful sarongs. The Spanish belles looked exciting with their black tops and red skirts with red and white polka dotted scarves around their shoulders and carnations in their hair, all ready for the Flamenco dance.

The New Zealanders looked exotic in their traditional Maori outfits with intricate designs on their faces painted in black like Greg Goodyer who is here on his third visit and enjoying it.

If this itself was not a wonderful gift by itself, most participants were carrying gifts for their Guruji that were presented to him at the stage with a reverential pranaam. There were bouquets and mysterious packages and the most touching of all were the well-rehearsed little birthday wishes.

The Dutch contingent had a beautiful bunch of tulips to offer. The 240 strong, largest contingent from USA addressed their Yogacharya as their Devarushi. They presented him with a figure in Dandasan and will be sending him one made in bronze too. The United Kingdom contingent presented the Yogacharya the `International Man of the Year' award for his service in the propagation of the art and science of yoga.

The very colourful Indian contingent consisted of people from all parts of the country with family, friends and students ``who perform asanas well and those who don't'' - this was how they described themselves. Among others there were South Indians draped in the very traditional Brahmin sari, a couple of `fierce' looking men in Rajasthani gear complete with spear and twirling moustaches.

Everyone was looking forward to seeing the entertainment later in the evening which was kept a big surprise until the end. And a brilliant surprise it was indeed! It commenced with the chanting of Shankaracharya's Light of the Soul and shlokas by the Indians. The huge American contingent chanted verses from the Gitanjali. There were lively dances from the Spaniards, New Zealanders, Koreans and Brazilians, lusty singing from the Germans, Irish, Italians and Britain and an elegant ballet performance of the Swan Lake by Beatrice Rodriguez. The Israelis invited Guruji to light their traditional lamp.

Truly, an elaborate display of love and goodwill for the revered Yogacharya from across the world.