On Saturday 21st of September 2013, a Yoga Shivir led by yoga guru swami Ramdevji and hosted by Patanjali Yog Peeth (UK) Trust was held at the Maher Centre in Leicester, UK. The event was open to all and was scheduled for 6am to 9am in the morning. However, the popularity of Ramdevji drew crowds from all over the UK as early as 4am. Over 3000 devotees and followers attended the event that was transmitted live on Aastha channel to an audience of over 1.25 carorer people all over the world.
Though this event was privately organised by Patanjali Yog Peeth (UK) Trust, there were several community members from our Samaj who dedicated their time and effort to make the event one of the most successful events ever hosted by Patanjali. The centre management team led by Vivekbhai Khistariya and Rambhai Modhwadia worked extremely hard to ensure a smooth running of the event.
On his arrival to the centre at 6am in the morning, Baba Ramdevji was greeted by our Maher Girls Raas group dressed in our traditional costumes performed “Raasada” on their way to the stage. In front were participants of the Junior Boys Dandia Raas team who all mesmerised Baba Ramdevji and the audience with our traditional and unique “Maniyaro” Raas. Once on the stage, Ramdevji was honoured by Dr Bhimabhai Odedra with our customary “Pagadi”. Ramdevji Maharaj personally highly commended the Mahers as a progressive community. Also said that he has never experienced such a welcome and hospitality that he did, shown by our community.
To provide exceptional hospitality and respect for a guest is in our Maher blood, no matter how far we are from our homeland in Kathiyavad, we have still kept our traditional values in UK. Probably this is the reason why the world’s most famous yoga guru Swami Ramdevji stayed at a Maher’s house. It was at residents of LMCA’s chair of trustees, Dr Bhimabhai Odedra, where yoga guru stayed during his visit to Leicester. Our community is proud to have such people and it’s very humble of Dr. Bhimabhai and family to provide such a hospitality that delighted Swami Ramdevji and promised to return soon.
This was would have been a normal yoga class but with true dedication and faith our community has turned this into a truly spectacular and an honourable event for our Samaj and for all communities. Further information and photographs of this event are on our community website and video highlight will also be coming soon on www.maheronline.org
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