The Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore is gearing up for a grand Mahashivratri celebration on February 26, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirming his presence as special guest. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Coimbatore Press Club, where Swami Paaraga, regional coordinator of the Isha Foundation, shared details of the upcoming event.
This year marks the 31st Mahashivratri festival at the Isha Yoga Center, a night-long celebration that will commence at 6 p.m. on February 26 and conclude at 6 a.m. the following day. Held in front of the iconic Adiyogi statue, the event is expected to draw thousands of devotees and spiritual seekers from across India and beyond. Under the guidance of Sadhguru, the founder of the Isha Foundation, the night promises a blend of powerful meditations, mantra chanting, and captivating performances by renowned artists.
Amit Shah is scheduled to arrive in Coimbatore on the night of February 25 and will stay at a local hotel. On the morning of February 26, he will inaugurate the new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Peelamedu before heading to the Isha Yoga Center for the evening festivities. D.K. Shivakumar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, will also join the event, highlighting its significance across political lines.
Swami Paaraga emphasised the spiritual importance of Mahashivratri, noting, “In India’s tradition, the Shivratri in the Tamil month of Maasi is celebrated as Mahashivratri. The planetary alignments on this night create a natural upsurge of energy in the human system, which is why it has been observed as a night of wakefulness for millennia.” He added that the event aims to harness this energy for personal transformation and cultural celebration.
The Isha Foundation has made extensive arrangements to accommodate attendees, including parking facilities, purified drinking water, hygienic restrooms, and emergency medical services. Entry to the event is free, with options for online registration or walk-in attendance. A traditional Maha Annadanam (free food offering) will also be provided to thousands of participants.
In addition to the in-person gathering, the celebrations will be broadcast live from over 100 locations across India, including 50 sites in Tamil Nadu and 25 in Kerala, with streaming available in 22 languages. The event will reach a wider audience through more than 150 television channels, digital platforms such as Jio and Hotstar, and over 100 PVR-INOX theaters nationwide.
A highlight of this year’s festival will be Sadhguru’s unveiling of a new free meditation app, Miracle of the Mind, featuring a 7-minute guided meditation designed to help individuals establish a daily practice. The night will also feature performances by artists such as Ajay-Atul, Muktidan Gadhvi, and the in-house group Sounds of Isha, ensuring a vibrant 12-hour experience.
The presence of high-profile figures such as Amit Shah underscores the growing prominence of the Isha Mahashivratri festival, blending spirituality, culture, and community on an unprecedented scale. As preparations intensify, the event is poised to be a memorable celebration of Lord Shiva’s grace and the pursuit of inner well-being.
Pic Credit PTI.