Amid rising global tensions and the looming crisis of war, a grand “Vasanti Navassayeshti Holikotsav Yagna, Bhajans, and Flower Holi for World Peace and Prosperity” was organized at the sports ground of Patanjali University on the auspicious occasion of Holi.
The event featured a special Vedic havan conducted in the presence of Chancellor Swami Ramdev and Vice Chancellor Acharya Balkrishna. Collective prayers were offered for the safety, happiness, peace, and well-being of innocent, weak, and helpless people affected by war, violence, and global crises, along with prayers for the welfare of humanity at large.
Addressing the gathering, Ramdev emphasized that in the face of global conflict, the world must “choose yoga, not war” for true dominance. He stated that only the principles of yoga can provide the right direction to humanity. Highlighting the moral crossroads before society, he remarked that while war fuels greed, hatred, anger, revenge, and destruction, yoga nurtures health, peace, humanity, democratic values, and constitutional ideals. “The choice is ours, but the only lasting solution is yoga,” he said.
He further described Holi as more than a festival of colors, calling it a sacred opportunity to abandon fear, hatred, and negativity while embracing love, compassion, harmony, and humanity. He urged society to remain sensitive towards the poor, deprived, suffering, and needy, and to pledge efforts towards ensuring them a safe, dignified, and joyful life.
Acharya Balkrishna described Holi as a festival of self-purification, self-awakening, and the burning of inner vices. Students participated enthusiastically in bhajans and kirtans and celebrated Holi with flowers and natural herbal abir-gulal, promoting the message of environmental protection. No chemical colors were used, ensuring safety for both health and nature.
He also advised participants to apply mustard oil, coconut oil, or cold cream on exposed skin before playing Holi to minimize potential skin damage from harmful colors and recommended protecting the eyes during celebrations.
The festival concluded amidst the fragrance of flowers, the resonance of Vedic mantras, melodious hymns, and a shower of petals, leaving behind an inspiring message of peace, prayer, harmony, and humanity.
Principals, teachers, and students from institutions including Patanjali University, Patanjali Gurukulam, Acharyakulam, and Patanjali Ayurveda College, along with service heads, department heads, employees, and sanyasi brothers and sadhvi sisters from various units affiliated with the Patanjali Institute, were present at the event.