Amphitheatre

Among other events happening during the Auroville birthday week there was a Bansuri flute recital offered by Aurovilian Chandra in the Matrimandir amphitheatre on Mother’s birthday, 21 February.

On September 17th, at the occasion of the pre-full moon, the Matrimandir executives organised a ‘confluence’ in the Peace Area of the Matrimandir Gardens, inviting Aurovilians, Newcomers and friends to a Coming Together in a consecrated atmosphere in silence, sound contemplation, walking, observing, listening, with simple offerings of flowers and candles under the Banyan Tree.

Krishna Das is a rock star of the sacred music world, singing the chants that he first heard in Himalayan temples over fifty years ago. On 12 February, his performance at the Matrimandir Amphitheatre opened the Science and Spirituality conference.

Auroville from Above had a similar impact on some of the viewers. “What a change of perspective!” wrote one, “It feels like helping us to realize the amazing place/gift we are living in.”

The organizing group has received overwhelming support from the community for the decision to ban photography at the 15th August bonfire. It was felt that this resulted in a much quieter, more concentrated and dedicated atmosphere.

One of the most popular images of Auroville in the local press and social media is that of the bonfires in the Amphitheatre that are organized annually to celebrate Auroville’s and Sri Aurobindo’s birthdays.

On September 26, Daniel Humbert-Droz passed away in his house in Sharnga at the age of 74 in the presence of his partner Komala and friends.

The highlight of this year's 50th anniversary bonfire was undoubtedly the moving water ceremony. Srimoyi, a member of the Matrimandir Events Team, describes on behalf of the team how it came about.

On the morning of 28 February 2018, on the occasion of Auroville’s 50th anniversary, a water ceremony will take place in the Matrimandir Amphitheatre.

On April 01, 2009, John, Elumalai, Pierre and Srimoyi took charge as executives of the Matrimandir. On July 31st, after more than 8 years of dedicated service, their term of office is coming to an end.

Auroville’s birthday, on February 28, was celebrated with the traditional dawn bonfire. For the first time in the history of Auroville, the attendance of over 5,000 people exceeded the Amphitheatre’s capacity with many people standing on the rim, listening to Mother’s reading of the Charter of Auroville and its translations in English, Sanskrit and Tamil.