Compiled by Jan Nicolaas Kind
Photos (TF) by Michiel Haas
A memorable event took place at the International Theosophical Centre in Naarden, the Netherlands. This magnificent and without a doubt “sacred” centre celebrated its centennial between August 22 and 24, while during that same weekend, it was commemorated that the founding of the TS took place in New York 150 years ago.
In the September issue of Centre News, the e-Magazine of the ITC, you’ll find a nice write-up about 100 years ITC.
To read all about the “centennial” celebrations, click on the image below
As an addition to series of photos that already have been circulating you are kindly invited to go over some random images published below, in order to “revisit” the festivities once more!
Tim Boyd opened with a reflection on 150 years of TS. He recalled what the purpose of TS was. He also mentioned that HPB was dissatisfied with this later in life and therefore founded the ES
Poster with the entire programme for the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the TS and the 100th anniversary of the International Theosophical Centre Naarden
The Peace Pall about to be unveiled by Tim Boyd in the presence of all one hundred participants
The unveiled Peace Pall, located between Besant Hall and the guest quarters, stands in a beautiful spot
After the unveiling, there was a party with vegan cakes baked by Helma Kuit for 100 people
Isolde Sueltemeyer gave two special presentations in which she placed the origins of the ITC 100 years ago in the context of the friendship between Tagore, Annie Besant, Rukmini Devi and Mary van Eeghen, the donor of the estate
By the end of the afternoon, the dancer of the evening, Bhavajan Kumar, gave a wonderful introduction to the movements and expressions of the dance. These sacred temple dances were brought to the outside world by Rukmini Devi and elevated to a beautiful art form. Rukmini Devi was head of the ITC for 50 years and created 25 choreographies for traditional Indian dancers during her lifetime. Centres inspired by the work that Rukmini Devi started in Kalakshetra can be found all over the world
The mayor of the municipality of Gooise Meren, Han ter Heegde, opened the Sunday evening with an entertaining speech. Beforehand, the mayor renewed his acquaintance with International president Tim Boyd and his wife Lily.
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