A programme that was meant to be a spiritual gathering became something quieter on Sunday evening, as Isha Foundation brought people together at The Plaza in Lalitpur to stand in solidarity with Nepal’s flood victims.

The Foundation cancelled its scheduled ‘Mystic Eye’ programme following the August 26 flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border. It replaced the programme with a 90-minute gathering titled ‘In Solidarity with Nepal’, saying the event was intended to stand with the people of Nepal during the tragedy.

The floods have left hundreds dead and thousands missing. According to the latest government figures, 794 people have died and 2,502 remain missing, with search and rescue operations continuing in several affected areas. The Bhotekoshi river also rose again on Sunday, prompting fresh warning in flood-hit areas.

At The Plaza, mediaperson Oshin Sitaula opened the event on a sombre note. “When tragedy strikes, it doesn’t leave behind headlines, it leaves behind woes,” she said. “But at times like this, we have also joined hands in unity and stood in solidarity.”

Following Sitaula’s note, actress Manisha Koirala offered a rejoinder. “They say pain gives you lessons. But can we have fewer lessons, please?” she said. “Earthquakes, last year’s movement and now this.”

Koirala also called on Nepal, India and China to join hands and tackle the catastrophic effects of climate change together.

Meanwhile, Sadhguru, the Indian guru and Isha’s founder, opened his speech on a reassuring note. Nepal has faced blows but has also risen again, he said.

“Looking for reasons for such disasters, like saying this is god’s will, is pointless because it is merely a physical phenomenon,” he added.

Sadhguru, who took the stage as sobbing people folded their hands upon seeing him, also spoke about climate change, noting that small countries like Nepal, which contribute very little to global warming, are among those bearing its consequences.

He called upon India, China, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bhutan to form a body to protect our “majestic and fragile” Himalayas. “This is not about nationalities and political affiliations,” he said. “It is about humanity.”

He also announced that Isha Nepal is donating Rs10 million to the Government of Nepal Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund.

The event carried particular significance for the Isha Foundation, whose activities in the region have been affected by the disaster.

As many as 80 pilgrims from the Isha Foundation are missing following the devastating flash floods.

“On the Chinese side, our team is approximately 25 km from the Gyirong site, which is currently the closest permitted location,” reads the statement issued by the foundation. “On the Nepal side, our coordination team is currently in Kathmandu, as access to the affected area is not permitted.”

Later in the evening, the event touched upon more generic subjects. An audience member asked Sadhguru how to be a good person. “We’ve had enough of good people,” the guru remarked. “Look what the ‘good’ people are doing to this planet. We need more joyful and exuberant people, like we all were in our childhood.”

In the end, the gathering touched upon climate change once again. Sadhguru encouraged attendees to appeal for a collective body of Himalayan countries to tackle global warming and seek support from neighbouring countries.

“Where I have influence, I will do my best,” he said. “Where you have influence, you do your best.”

Inside the event venue, pilgrims and families of those missing prayed for a miracle.

Outside, the city was in deep mourning while the desperate search for those missing in the floods continued in rugged hills and desolate river basins.