Video: 'George Harrison in India, Sept. 1966 /photos'

(Monday, September 19, 1966) — Beatles guitarist George Harrison told reporters today that he came to India to study music and yoga, asking that he and his wife, Pattie, be allowed to pursue their visit in privacy.

The Harrisons, who arrived in Bombay on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 1966, met with newsmen at the Taj Mahal Hotel after their presence in the city became widely known. The couple had been staying at the hotel under the names Mr. and Mrs. Sam Wells in an effort to avoid publicity.

The 23-year-old musician said the purpose of the trip was to continue his study of the sitar under renowned Indian musician Ravi Shankar and to deepen his interest in yoga. Harrison has become increasingly interested in Indian music in recent months, incorporating the sitar into the Beatles’ recordings and expressing admiration for the country’s musical traditions.

Harrison appealed to reporters and photographers to respect the couple’s privacy during their stay, explaining that the visit was intended as a period of study rather than a public appearance.

The Harrisons are expected to remain in India while Beatle George continues his musical instruction with Shankar (the Harrisons would arrive back in London on Oct. 22, 1966).