Char Dham Yatra 2024

Yoga Festival In Rishikesh

The city of Rishikesh is home to a vast number of smaller, more modest ashrams and spiritual centres, each of which provides its own unique set of lessons and activities. People travel from all over the world to Rishikesh to offer prayers to the sacred river and in quest of tranquilly. It is one of the main tourist and pilgrimage centres in northern India, with the clean Ganga flowing through it and the Himalayas as a backdrop. Rishikesh is frequently referred to be the "capital of yoga" and for good reason.

Visitors that come to the location to learn yoga and meditation are everywhere. There are many ashrams in Rishikesh, some of which are recognised on a global scale as centres for philosophical research, yoga, and other traditional Indian health practises. The annual International Yog Festival (IYF), which is hosted here by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, draws tens of thousands of yoga devotees. Whether you are a new or seasoned practitioner, Rishikesh has an ashram that is appropriate for you.

The heavenly city of Rishikesh is a hermit’s retreat, a sage’s home, and a mecca for adventure seekers. This bustling metropolis is one of the most sacred sites for Hindus. Rishikesh actually means "locks or hairs of a guru," according to the dictionary. The town is well-known for being the "Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas." Rishikesh, which generously sprawls over the suburban region known as Muni ki Reti or the "sands of the sages," is also a commercial and communication centre.


4 Dham Helicopter Package

International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh

The International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh is a celebration that preserves yoga’s tradition as an ancient science. Yoga is a comprehensive science that promotes physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. The fusion of the ego with the divine is the subject of science. Yoga practitioners experience increased mental tranquilly through a variety of postures and exercises. After the difficult training, your heart is filled with delight in addition to your body getting fit. The goal of yoga is to connect with the divine.

The International Yoga Festival is held annually in Rishikesh, the yoga capital of India and the birthplace of yoga, for a full week. Yoga, an ancient form of Indian medicine and wellbeing, is celebrated at the International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh. The science and the specific guidelines and procedures for the activity were written down by the renowned guru Patanjali. Yoga was mainly created as a tool to achieve balance between the body, mind, and soul. Yoga is a way of life as well as many yogic postures and breathing exercises. With its holistic practises, yoga has transformed lives all across the world. The International Yoga Festival is a fantastic way to incorporate yoga into one’s daily life. The seven-day event cleanses and detoxifies the body, soul, and mind.

Yoga practitioners are gathered annually in Rishikesh by the state tourism office and the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board. Many erudite saints and yogis have performed yoga in Rishikesh along the banks of the Ganga River in the heart of the stunning Himalayas, and today, crowds from all over the world visit these quiet, holy areas to engage in the holistic science. Rishikesh is known for its extremely well-liked exercise, yoga. Since 1999, the Yoga Festival Rishikesh has been held annually in Rishikesh. Typically, it takes place from March 1 until March 7.

The International Yoga Festival offers the chance to take yoga lessons taught by well-known yoga instructors. Each yoga instructor specialises in a specific branch of yoga, including Kundlini Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Kriya Yoga, Naad Yoga, Ashtang Vinyasa Yoga, Hath Yoga, Power Yoga, Jivamukti Yoga, and Raj Yoga. There are classes offered on meditation in addition to yoga. Every year since 1999, the number of visitors has grown. The International Yoga Festival is now well known throughout the globe. In the course of the International Yoga Festival, Rishikesh is crowded with visitors from all over the world.

This event is made up of people from all nations and religions and is not just about yoga; it also has a carnival-like atmosphere. Tourism in Rishikesh is naturally blessed with stunning scenery. More people than anyplace else in the world prefer to learn yoga in Rishikesh. Rishikesh is hence the ideal location for the International Yoga Festival.

The majority of people mistakenly think of yoga as physical exercise, but it goes far further than that. Yoga is good for the mind and the spirit in addition to the physical body. Yoga is the union. a fusion of the breath with the body, the mind with the muscles, and the ego with the divine. No religion is connected to yoga. You don’t have to worship a deity, adhere to a specific religion, or even repeat mantras in order to practise yoga. Since ancient times, people have embraced yoga as a science to improve their health, live in peace, and reduce stress.

The Ganga, which is the most revered river in India, passes through the holy city of Rishikesh. Saints, yogis, and other spiritual beings have travelled to this place for centuries. Many temples in Rishikesh and Rishikesh ashrams can be seen in the town along the banks of the revered river. Investigate the Rishikesh area’s neighbouring attractions when you have free time.

Significance and History (IYF)

When the Festival was established in Rishikesh by Uttar Pradesh Tourism in 1999, it was still a part of UP (Uttar Pradesh). The festival was only attended by a few people. The Uttar Pradesh government contacted Parmarth Niketan Ashram in 1999 in order to host the World Yoga Festival at the ashram. Participants could stay in any hotel in Rishikesh, however the yoga sessions and satsang events were held at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram.

The yoga asanas of Pujya Shri Swami Veda Bharati ji and Yogacharya Shri Bharat Bhushan Ji and his team provided as inspiration for the lecture and meditations. For the first time, officers from the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, Shri Ravindra Singh (Director General Tourism), Shri B.M. Vohra (Commissioner Garhwal), and Shri R.C. Pandey, organised the event (Assistant Director Tourism). The International Yoga Festival was founded by Uttar Pradesh Tourism when Rishikesh was still a part of the state. The Festival, which was hosted at the Hotel Ganga Kinare in the first week of February for several years, drew only a few visitors. In 1999, the Uttar Pradesh government approached Parmarth Niketan Ashram about hosting the Festival. Despite the fact that the participants’ classes and programmes were held at Parmarth, they remained at the hotels. Pujya Swami Veda Bharatiji led meditations and gave inspirational lectures.

Yogacharya Bharat Bhushanji and his crew demonstrated yoga postures to pupils. The department was led by Shri Ravindra Singh, Director General of Tourism, Shri B.M. Vohra, Commissioner of Garhwal, and Shri R.C. Pandey, Assistant Director of Tourism. What began as a small group of students learning from one or two yogacharyas at a hotel has grown into one of the world’s most well-known Festivals, attracting hundreds of participants from more than 30 countries to study with dozens of yogacharyas in an unlimited number of styles and forms.

The previous year’s participants provided the finest feedback to the Uttar Pradesh government. Donors appreciated the ashram atmosphere in 1999. As a result, Uttar Pradesh Tourism presented an Ashram International Yoga Festival Package in the year 2000. (Stay, Yoga, Satsang, and Meditation). Instead of staying in motels, all participants now stayed at the ashram. During a yoga event, every guest agreed that an ashram atmosphere is better to a hotel. Dr. Karan Singh ji was the chief guest in 2000.

In the year 2000, the state of Uttar Pradesh was divided into two parts: Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Rishikesh was then incorporated into the state of Uttaranchal (Uttarakhand). Uttaranchal Tourism co-hosted the 2001 International Yoga Festival with Parmarth Niketan. The number of participants at the International Yoga Festival in 2002 increased under the same Masters Leadership as in 2001. Participants believed that 2003 was the best year for the International Yoga Festival, rather than 2002. This year’s worldwide yoga festival drew 130 participants. The class size was then increased by Parmarth Niketan in 2003.

The Ardh Kumbh Mela was held in Haridwar in 2004, creating a highly energising and spectacular atmosphere. More than 150 people from 20 different countries attended. Swami Divyanand Tirth ji, along with Pujya Shri Shankaracharya, was invited to the 2004 International Yoga Festival alongside other prominent saints and yoga acharyas. Uttarakhand Tourism also invited the Principal Secretary for Tourism and Culture, Shri N.N. Prasad. Shri Sudarshan Agarwal, the honourable governor of Uttarakhand, was also present at the 2004 World Yoga Festival.

The honourable governor of Uttarakhand, Shri Sudarshan Agarwal, the minister of tourism for the state of Uttaranchal, Shri TPS Rawat, and actors Vivek Oberoi and his father Suresh Oberoi started the 2005 International Yoga Festival. This year’s International Yoga Festival drew over 250 people from all around the world. The International Yoga Festival received 300 delegates from 28 countries, as well as more than 16 well-known yogacharya from across the world, in 2006.

In 2007, the International Yoga Festival had over 350 participants from 38 different countries. The same masters that led the festival last year will do it again this year. The 2008 International Yoga Festival drew about 500 people from 32 different countries. Because the International Yoga Festival was growing year after year, new classes were added in 2009. By far the most successful year for the International Yoga Festival was 2010. Haridwar hosted the Maha Kumbh Mela in 2010. People attended both festivals together.

The Maha Kumbh Mela in Haridwar is held every twelve years. In 2011 and 2012, the International Yoga Festival featured new classes such as Satsang, Lifestyle, and Healing. Music therapy, mantras/kirtan, yoga asana, and lifestyle balancing practises were taught to participants. Numerous venues are now hosting yoga weeks from March 1 through March 7. Uttarakhand Tourism is not currently organising the event with anyone.

Yoga Festival of 2023

From March 8–14, 2023, for the renowned International Yoga Festival at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, which is located on the banks of the holy Ganges river and in the shadow of the Himalayas. You can experience every major yoga style throughout the 7-day immersion and celebration and learn from awakened Spiritual Leaders, Master Yoga Teachers, Evolutionary Thought Leaders, and Wellness Experts from all over the world.

This event is not to be missed at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, the biggest ashram in Rishikesh and one of the largest interfaith yoga centres in India. It will help you awaken to the best version of yourself and ignite your inner light. Get the blessings and knowledge of legendary saints, as well as ecstatic kirtan, the divine Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh, and much more. You can also learn from and be touched by renowned yoga instructors from all over the world and from a variety of lineages. The International Yoga Festival brings together so many masters from so many traditions, cultures, and nations in one pristine, spiritual space, making it a truly unique event on a worldwide scale.

The programme offers a full calendar of options, beginning at 4 a.m. for those who are extremely dedicated and concluding at 9:30 p.m. with traditional cultural song and dance, kirtan, and enlightened entertainment on the banks of the Ganga. Each day can be tailored to your specific needs. You can also visit our Sacred Sound Stage to relax and awaken via the power of sound.

The foundation of the International Yoga Festival is yoga’s genuine beginnings. Work with and learn from masters of worldwide yoga schools and styles as well as masters of India’s traditional yoga lineages. Get the chance to take part in over 70 hours of yoga lessons throughout the one-week Festival from world-class yoga instructors who practise a variety of yoga styles, including Kundalini yoga, Power Vinyasa yoga, Iyengar yoga, and Kriya yoga. The presence, satsang, and holy words of respected saints and spiritual leaders from India would also be a blessing to the participants.

The Yoga Program

International Yoga Festival includes all of India’s traditional yoga lineages and is based on the true history of yoga. Teachers from various yoga schools and styles share their expertise with festival attendees.Almost 70 hours of yoga lessons taught by top-tier yoga instructors are covered over the festival’s one-week run. Yoga can be practised in a variety of ways, including Iyengar, Kriya, Kundalini, and Power Vinyasa forms. Additionally, the comprehensive wholeness gained from yoga is enhanced by Satsang, the heavenly words of famous saints and spiritual gurus. The International Yoga Festival week’s schedule changes daily.

At 4 AM, classes begin.6.30 a.m. yoga class, followed by a straightforward breakfast.A number of two-hour yoga classes begin at 8.30 AM. At 11:00 AM, great saints and Yoga charyas will provide inspiring lectures. A traditional lunchtime meal in India from 12:30 to 1:30.From 3.30 to 5:00 PM, three Yogasana lessons, followed by a brief break. Attend the Aarti on the banks of the Ganga from 6 to 7 o’clock in the evening. Dinner is at 7:00 PM. Unique evening activities including campfires, cultural song and dance performances, and satsang and at 9.30 p.m., lights out.

You can study various forms of Yoga from spiritual authorities during this one-week festival to refresh your mind and soul. Also, has you covered with spiritual discourse (Satsang), Ganga Aarti, and cultural displays. You will concentrate on the power of gratitude as a result of this International Yoga Festival event. This soul-stirring festival has its roots in yoga, one of the most magnificent meditative practises. The main goals of the International Yoga Festival are to promote physical and mental well-being as well as emotional happiness. Attending courses with a topic will help yoga enthusiasts master the practise. English and Hindi lessons will be held separately. Four major yoga concepts are covered throughout the seven-day programme:

Themes of International Yoga Festivals in Rishikesh

First Theme : Conventional Yoga – The first two days will be devoted to expressing the advantages of classical yoga in this theme. Yogacharya will be invited by the International Yoga Festival’s organisers in Rishikesh. They are the ones who possess significant understanding into mindfulness. Visitors would be taught conventional yoga techniques. On stage, the leaders will demonstrate yoga poses.

Second Theme is Modern Yoga – Days 3 and 4 are set aside for contemporary yoga styles in this theme. The participant can learn modern yoga practises with this theme. This modified form of yoga is appropriate for those who are limited in their ability to perform standard yoga asanas.

Third Theme – Honouring Shakti; The Power of Creation -The Yoga festival gathering will honour Shakti, the Power of Creation, over the final three days. A well-known male and female yoga instructor will educate visitors on this theme. Men and women have different psyches. Hence, several genders of yoga instructors will take the stage in order to take advantage of yoga’s unique advantages for both men and women.

Fourth Theme : Yoga for health-Study the various ways that yoga poses are applied under this area. Remedial yoga has significant positive effects on both health issues and overall wellbeing. Therapeutic yoga will dismantle all the mental, spiritual, and physical barriers to bring about emotional, psychological, and spiritual enlightenment.

While at the festival, you really must go to the Bhakti Fest and the Uttarakhand Haat. The latter shows you around the many sites in Uttarakhand while the former walks you through the various facets of the religion-transcending religious movement.In the numerous booths set up all around the stadium, you may learn more about esoteric techniques such as Ayurveda, nature therapy, acupuncture, astrology, Neurotherapy, Pranic healing, tarot card reading, Chakra healing, and others. Cultural events are held in the evening to showcase India’s distinctive culture. Moreover, the Ganga Aarti is performed to honour the river deity. The festivities continue until 10:00 PM with singing, dancing, and euphoric chants filling the air.

Location and How to Reach : Parmarth Yoga Ashram in Rishikesh

The picturesque Parmarth Niketan Ashram is located on the holy Ganga River. Millions of Hindu followers see the river as sacred. During the morning and evening Ganga Aarti rituals, guests will receive Ayurveda treatments.It’s not difficult to get to Parmarth Niketan Ashram to take part in the joyful celebration of yoga. There are 240 kilometres in total between Delhi and Rishikesh on average (approx.) Road trip takes about 7-8 hours (approx.). For information on how to go to Rishikesh to attend the International Yoga Festival, see the details below.

  • By Air : Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport to Rishikesh. About about 20 kilometres separate it from Rishikesh.
  • Via Train : Rishikesh has a railway station, thus travellers can travel there by train. Around 4 miles separates Parmarth Niketan Ashram from the nearest train station (approx.). To go the short distance to the ashram, take a taxi.

FAQs on Rishikesh Yoga Festivals

How long does the Rishikesh Yoga Festival last?

The International Yoga Festival's 17th iteration takes place from March 1 through March 7 in 2023 in Rishikesh. After the frigid winters have passed and the long, sunny days have arrived, Rishikesh is alive with tourists from all over the world engaging in the holistic science of health and wellbeing.

What location hosts the Yoga Festival in India?

The International Yoga Festival is held in the holy city of Rishikesh. This important festival is held at Paramartha Niketan, a paradise on the banks of the Holy Ganga at the foot of the Himalaya. The spiritual refuge is located in the beautiful Himalayas, on the revered banks of Mother Ganga. The calm ashram's picturesque surroundings add to its allure and elevate it to the status of top yoga ashram in contemporary India.

What transpires during the Rishikesh yoga festival?

One of the biggest events of its sort is the International Yoga Festival. As time-tested masters of Traditional Yoga Lineages from India, Rishikesh is a hive of activity for the whole festival week. Yoga enthusiasts and practitioners attend various yoga classes, where they can learn all the real yoga lessons and knowledge. To participate in yoga and meditation classes, masters from other countries besides India will also be in attendance.

The top-tier yoga practitioners will attend classes for a total of 60 hours. Discover the proper technique for performing some of the most beneficial asanas, or yoga positions, such as Kundalini Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Power Vinyasa Yoga, and Kriya Yoga. The workshops are inspirational and energise the crowds by educating them on holistic science.Indian saints and religious leaders such as H.H. Pujya Shankaracharya It would be blessed by the presence of Swami Divyanand Teerthji, H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, H.H. Pujya Swami Dayanandaji, etc.

What is the yoga participation like?

Every year, the International Yoga Festival increases and grows, welcoming more and more participants from more and more nations. Connect with global community of like-minded, mindful yogis and paradigm-shifters. The Festival is open to everyone, regardless of whether you are currently through personal transformation or are looking to do so, whether you are already an active co-creator of your own divine existence or would like to do so. Befriend a group of people who become like family to you.

Get Tour Details

SacredYatra DOES NOT accept booking for Kedarnath Helicopter Tickets. Stay Away from agents and cyber frauds claiming to offer Kedarnath Heli Tickets. Learn More
You enquiry will be sent to our network agents partners who will reach out to you with a relevant tour package offer. Package prices are subject to change as per vendors, tour date and group size.

Add Comments and Suggestions or Ask Questions about "Yoga Festival In Rishikesh"

We would be glad if you can comment below and provide your valuable suggestions and feedback on Yoga Festival In Rishikesh. If this Yoga Festival In Rishikesh page have any wrong information/list or out of context content, then you can report us as well.

If you have any questions, you can also ask as in the following comments section. Our team will try to provide you answers/solutions.

Subscribe
Notify of

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Looking for Char Dham Package?

  Packages

  Tours

  Book Now