International Yoga Festival Rishikesh Uttarakhand

International Yoga Festival Rishikesh

In its basic definition, Yoga is not merely about meditation or exercising postures. Basically Yoga is the way of living which provides a way to have harmony in mind, body and soul. Yoga is one of among six conventional school of Hindu philosophical traditions. These six schools are Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimansa and Vedanta. The most ancient text about Yoga is found in Rig Veda. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali were written generated back in 400 CE by Patanjali who collated the traditional knowledge of Yoga in a systematic manner. These ‘sutras’ are most translated ancient Indian texts in other languages during medieval era. During 19th century, Yoga made a comeback in India and then in the world with the efforts of Swami Vivekananda and others. Yoga was listed as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage” by UNESCO in December 2016. Though Yoga and its tenets are explicitly found in Rig Veda, the oldest book of mankind, but, detailed science and philosophy of Yoga was given by Sage Patanjali. So, basically Yoga has its origin in India and the International Yoga Festival is an effort to give credence, importance and value to Yoga to spread this science to more people and more regions.

The world famous International Yoga Festival, related to mind and body, was started in 1999 AD. The festival of 2019 was the 30th anniversary of the festival. This health festival is celebrated in Parmarth Niketan Ashram located in Rishikesh, the capital city of Yoga in the world. The ashram is located on the banks of river Ganga. It is the biggest ashram in Rishikesh with all basic amenities to cater to general requirements. There are almost 1000 rooms in the ashram equipped with all basic facilities. The atmosphere of the ashram is good and, except the Yoga festival, it is a hub for other kind of regular activities related with Ayurveda and other Indian sciences. Additionally, different kind of cultural and spiritual programs are also held here frequently.

River Ganga is considered holy and worshipped as a goddess and a benevolent mother. Since Rishikesh, particularly Parmarth Niketan ashram, are located on the banks of sacred River Ganga and, therefore, International Yoga Festival and related activities contain spiritual significance too. This festival is a perfect destination to understand the spiritual glory of India, which has witnessed a long era of Rishis (sages, seers, saints) who practiced & mastered Yoga in their lives to attain happiness and peace in life. A week-long Yoga festival consists of around 70 hours of classes where one gets an opportunity to learn about different kinds of Yoga and meditation practices along with discussions. Well studied and trained teachers from Yoga schools participate in this festival to help the people for the sessions.

International Yoga Festival, held in 2010 AD, is considered as the most successful till now as maximum number of visitor turnout took place. Expect this festival expands its reach and popularity day by day. The schedule of classes during festival varies from year to year. Though specific schedule of programs and activities are provided as and when a participant reaches the venue, but, a general schedule during the festival is readily available as under…….

Starts from 4 AM
One hour of yoga class from 5:30 to 6:30 AM
Breakfast
Two hour Yoga from 8:30 AM
Inspiring and motivational talks at 11 AM
Lunch according to traditional Indian culture from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
After rest, session of evening starts with Yogasana classes from 3:30 PM to 5 PM
From 6 PM to 7 PM, ‘aarti’ is organized on the banks of river Ganga
Dinner timing from 7 PM to 8 PM
Evening programs after dinner include cultural music and dance performances which are performed by famous musicians and artists.
Lights are turned off at 9:30 PM

In addition to learn and practice Yoga & meditation during International Yoga Festival in the holy city of Rishikesh, a visitor can also visit some temples, ashrams and ghats. Ram Jhula, Lakshman Jhula, Kunjapuri Devi Temple and Neelkantha Mahadev Temple are famous tourist attractions. Ram Jhula is at a distance of 600 meters and Lakshman Jhula is at a distance of 90 meters from Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Other Ashrams you may visit are Swarg Ashram & Beatles Ashram. Triveni Ghat is a famous ghat where one can enjoy nature with some peace. River Ganga also makes Rishikesh a destination to enjoy water related adventurous activities such as water rafting, Bungee jumping, rock climbing, trekking and many more. Optima Travels offers several Rishikesh tour packages with other destinations included. Customized tour packages to Rishikesh to participate in International Yoga Festival are also provided.

Location: Parmrth Niketan Ashram, near main market road, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand- 249304 Jolly Grant airport of Dehradun is the nearest airport to Rishikesh. Distance of Dehradun from Rishikesh is about 35 km and one can hire auto or cab in Dehradun to reach Rishikesh. Nearest railway station for Rishikesh is Haridwar railway station which is about at a distance of 25 km from Rishikesh. Except this, Rishikesh is well connected through highways. After reaching Delhi, one can go by cab or bus; one can go by self-convenience too.

Timing: General duration of the International Yoga Festival is one week starting from 1st march to 7th march. Other details of daily schedule will be given at the time of festival.

Tickets: Registration of International Yoga Festival is open for everybody. A participant or visitor can book his / her residential pass from the official site of the festival i.e. www.internationalyogafestival.org