I was a child when my parents introduced me to the ancient art form, Yoga. Now that I am 25, working in a tech company in Delhi. I never miss my Yoga as it is an indispensable part of my daily routine. It was why I got so fascinated when one of my friends. Told me about the International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh. That takes place between 1st to 7th March every year.
Given my love for Yoga, I was thrilled to know about this event. And decided to hire an affordable taxi in Delhi to reach Rishikesh for this yoga festival. Upon reaching Rishikesh, I headed straight to the Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Where people from far and near gather to spend a week together rediscovering themselves amidst. The magnificent foothills of the snow-capped Himalayas.
This was undoubtedly the most memorable experience of my life. And here are some highlights of the International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh.
About the International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh
The International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh began in 1999. As a part of Uttarakhand tourism, and since then, this Yoga festival has taken place. Every year in the Parmarth Niketan Ashram.
Eminent spiritual gurus and Yogis like Pujya Swami Veda Bharatiji delivered. An enlightening speech in the opening session of this Yoga festival. Apart from Yoga lessons, attendees can participate in the meditation sessions led by Yogacharya Bharat Bhushanji and his team.
The popularity of this festival increased manifold in the past few years. And I was surprised to know that more than 2000 participants from 100 countries. Immersed themselves in this one-week long program. Apart from Yoga, a series of events takes place. In this program that involves getting up early in the morning to attend. Yoga and meditation classes. The Yoga lessons in this festival focus on diverse themes. And needs for the human body to unwind and rejuvenate it. In this Yoga fest, I got a chance to attend. Some divine Satsangs that taught me different lifestyle practices for spiritual healing. And achieving balance and peace in life.
Top highlights of the International Yoga Festival
Here are some of the top highlights of this International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh.
Chakra balancing Yoga session
Mornings in this fest begin with Yoga lessons that help bind our body chakras. You must note that the entire duration of these Yoga lessons in this seven-week festival is 70 hours. Here, world-renowned Yoga teachers teach us different postures like Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga and Iyengar Yoga.
Valuable lessons from renowned spiritual masters
Esteemed saints and religious masters from across the globe impart valuable life learnings on a wide variety of inspiring and uplifting subjects after the morning Yoga session.
Special evening Ganga Aarti
As the sun sets along the shores of the River Ganga, the river mirrors the luminance radiated from the Aarti led by spiritual gurus. Apart from the Yoga festival attendees, many devotees visit here via a Delhi to Haridwar taxi to reach Rishikesh and send their prayers and wishes floating into the Ganga river with flame and flowers in diyas.
With its divinity, spirituality and mindfulness, this International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh is undoubtedly an experience for a lifetime. So, if you want to spend some time rejuvenating your mind and soul, you must attend this festival.
