International Yoga Festival 2023: A confluence of ancient yoga science and Indian culture

Every year, from March 1-7, Uttarakhand Tourism organises the International Yoga Festival in the yoga capital of the world — Rishikesh. Here, visitors get an opportunity to learn the nuances of yoga, meditation and pranayama. They also get free diagnosis of their problems through pulse tests and Ayurveda camps. The seven-day festival celebrates various aspects of rejuvenating body, mind and soul by interacting with and learning from various yoga masters, wellness experts, spiritual leaders, divine speakers, etc., along with an opportunity to immerse in the vast culture of India through various cultural activities.

A SPECIAL PLACE

The International Yoga Festival is even more significant today as India is spreading the yoga message over the globe. The scriptures say that the best place to do yoga and meditation is on the banks of the Ganga, which is the reason why Rishikesh (Parmarth Niketan) has always been the abode of sages since ages. And the city has been immersed in a festive atmosphere as it gears up for the launch of this grand event on March 1.

Uttarakhand Tourism has made plans to introduce seekers to yoga through enlightened yoga instructors. This year, yoga camps will be conducted at Yoga Bharat Ghat in Munikireti by trainers from institutions such as the Isha Foundation, Art of Living, Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Kaivalyadhama, Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram and Sivananda Yoga. During the festival, visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in over 70 hours of yoga classes from renowned teachers practising multiple styles, including Kundalini Yoga, Power Vinyasa Yoga, Iyengar Yoga and Kriya Yoga.

Renowned yoga gurus such as Dr Anil Thapliyal, Prof Sunil Joshi, Dr Navdeep Joshi, Dr Priya Ahuja, Dr Rohit Sabharwal, Prof V K Agnihotri, Dr Urmila Pandey will be available for discussions.

The training programme is free, but registration on the website www.internationalyogfestival .com is mandatory for participation.

CULTURAL HAVEN

Programmes such as Pushpabhishek, Lathmar and Awadhi Holi, Radha-Krishna Maharas, the presentation of Mehar Band, folk dances of Himachal and Uttarakhand, Sagun-Nirgun Bhakti Dhara and sand art narration will be the main attractions.

And the most integral part of the festival, Ganga Aarti, will take place at twilight.

Renowned artistes such as Ragini Makkar, Nitish Bharti, Anuj Mishra, Sujit Ojha will perform through dance, art and music. Enthralling performances by the differently abled community of Ability International will also be part of the fest.

Also, don’t miss out on visiting Swarg Ashram, the epicentre of all yoga and meditation centres in Rishikesh, a traffic- and alcohol-free and vegetarian enclave upstream.