Yoga is essential practice if you want your body and soul to be in sync with each other. Over the years, yoga has emerged as a therapy that can calm the mind and relax the body as human beings are caught up in the humdrum of life. Here’s some exciting news for all the yoga enthusiasts!
The ‘International Yoga Festival – 2024’ will be held on the banks of the holy Ganga in Rishikesh from March 15 to 21. The Yog Bharat Ghat in Muni Ki Reti will be the center for spiritual insight and physical wellness during this week-long event where Yoga gurus, spiritual speakers along with health and fitness experts will enlighten us about different aspects of wellness.
Guest Speakers and Activities Planned for the International Yoga Festival
Some of the renowned guest speakers include Swami Sukhabodhananda, Dr. Hester O Connor, S. Sridharan, Douglas Atmananda Rexford, Swamy Ajay Rana, and Anushka Parwani who will share their experiences and help you enlighten yourself in the serene surroundings.
Tourism Minister of Uttarakhand Satpal Maharaj said in an official statement that Uttarakhand, the Dev Bhoomi has played a crucial role in promoting yoga both nationally and internationally. Today, Uttarakhand boasts of the highest number of yoga practitioners, who visit the state in pursuit of spiritual awakening and inner peace.
Rishikesh has become synonymous with yoga practice. The International Yoga Festival is a testament to this fact. This year’s festival promises to be a grand offering and a marvelous platform for yoga enthusiasts to learn and grow.
The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board has organized the event. It hopes to bring together top international yoga schools which provides a unique opportunity for participants to engage in the ancient practice of yoga.
Yoga Schools and Practitioners
Well-known yoga schools and practitioners from the Art of Living, Isha Foundation, Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Sivananda Ashram, and Manav Dharam Ashram will provide everyone present, the chance to explore different forms of meditation in a tranquillity.
Panel Discussions
Attendees can illuminate themselves regarding meditation, yoga and wellness by participating in the panel discussions centered around topics such as the benefits of music therapy, and the science of intuition through Pragya Yog, Marm Chikitsa, Yoga, and Strishakti, among many others. Every evening, the soothing Ganga Aarti will create an enchanting atmosphere.
Popular Bands and Ballets
One can also experience mystical melodies filled with devotion and love for the divine soul. The festival will feature popular bands, such as Kabir Cafe and Pandavas Band, fusion rhythms by Swaraag, Kathak dance by Aditi Mangal Das, Dance Ballet by Anuj Mishra, and many more.
In Addition to the Above-Mentioned Program, Attendees Can Participate in the Following Activities.
Yoga Practice
Attendees will get a chance to experience over 70 hours of Yoga classes from world-class teachers who regularly practice yoga.
Workshops
The yoga festival will also have workshops on various aspects of Yoga from both Indian and international teachers.
Cultural events
Attendees will also get a chance to enjoy a special evening Ganga Aarti, cultural performances, dance workshops, and music performances.
Spiritual Sermons
The yoga festival is a great opportunity to learn from the Satsang and teachings of spiritual masters and Yogacharyas.
Cultural performances
Evenings will be special with vibrant cultural performances, ensuring participants not only practice yoga but also celebrate its spiritual significance.
Ashram Stay
Parmarth Niketan, the festival’s venue, offers a serene and pious setting along the Ganga, surrounded by the Himalayas’, providing a perfect place for yoga and meditation.
Ganga Aarti
Ganga Aarti is held on the banks of the Ganga and held by dignified souls such as Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Abhaji (Mataji).
How to Reach Rishikesh from Delhi?
You can reach the venue by car, train, air, and taxi to the following venue.
Venue: Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India.
Date: March 8-14, 2024.
Private Car/taxi: You can drive to Rishikesh from Delhi. The approximate distance is around 240 kilometers, and it takes about 6-7 hours.
Bus: There are regular bus services from Delhi to Rishikesh. Both government and private operators run buses on this route. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours.
By Train: The nearest major railway station is Haridwar Junction. You can take a train from New Delhi to Haridwar, and from there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Rishikesh, which is about a 1-hour drive.
By Air: The nearest airport to Rishikesh is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 35 kilometers away. You can take a flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Rishikesh.
By Shared Taxis or Cabs: Shared taxis or cabs are also available from Delhi to Rishikesh. You can find them at various locations in Delhi, and they are a convenient option if you prefer a more comfortable journey than a bus.
Wrapping Up
The International Yoga Festival is a valuable opportunity to immerse yourself in the vast heritage of India through cultural programs, yoga practices, meditation, Ganga Aarti, and serene surroundings. To know more about the event, yoga enthusiasts can log on to ‘www.internationalyogfestival.com’.