Rishikesh Yoga Festival is inaugurated with Tribute to Yog Guru BKS Iyengarji on his Birth Anniversary
Rishikesh Yoga Festival is inaugurated with Tribute to Yog Guru BKS Iyengarji on his Birth Anniversary
Ahead of the upcoming and highly anticipated International Yoga Festival from 9-15th March, 2025; Parmarth Niketan welcomes Yoga teachers, schools and Yoga enthusiasts from across Rishikesh to protect and preserve the teachings and practice of Yoga from the yoga capital of the world.
Rishikesh/Dehradun (VOICE OF NATION NEWS )December 14, 2024: The Rishikesh Yoga Festival commenced today at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Yog Guru BKS Iyengar a legendary figure in the world of yoga.
The day began with a sacred Yagya Ceremony in the morning, where Param Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji led a heartfelt tribute to Yog Guru BKS Iyengarji. In the evening, Swamiji offered another moving homage during the Parmarth Ganga Aarti, bringing together participants and dignitaries in a soulful celebration of yoga and spirituality.
The festival precedes the upcoming Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, where Parmarth Niketan will have a significant presence, and sets the stage for the globally renowned International Yoga Festival from 9-15th March at Parmarth Niketan. The Rishikesh Yoga Festival highlights the best of yoga in the Yoga Capital of the World, celebrating the contributions of local teachers and their pivotal role in preserving and propagating the culture of yoga throughout the year, making the city a sought after destination for yoga and wellness.
The festival opened with an inspiring Iyengar Yoga session from 7am by Senior Rishikesh Iyengar Yoga Teacher Shri Raju Batra Ji, paid homage to the profound contributions of Iyengarji to yoga philosophy and practice.
The inaugural day offered a rich blend of yoga sessions, workshops, and talks, emphasizing the therapeutic and transformative power of yoga:
Science of Breath (10:00–11:00 AM): Vivek Arya Ji presented insights into the power of conscious breathing in achieving holistic health.
Workshops on Spinal Alignment (11:30 AM–12:30 PM): Shri Amit Payal Ji explored spinal health, while Shri Chetan Mahesh Ji introduced participants to the dynamic practice of Kundalini Yoga.
Meditation and Healing (2:00–3:00 PM): Vishnu Panigrah Ji led a peaceful Yog Nidra meditation session, and Deepak Prajapati Ji demonstrated the profound effects of sound healing.
Ashtanga Vinyasa (3:30–4:30 PM): Sachin Badoni Ji brought the power of Ashtanga Yoga to life for participants.
The evening concluded with a mesmerising Parmarth Ganga Aarti on the sacred banks of Mother Ganga, followed by an enlightening Satsang with Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji in the Satsang Hall, where participants immersed themselves in wisdom and reflection.
The Rishikesh Yoga Festival, running through December 16, offers a transformative platform for yoga practitioners, enthusiasts, and seekers to celebrate Rishikesh’s spiritual and cultural heritage while exploring diverse yoga traditions and wellness practices.
The upcoming days at the Rishikesh Yoga Festival will offer an enriching array of sessions and workshops designed to deepen participants’ yoga practice and spiritual understanding. Morning yoga sessions will include Hatha Yoga led by Surendra Singh and Vinyasa Flow Yoga guided by Ganga Nandini Highlights include transformative teachings like Kundalini Yoga by Acharya Vinay Laughing Yoga with Deepa Negi Meera Ji, Kriya Yoga by Swami Nityananda and Yoga Philosophy & Vedanta by Gayatri Gupta . Immersive practices like Sound Healing, Chakra Dharana Meditation, and astrology insights will complement the program. The festival will also foster unity through a Gathering of Rishikesh’s Yoga Teachers presided by Param Pujya Swamiji Each day will culminate with the serene Parmarth Ganga Aarti and uplifting Satsang, creating a space for reflection, inspiration, and connection.
“Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the World, is not just a place—it is a living, breathing sanctuary of yoga in its truest sense. I always remind people that India is not just a piece of land, it is a land of peace and it’s beautiful that the spiritual cultural heritage of India attracts people year-round. Yoga here is not limited to postures; it is the union of our body, mind, and spirit with the Divine. Teachers like BKS Iyengar have been torchbearers of this ancient wisdom, illuminating the world with the depth, discipline, and divinity of yoga. Their contributions have ensured that yoga remains a global force for health, harmony, and holistic living.” Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President, Parmarth Niketan
“Yoga in Rishikesh is a journey of transformation—a practice that flows from the sacred Himalayas to heal, unite, and uplift the world. It is not merely exercise; it is a way of life, a path to peace and oneness. Pioneers like BKS Iyengar have been extraordinary custodians of this sacred tradition, sharing its light with authenticity and dedication. They remind us that yoga is not just what we do on the mat but how we live off the mat—with love, service, and connection to the Divine.” Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, International Director, Parmarth Niketan
For more information or to join the festival, please visit: www.parmarth.org/yoga