Welcome to the International Yoga Festival, a serene sanctuary nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas. This annual celebration of yoga brings together practitioners from across the globe to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, health, and well-being. Set against the backdrop of Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world, this festival offers a unique opportunity to deepen your practice, learn from renowned yoga masters, and connect with like-minded individuals in a harmonious environment.
From sunrise meditation sessions to invigorating asana practices and enlightening workshops, the festival offers a diverse array of experiences to nourish the body, mind, and soul. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a curious beginner, the International Yoga Festival invites you to embrace the ancient wisdom of yoga and embark on a path towards holistic wellness and inner
peace.
History of the International Yoga Festival
The first International Yoga Festival was celebrated in 1999 at Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Initially, the classes were carried on under the guidance of Pujya Shri Swami Veda Bharat Ji. And the yoga asanas were taught by Yogacharya Shri Bharat Bhushan Ji. Since its inception, this event has seen nothing but popularity.
Major Attractions of International Yoga Festival
1. Meditation
The event opens with Kundalini Sadhana starting at 4 am and continues till late in the evening. The whole process includes traditional cultural songs, kirtan, and dance performances. All of this takes place along the banks of Ganga making it a very beautiful scene.
Yoga Festival is celebrated in Rishikesh, and the participants have an excellent opportunity to embrace and learn from many highly revered Yoga masters, health specialists, thought leaders, and many other great people.
People also get to participate in various meditative sessions of Agnihotra, Ajapa Japa, Antar Mauna, Chakra Sudhi, and Chidakasha Dharana. It is to be noted that all of these sessions are carried on and looked after by experienced yoga practitioners in the ashram complex itself.
2. A Vision
The main objective behind celebrating this festival-cum-event is to unite the yogis from every sect and culture, colour and creed together and aim for a better world. And as per the yogic traditions, a better world is only possible through achieving a collective state of higher consciousness. And that is exactly what this event is all about in its ethos. It is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded people who are also looking for self-transformation and liberation.
How to Reach
Celebrated with great enthusiasm, the International Yoga Festival is all about knowing oneself and finding salvation. It is majorly celebrated at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh. Rishikesh is situated at a distance of 239, 1,672, 1,695, 2,354 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Let’s see how we can travel here by the following means of transportation.
By Air
The nearest airport is the Dehradun Airport a.k.a Jolly Grant airport. This airport is situated at a distance of 20-30 km, however, it doesn’t have any flight connectivity with many Indian cities. Thus, to visit Rishikesh, the passengers generally need to first deboard at the Indira Gandhi International Airport and after that, take a flight to Dehradun from Rishikesh.
The commercial operations at the Dehradun Airport began on March 30, 2008, and today, it is considered the 37th busiest airport in India with a considerable footfall of passengers on an annual basis. Interestingly, Dehradun Airport is also known as the Air Gateway of Garhwal and plays a very important role in the betterment of Uttarakhand tourism. After you deboard at the airport, you will need to cover the remaining distance of 30-40 km by some means of transportation like a cab or a bus.
Here is how you can reach here
- Mumbai - Board Spicejet, IndiGo, Air India flights to Dehradun via New Delhi. The starting airfares are Rs.4,000
- Delhi - Board Air India, IndiGo, Spicejet, IndiGo flights to Dehradun. The airfares start from Rs.2,000
- Jaipur - Board Air India, IndiGo flights to Dehradun via New Delhi. The airfares start from Rs.3,500
- Kanpur - Board Air India, Spicejet flights to Dehradun via New Delhi. The airfares start from Rs.4,000
- Lucknow - Board Air India, IndiGo, Go Air flights to Dehradun via New Delhi. The airfares start from Rs.4,000
By Train
The nearest railhead is located in Haridwar of the same name. It is situated at a distance of 25 km from Rishikesh. This railway station falls under the Moradabad division of the Northern Railway Zone.
This station is located on Delhi-Dehradun and Howrah Railway lines. It connects Rishikesh with a branch line. After you deboard at the railway station, you will need to travel further by some means of public transportation like a bus or a cab.
- Delhi - Board Nanda Devi Express from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station and deboard at the Haridwar Junction
- Ludhiana - Board Hemkunt Express from Ludhiana Junction and deboard at the Haridwar Junction
- Kanpur - Board Sangam Express from Kanpur Central and deboard at the Haridwar Junction
- Agra - Board UTKAL Express from Agra Cantt and deboard at the Haridwar Junction
- Lucknow - Board Kumbha Express from Lucknow NR and deboard at the Haridwar Junction
By Road
You can also consider travelling to Rishikesh via road networks as well. Depending upon your location, you can choose to travel here either by bus, cab, or your own vehicle. If you are travelling by bus, then, from Delhi, the bus fares start from Rs.400. From Ludhiana, the bus fares start from Rs.1500. And, from Shimla, the bus fares start from Rs.600.
Here is how you can reach here by road networks.
- Delhi - 227 km via NH44 or NH344
- Indore - 1,052 km via NH46 or NH52
- Kanpur - 674 km via NH19 or NH34
- Jaipur - 515 km via NH48
- Agra - 410 km via Taj Express Highway
- Lucknow - 732 km via NH30
- Jodhpur - 813 km via NH52 or NH62
- Udaipur - 904 km via NH48 or NH58
Conclusion
The International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh offers a transformative experience that resonates long after the festival ends. As participants depart, they carry with them not only enhanced physical well-being but also a deeper spiritual connection and a renewed sense of inner peace. Until we meet again on the mat, may the light of yoga continue to illuminate our paths.
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Frequently Asked Questions Related to International Yoga Festival
Q1. When is the International Yoga Festival held?
A1. The International Yoga Festival is typically held annually in March, spanning a week-long duration.
Q2. Where does the International Yoga Festival take place?
A2. The festival is held in the spiritual town of Rishikesh, situated in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India.
Q3. What activities can participants expect at the International Yoga Festival?
A3. Participants can expect a wide range of activities including yoga classes, meditation sessions, spiritual discourses, workshops, cultural performances, and outdoor excursions.
Q4. Who can attend the International Yoga Festival?
A4. The festival is open to yoga enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, as well as individuals interested in exploring holistic wellness and spiritual practices.
Q5. How can one register for the International Yoga Festival?
A5. Registration for the International Yoga Festival can be done online through the official festival website. Participants can choose from various packages offering accommodation, meals, and access to festival activities.
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