International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh

The International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh celebrates Yoga, the ancient Indian science of health and wellness. The great sage Patanjali penned down the science and laid down the activity’s minute rules and techniques. Yoga was primarily developed as a medium to attain harmony of body, mind, and soul. Yoga is not just different yogic postures or breathing techniques even it is a way of life. Around the world, Yoga has changed lives with its holistic practices. International Yoga Festival is a wonderful opportunity to introduce Yoga to one’s life. The week-long event detoxifies and purifies the body, mind, and soul.

History of International Yoga Festival

International Yoga Festival was started in the year 1999 in Rishikesh, Parmarth Niketan Ashram. The early meditative classes were held under the guidance of Pujya Shri Swami Veda Bharat Ji, while Yogacharya Shri Bharat Bhushan Ji taught the Yoga asanas.

The 2010 edition became the most successful event as it witnessed a maximum number of participants. The credit for the festival’s success coincides with the auspicious occasion of Maha Kumbh Mela, which takes place during the same time of the year. Moreover, the festival’s popularity keeps growing as more and more discover the benefits of Yoga.

Grounded in the authentic origin of Yoga, the International Yoga festival encompasses all traditional yoga lineages of India. Masters of yoga schools and styles impart their knowledge to the participants of the festival.

The one-week Festival covers over 70 hours of Yoga classes under world-class Yoga teachers practicing multiple styles of Yoga including Iyengar Yoga, Kriya Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, and Power Vinyasa Yoga. Satsang, divine words of revered saints and spiritual masters add to the holistic wellness derived from yoga. The schedule of the International Yoga Festival week varies from day-to-day. The general daily program of IYF includes:

Schedule of International Yoga Festival Important Points

Grounded in the authentic origin of Yoga, the International Yoga festival encompasses all traditional yoga lineages of India. Masters of yoga schools and styles impart their knowledge to the festival participants.

The one-week festival covers over 70 hours of Yoga classes under world-class Yoga teachers. Participants can practice multiple styles of Yoga, including Iyengar Yoga, Kriya Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, and Power Vinyasa Yoga. In addition, Satsang, divine words of revered saints and spiritual masters, add to the holistic wellness derived from Yoga. The schedule of the International Yoga Festival week varies from day to day.

The general daily program of International Yoga Festivals includes:

• Classes start at 4 AM.
• One-hour yoga class at 6.30 AM, followed by a simple breakfast.
• Several two-hour hour yoga sessions start at 8.30 AM.
• Inspiring lectures from revered saints and Yogacharyas at 11:00 AM.
• Traditional Indian lunch from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM.
• After short rest, three Yogasana classes from 3.30 PM to 5.00 PM.
• From 6.00 PM to 7.00 PM, attend the Aarti, on the banks of the river Ganga.
• Dinner at 7.00 PM.
• Special evening programs of Satsang, cultural song and dance performances, campfires, etc.
• Lights out at 9.30 PM.

Programs of International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh

During this one-week festival, you can learn different types of Yoga from spiritual leaders to rejuvenate your mind and soul. In addition, the International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh got you covered with divine words (Satsang), Ganga Aarti, and cultural performances.

This program of the International Yoga Festival will make you focus on the power of gratitude. The roots of this soul-stirring festival are associated with one of the most amazing mindful techniques – Yoga.

The International Yoga Festival is all about bringing peace to the mind, health to the body, and joy to the heart. Yoga lovers can learn Yoga by attending theme-based classes. There will be separate classes in both – English and Hindi. The  7 days program got you covered with four main themes of Yoga:

Themes of International Yoga Festivals in Rishikesh

1st Theme: Traditional Yoga

In this theme, you will be dedicating your first two days to manifesting the benefit of traditional Yoga. The organizers of the International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh will be inviting Yogacharya. They are the people endowed with profound mindfulness insight. Guests would be learning traditional yoga practices. The leaders will be performing yoga practices on stage.

2nd Theme: Contemporary Yoga

This theme reserves days 3 and 4 for Contemporary Yoga Styles. With this theme, the participant can learn the techniques of contemporary Yoga. This type of Yoga is a modified style suitable for people who can’t indulge much in traditional yoga asanas.

3rd Theme: Celebrating Shakti – The Power of Creation

During the last three days, the Yoga festival gathering will celebrate the Power of Creation – Shakti. Under this theme, a well-known female and male yoga teacher will enlighten guests’ knowledge. The psychology of men and women is different. Therefore, distinct genders of yoga teachers will grace the stage to reap the specific benefits of Yoga for males and females both.

4th Theme: Therapeutic Yoga

Under this Yoga theme, you will be learning the different applications of yoga postures. Therapeutic Yoga highly benefits the overall well-being – precisely health conditions. To trigger emotional, psychological, and spiritual enlightenment, Therapeutic Yoga will remove all the mental, spiritual and health blocks.

Programs in the International Yoga Festival

Daily Yoga Class

The 70 hours of week-long yoga classes will be divided into regular hours. You would be practicing Yoga early at 4 AM and with halts after 1-2 hours till 5 PM. Throughout the yoga sessions, you will learn Yoga’s anatomy and master how to balance thoughts.

Things to do in yoga class 

Accelerate the transformation in your life by practicing the different types of Yoga.

Divine Satsang

Divine knowledge of spiritual leaders will help you in re-engineering your life. In addition, you will learn how to uplift and inspire yourself to make positive decisions in your life.

Things to do in Satsang

Re-engineer your life and unleash the power of divine Satsang in the International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh.

Experience the higher state of consciousness and attend divine Satsang every day before lunch.

Ganga Aarti

Attending the spiritual ritual of Ganga Aarti at the International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh will uplift your mood. The Aarti ceremony takes place around the sacred Ganges River after the sunsets. This practice involves Hindu Priests who use lamps in a clockwise manner. The whole scene is enjoyed by mythical chants in praise of the holy river, the Ganges.

Things to do in Ganga Aarti 

You must attend the Ganga Aarti ritual to be blessed with Mother Ganga’s blessings – the goddess.

Cultural Performances

The yoga fest is a gathering of people who want to attain mindfulness. Meet like-minded people who are on the same mission of achieving peace and good health. The 7-day mass gathering will be marked by many cultural performances in the evening at 10 PM (approx.)

Things to do in Cultural Performances

Unclutter your mind by listening, watching, and indulging in cultural performances at the International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh.

Accommodation Options at International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh

Parmarth Niketan Ashram is where the celebration of the International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh 2024 will be held. The ashram is set amidst stunning landscape beauty. Tourists searching for holistic enlightenment will be drawn to Parmarth Niketan Ashram – whether you are practicing mindfulness activities like yoga and meditation. This Ashram in Rishikesh will provide tourist dining facilities for all the guests who will join the IYF gathering in Rishikesh. For those interested in learning different types of yoga, this ashram in Rishikesh provides 15 different types of yoga programs. Guests who want to become yoga practitioners to teach or self-improvement can learn yoga.

Location of Parmarth Yoga Ashram

Parmarth Niketan Ashram is situated on the divine Ganga River and offers scenic views. The river is considered sacred by millions of Hindu devotees. Guests will be performing morning and evening Ganga Aarti ceremonies followed by Ayurvedic treatments.

How to Reach Parmarth Niketan Ashram?

Reaching Parmarth Niketan Ashram to attend the enthusiastic celebration of yoga is quite easy. The average distance between Delhi to Rishikesh is 240 km (approx.) The travel time by road is 7-8 hours (approx.). Check out the below details to reach Rishikesh to attend the International Yoga Festival.

• By air: The nearest airport around Rishikesh is in Dehradun, Jolly Grant Airport. It is only 20 km (approx.) away from Rishikesh.
• By train: Tourists can reach Rishikesh via train journey as it has its railway station. The travel time between railway stations to Parmarth Niketan Ashram is barely 4 km (approx.). The small distance could be covered with a taxi to reach the ashram.

Tip to be noted: International travelers should reach Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. The airport is extensively connected with countries across the world. Frequent flights are available from Dubai, United States, United Kingdom, etc. Afterward, take the ways mentioned above to reach Parmarth Niketan Ashram.

Staycation Options For Guests in Parmarth Niketan Ashram

With 1,000 rooms sprawling over eight acres of campus, tourists will hardly find difficulty with Parmarth Niketan Ashram’s accommodation options. You can book your accommodation in advance to save yourself from the staycation hassles.

• Facilities and Amenities List at Parmarth Niketan Ashram
• The rooms are lined with western style bathrooms.
• Quickly certified doctor on call at guests’ doorsteps.
• Additional mindfulness programs like Reiki and acupuncture.
• Soul nourishing Sattvic Diet

What Are the Eating Options at Parmarth Niketan Rishikesh?

You will be served a Sattvic Diet at Parmarth Niketan Ashram during your accommodation. This diet is strictly based on Ayurvedic principles and is considered the best food diet for yoga enthusiasts. Sattvic cuisine is a vegetarian diet that is prepared with vegetables from organic gardens. Sattvic food is delicious and nourishing for good endurance. In addition, food has a positively strong influence on human emotions and minds.

• Options For Meals
• There will be 3 meals per day – breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Eating facilities For Guests at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh
• Eating arrangements will be organized in the back yoga garden for all the participants during the International Yoga Festival 2024.

Tips to Be Noted

• Carry foods with a long shelf life and could strive without refrigeration for a few days. Such types of food include dried fruits etc. they can be stored at room temperature.
• Respect the asham transition.
• Non-veg diet is strictly prohibited inside the ashram premises.
• Consumption of alcohol and smoking is not allowed.

For any other details regarding this festival of Uttarakhand, contact us. You can book our well-designed tour packages to have the best traveling experience. Our travel experts will modify the tour as per your requirements and your budget.