Now All About The Vibrant International Yoga Festival

Yoga is a collection of physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines that have their roots in ancient India. They seek to recognise a detached witness consciousness that is unaffected by the mind (Chitta) and ordinary suffering (Dukha), as well as to control and silence the mind. Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism all have a vast range of schools of yoga, as well as practices and objectives. Both classic and contemporary yoga are practiced all over the world.

The ancient Hindu text known as the Rigveda is where yoga-like activities were first discussed. There are several references to yoga throughout the Upanishads. The Katha Upanishad, which was most likely written between the fifth and third centuries BCE, is where the word “yoga” with its current definition first appears in written form.

Yoga persisted as a methodical study and practice in the ascetic and Śramaṇa movements of ancient India in the fifth and sixth centuries BCE. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the most comprehensive literature on yoga, are from the early years of the Common Era. In the second half of the first millennium CE, yoga philosophy emerged as one of the six official philosophical schools (Darūanas) of Hinduism. Tantra gave rise to the first Hatha yoga literature in the ninth and eleventh centuries.

The much anticipated International Yoga Festival 2024, which takes place in Rishikesh from March 15–21, is set against the tranquil backdrop of the sacred Ganges. During this week-long yoga event, Muni Ki Reti’s Yog Bharat Ghat, nestled along the banks of the sacred river, becomes a centre for profound spiritual awakening and holistic healing.

Leading the International Yoga Festival will be a distinguished group of yoga masters, spiritual leaders, and medical professionals. The chance to delve deeply into the age-old wisdom of yoga and meditation will be provided to participants.

Prominent personalities including Douglas Atmananda Rexford, Swami Sukhabodhananda, Dr. Hester O’Connor, S. Sridharan, Swamy Ajay Rana, and Anshuka Parwani will grace the occasion, offering their wisdom and insights to help participants achieve holistic well-being. Participants will go on a transformative journey towards vitality and enlightenment with the assistance of an intriguing blend of yoga practices, spiritual discussions, and professional advice.

Particularly, Rishikesh has solidified its standing as the world’s premier hub for yoga, attracting tourists and aspirants from all over the world. The festival this year is expected to be great, offering yoga aficionados an amazing opportunity to fully immerse themselves in education and personal development. Uttarakhand, with its calm landscapes and rich spiritual legacy, remains a beacon for people pursuing yoga as a means of achieving holistic well-being.

The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board is in charge of organising the event. Leading international yoga institutes come together for this event, which gives attendees a unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the ancient practice of yoga. Reputable educational institutions like the Art of Living, Isha Foundation, Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Sivananda Ashram, Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, and Manav Dharam Ashram will allow participants the chance to explore a variety of meditation practices in a calm setting.

The programme will feature panel talks led by experts on a variety of subjects, including the advantages of music therapy and the science of intuition through practices like Pragya Yog, Marm Chikitsa, Yoga, and Strishakti. Every night, the peaceful Ganga aarti will create a magical atmosphere, complemented by mesmerising tunes that convey love and devotion to the almighty. There will be performances by well-known bands, including the Pandavas Band and Kabir Cafe; fusion rhythms by Swaraag; Kathak dance by Aditi Mangal Das; dance ballet by Anuj Mishra; and more.

Through a variety of cultural programmes, the festival also provides an opportunity to learn more about India’s rich cultural legacy. Yoga fans should check out the festival’s official website for further details.