International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh

Yoga, the Sanskrit word for “union”, originated in ancient India. It was a time when the Rishis and the Munis use to practice Yoga seeking for the eternal truth, through meditation. It was first explained in the texts of the Vedas, which were ancient hymns, originally sung in the forests by Rishis, who lived remote and austere lives. Historically, Yoga was a way of life, a culture and a lifestyle which encompass not just the techniques or practices, but also eating habits, prayer, social interaction, and work. Today, Yoga is practiced mainly for health benefits and for relaxing the mind.

I am sure, like me, most of you dudes in large cities, are practicing Yoga, trying to reduce your daily stress, anxiety and depression. Now, if you want to move on from this mental level, to the spiritual level, here is an opportunity for you to visit The International Yoga Festival, at Rishikesh. The week- long festival has been scheduled from 1st of March to 7th of March ,2013, at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram. You will have the opportunity to participate in over sixty hours of Yoga classes, with discourses and lectures, from world-class yoga teachers.

Rishikesh, a small picturesque spiritual town along the river Ganga, is located in foothills of the Himalayas in the northern state of Uttarakhand, in India. It is also considered to be the “Yoga Capital Of The World” and is a magnet for spiritual seekers. The place keeps you spiritually enthralled, from the moment you enter Rishikesh, till you head back home. No wonder the Beatles choose Rishikesh for their Transcendental Meditation at the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Thereafter, Rishikesh catapulted to Western fame.

The entire area near the Ram Jula and the Laxman Jula, is filled with backpackers from all over the world. The exquisite setting of the flowing Ganga, surrounded by forested hills, is an ideal location for meditation and mind expansion. In the evenings, tourists, pilgrims and sadhus, assemble for the nightly Ganga Arati ceremony, at the Ganga Ghats of the Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Always keep in mind that Rishikesh is a vegetarian city by law, as well as an alcohol-free city.

Coming back to the International Yoga Festival 2013, at Rishikesh, let me briefly touch upon the daily schedule of the festival:

The day will start from 4 am with Kundalini Sadhana practice and Ashtanga Primary series classes. Then by 6:30 am you will have a one-hour yoga class, followed by a simple breakfast. At 8:30 am you can join one of three two-hour hour yoga sessions followed by a series of lectures from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm from yogacharyas on a variety of inspiring subjects. From 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm a traditional Indian lunch will be served.

At 2:30 pm you can have three instructional classes followed by three yoga classes from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm. Then from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm you will be able to attend the special mesmerizing Aarti, on the banks of the river Ganga.

Dinner will be served by 7:30 pm followed by a special evening program of satsang with spiritual leaders, cultural song and dance events and campfires. The day schedule closes by 9:30 pm.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your backpacks, carry your meditation mats and head for Rishikesh. Trust me, you will feel rejuvenated, not only in body and mind but spiritually too. I have experienced it myself.

Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti…..

Categories: International Yoga Festival 2013, International Yoga Festival in India, Rishikesh Yoga Festival, Yoga Festival