Event Unites Rishikesh – the Yoga Capital of the World

 Over 1000 visitors from across the nation and around the world practice the Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation on the holy banks of Maa Ganga

Parmarth Niketan Ashram, one of India’s largest spiritual institutions, celebrated the transformative power of yoga on the 10th Annual International Day of Yoga (IDY). Over 1,000 yogis from nearly 25 countries gathered on the banks of the Ganga in Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga. This year’s event, themed “Yoga for Self and Society,” highlighted yoga’s role in uplifting and empowering women as well as serving marginalised and vulnerable communities. In collaboration with the Indian Yoga Association, State Government of Uttarakhand and the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, participants engaged in powerful yoga practices, embracing the profound impact of yoga on individual and collective well-being.

Param Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, the President of Parmarth Niketan, envisioned IDY that would unite people from across the nation and the world with Rishikesh’s renowned yoga schools, celebrating the power of yoga (union). The event served as a beautiful platform to recognize and award Yoga campaigns who have furthered the spread of yoga throughout Rishikesh and the world. It was graced by Pujya Swamiji, Pujya Devkinandan Thakurji, Dr Saket Badola, Director Rajaji National Park and many eminent dignitarises, moderated in Hindi and English by Ganga Nandiniji.

The day began with arrivals starting at 5 am, as the Ashram team welcomed visitors, participants, and distinguished guests for the unified practice of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) from 6-7am at the feet of the iconic Lord Shiva – an evocative illustration of yoga’s traditional role in bringing light to the darkness. Following the practice, a Yagya Purnahuti – a sacred fire ceremony offered for universal peace and harmony – was held on the Ganga Ghat.

The display of unity among people of all ages, nationalities, and religious affiliations during this early morning exhibition of yogic practice and principles highlighted the profound wisdom and experience alive in Rishikesh’s yoga community. It honoured the timeless wisdom of yoga, which has been the literal beating heart and soul of this land, setting a divine and healthy example for the rest of the world. It also set a strong intention and pledge to purify the practice of Yoga from these centres so that the authentic roots and traditions could continue to touch and transform countless millions.

During this momentous event, several outstanding contributors to yoga and their initiatives were honoured and recognised. Adhyatma Yoga founder Greesha, Co-Founder Shubhendu, as well as Sachin, were honoured for their Ghar Ghar Yoga campaign to bring pocket-friendly Yoga classes to practitioners through online classes. Shaktis such as Dr. Ruchi Gulati, founder of Sanyukta Yoga, were recognised for simplifying and distilling Yoga philosophy and Yoga Shastras for countless many. Gayatri Gupta of Parmarth Niketan was honoured for her selfless service and commitment to teaching Yoga and Vedantic studies at the Ashram. Yogi Komleshwar was honoured for his work with underprivileged and marganilised communities to provide them free Yoga classes for villages near Rishikesh through his Komleshwar Yog Sadhanalaya Trust. Additionally, the event recognised young yogis Mayank and Durgesh from Parmarth Gurukul for their passion and teaching of Yoga.

On the occasion Parmarth School of Yoga’s Ganga Yoga initiative and manual was inaugurated and a newly revamped 200 hour YTTC Curriculum was also inaugurated by the eminent dignitaries. Certificates and Rudraksha saplings were offered to the over two dozen Yoga institutions, schools and centres that participated.

An inspiring video message from Pujya Swamiji, who was observing silence in the morning was played, in which He shared about the power and potential of Yoga to touch and transform people’s lives. He shared, “Yoga is India’s greatest gift to the world. My blessings on Yoga Day from the Yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. Yoga creates harmony between body, mind and soul. It establishes harmony and alignment between thought and action. Yoga teaches us that balance is the key. Yoga is scientific and is beyond religion. It has zero cost with infinite benefits. This year’s theme of Yoga Day is so apt Yoga for Self and Society, Yoga helps us heal our self so that we can be of greater service to our society and community. The need of the hour is for us to practice Yoga and practice Earth Yoga, that promotes sustainability and climate action.”

Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawatiji was: “Yoga heals all that ails our world today. Yoga teaches us that we are one, we are not separate. So don’t just do Yoga with your body but let Yoga be one that infuses your mind and your heart with harmony and health. This year’s theme is Yoga for Women’s Empowerment. Allow the divine feminine within you blossom forth.”

Watch the livestream of the event:

The remaining day’s schedule included:

• 9:00 am: Naad Anusandhana by Adhyatma Yog in the Ground Floor Yoga Hall – A session focusing on the exploration of sound and its spiritual significance, led by the esteemed Adhyatma Yog team.
• 10:00 am: Yog Nidra by Pujya Sadhvi Abha Saraswatiji of Parmarth Niketan – Various yoga sessions, workshops, and discussions throughout the day catering to all levels of practitioners and exploring different aspects of yoga.
• 6:00 pm: Special Ganga Aarti & Yoga Satsang – Including a special yoga demonstration by young students, this sacred ritual by the holy river Ganga provided a spiritual conclusion to the day’s activities.