Nestled in the serene surroundings of Rishikesh, the International Yoga Festival 2024 ( Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intlyogafest/ ) at Parmarth Niketan ( Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/parmarthniketan/ ) unfolded as a spiritual odyssey, leaving an indelible imprint on each one of us.
In the 7-day immersion and celebration, one had the opportunity to embrace every possible style of yoga and learn from enlightened spiritual leaders, master Yoga teachers, revolutionary thought leaders, and wellness specialists from around the world.
From the onset,the festival exudes an atmosphere of harmony and inclusivity. Diverse voices, languages, and cultures blended seamlessly as attendees, ranging from seasoned yogis to curious novices, united in their quest for holistic well-being. The festival was a melting pot of spirituality, wellness, and cultural exchange. Simple things like practising yoga together by the river bank, we forged meaningful connections we know will last a long long time.
One of the most magical experiences was the daily Ganga Aarti and morning Yagna led by Pujya Swamiji ( Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pujyaswamiji/ ) and Pujya Sadhviji ( Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sadhviji/ ) Standing by the majestic river, engulfed in chants and prayers, we felt a profound sense of peace and reverence, as if time had stood still.
Everyone had their own story and experiences with yoga, but we all shared a sense of camaraderie and respect. It was inspiring to see personalities like Ira Trivedi embracing yoga as a way of life and sharing their wisdom with us. Whether it was practising Chakra yoga sound bath or saluting the sun, each session was a feeling of rejuvenation and inspiration.
The yoga sessions in the festival were diverse and enriching, ranging from Chakra yoga sound baths to Kundalini yoga, Lila Shakti dance to Meditation sessions on being limitless - in success and relationships to Vedic chantings . Everyone found themselves delving deeper into their practice, guided by experienced teachers / yogis like Stewart Gilchrist from East London School of Yoga (Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastlondonschoolofyoga/ ) , Bijay Anand ( Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bijayanand/ ) Erica Kaufman (Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericakaufmanyogini/ ) , Jai Hari Singh (Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaiharisingh/ ) and Pujya Sadhviji (Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sadhviji/ ) herself .
The festival wasn't just about yoga; it was also a celebration with live music performances adding to the vibrant atmosphere. The music of Kailash Kher (Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kailashkher/ ) , rhythmic beats of Sivamani ( Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drums_sivamani/ ) and the enchanting vocals of Runa Rizvi ( Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runaashivamani/ ) added a musical dimension to the several events. Each concert was a transcendental experience, weaving together the spiritual essence of music and yoga.
Our days were filled with enriching interactions with fellow exhibitors, each representing a unique facet of wellness. From Ayurvedic practitioners to eco-friendly yoga mat manufacturers, the festival provided a platform for us to forge meaningful connections and exchange ideas. We did our bit to bring the rich cultural experience of India and hosted Block Printing workshops. Grateful that so many people found interest in these sessions as participants and adorned our Akiso bags with their own unique designs. It was immensely fulfilling to witness the joy and satisfaction on their faces as they unleashed their creativity in a tangible form. We were also thrilled when yogis and teachers like Stewart Gilchrist (Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastlondonschoolofyoga/ ) , Ira Trivedi (Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iratrivedi/ ) , Bijay Anand ( Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bijayanand/ ) came to shop from us.
As the festival drew to a close, we carried with us not just memories, but a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration to continue our journey towards holistic well-being.
The International Yoga Festival at Parmarth Niketan, in the sacred precincts of Rishikesh, was not just a festival, but a sanctuary for the soul— a timeless oasis of peace and renewal amidst the tumult of the world.