Ganga Maiyaa – The Divine Mother
On the evening of March 4, 2018, I sat on the banks of Ganga Maiyaa — our divine mother. In northern India, Ganga is not just a river. She is our nurturer, our guide, and for seekers, a powerful spiritual force. From rituals to farming, life here flows with her waters. For the yogi, she is Devi — the giver of silence, stillness, and spiritual connection.
Yoga Beyond the Mat at IYF 2018
The International Yoga Festival Rishikesh 2018 offered more than just asana sessions. While I sat in meditation, the soft chants of mantras filled the air, and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati’s voice echoed across the ghat. Her message — “You are Yoga” — stayed with me long after. Surrounded by hundreds of seekers in silence, I felt a deep inner alignment that words fail to describe.
A Gathering of Global Seekers
Over 70 master teachers, including Anand Mehrotra and Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, led powerful morning practices. The festival was officially inaugurated on March 3 by Hon’ble Vice President Shri Venkaiah Naidu. Every day offered a new opportunity to learn, grow, and connect — with self and others.
The true highlight? The Ganga Aarti. Every evening, in front of Lord Shiva’s statue and the sacred river, thousands gathered to sing bhajans, chant mantras, and celebrate collective consciousness led by HH Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati.
Evenings of Music and Devotion
The evenings of the International Yoga Festival Rishikesh were magical. Music brought people together across languages and borders. From Daphne Tse’s “Saraswati” to Sivamani’s electrifying percussion, every note deepened our experience of joy and presence. Satsangs, sound healing, and live mantra chanting elevated the vibrations of the space.
Transformation Through Experience
Attending the International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh is not just about learning yoga techniques. It is a journey inward — toward peace, stillness, and self-awareness. The festival concludes, but its energy lingers, awakening something timeless in all who attend.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned yogi, the IYF offers an inclusive, non-religious, globally unifying space to explore the essence of yoga.
Why You Should Attend the International Yoga Festival Rishikesh
- Learn from world-renowned spiritual masters and yoga teacher
- Experience inner stillness by the sacred Ganga
- Meditate, chant, and celebrate consciousness through diverse traditions
- Connect with a like-minded global community
- Awaken your soul through music, rituals, and nature