Day 3  International Yog Festival 2026, Rishikesh
A Sacred Sunrise to a Soulful Sunset — The Most Diverse & Enriching Day Yet!

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand — Day 3 of the International Yoga Festival 2026 at GMVN Ganga Resort, Muni Ki Reti, Rishikesh proved to be the most expansive and richly layered day of the festival so far — offering participants an extraordinary spectrum of yogic wisdom, healing sciences, meditation practices, and devotional celebration from sunrise to starlight.

Dawn — Sacred Hawan Ceremony at Swami Narayan Ashram
The day began in the most auspicious manner possible — with a sacred Hawan ceremony at the revered Swami Narayan Ashram. The ancient Vedic fire ritual set a deeply spiritual tone for the day ahead, purifying the atmosphere and invoking divine blessings upon all participants, teachers, and the festival itself. The fragrance of the sacred fire and the chanting of Vedic mantras created an atmosphere of profound peace and sanctity.

律 Morning Sessions — A World of Yogic Wisdom
The morning unfolded as a vibrant mosaic of yogic disciplines, each led by a distinguished master:
Dr. Vipin Joshi guided participants through a deeply centring meditation session — stilling the mind and anchoring awareness in the present moment, preparing every seeker for the rich day ahead.
Students of the revered Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji conducted an inspiring Art of Living session — sharing the transformative breathing and mindfulness techniques that have touched millions of lives across the globe.

The legendary Usha Mata ji led a precise and powerful Iyengar Yoga session — honouring the great tradition of B.K.S. Iyengar and guiding participants with meticulous attention to alignment, breath, and awareness.

Meet Prasana brought her unique and graceful approach to the mat — leading a yoga session that blended physical flow with deep inner attentiveness. ✨
Dr. Kanchan Joshi of SGRR delivered an enlightening academic lecture on Yogic Science — bridging the world of ancient yogic philosophy with contemporary research and understanding. 
Dr. Arpita Negi offered a beautifully structured yoga class — drawing participants deeper into their practice with clarity, warmth, and expertise.
 Afternoon Sessions — Healing, Anatomy & Deeper Dimensions
The afternoon sessions dove deep into some of yoga’s most profound and lesser-explored territories:
Dr. Urmila Pandey introduced participants to the transformative practice of Pranic Nidra — a deeply restorative state of conscious rest that harnesses the body’s own pranic energy for healing and rejuvenation. A session that left participants feeling profoundly refreshed.
Yogacharya Girish Anand led a comprehensive and energising yoga session — offering a masterclass in the integration of breath, posture, and awareness.
Yogi Dr. Mahesh delivered a stunning yoga demonstration — showcasing the full depth and beauty of advanced yogic practice, inspiring participants from across the world. 
Dr. Manoj Rangarh brought a uniquely joyful dimension to the afternoon with a dynamic Osho Meditation & Laughter Yoga session — a powerful combination of active meditation and uninhibited laughter that shook every participant awake with joy and vitality.

Swami Akhandananda guided seekers through the electrifying and transformative world of Kundalini Yoga — awakening the dormant spiritual energy that lies at the base of the spine and channelling it upward through the chakras. ⚡
Yogi Gurmeet Singh offered a fascinating and highly practical anatomy lecture — helping yoga practitioners understand the physical body more deeply and practice more safely and effectively. 領
Dr. Niranjan conducted a highly specialised and much-appreciated Chiropractic Workshop — illuminating the connection between spinal health, nervous system function, and overall yogic well-being.

Yogi Surinder Singh rounded off the afternoon practice sessions with a grounding and authentic Hatha Yoga class — returning participants to the classical roots of yogic practice through steady postures, breath control, and meditative awareness.

 Evening — ISKCON Kirtan & “Once Upon a Time” Gazal Group
As the golden sun set over the Ganga and the stars began their watch over Rishikesh, Day 3 drew to a sublime and deeply moving close with two extraordinary evening performances.
The divine and infectious energy of the ISKCON Kirtan swept through the festival grounds — filling the sacred air with the timeless chant of Hare Krishna, setting hearts on fire with devotion, and moving participants to dance in pure abandon and joy.

The evening was then crowned with the soulful and elegant performance of the “Once Upon a Time” Gazal Group — whose mellifluous gazals wove a spell of romance, reflection, and beauty over the audience, bringing Day 3 to a breathtakingly beautiful close.

The International Yoga Festival 2026 continues at GMVN Ganga Resort, Muni Ki Reti, Rishikesh — uniting 2,500 practitioners from 30 nations in the divine lap of the Himalayas and the holy Ganga.