DAY 3 International Yoga Festival Sacred Gathering at the Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh Unites the World in Music, Meditation and Prayer

One of the most special highlights of the day was a pilgrimage to the historic Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, also known as the Beatles Ashram. Participants of the International Yoga Festival at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh gathered in this iconic spiritual space—where the The Beatles once practiced meditation—to sing, meditate and celebrate together in a joyful atmosphere of global harmony. Renowned kirtan artist Radhika Das, acclaimed percussionist Padmashri Drums Shivamani, and celebrated singer Runa Rizvii Shivamani, along with festival presenters and participants, filled the sacred grounds with devotional music, chants and shared celebration.
Led by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, the gathering reflected the deeper spirit of the International Yoga Festival, which throughout the week has brought together more than 1500 participants from nearly 80 countries in a shared journey of yoga, prayer and spiritual connection.
In a time when the world is facing increasing conflict and division, such moments of unity and collective prayer offered a powerful reminder of the urgent need for peace, compassion and human connection. The festival continues to cultivate a sacred space where people of diverse cultures, faiths and backgrounds can come together in harmony.
Following this beautiful gathering, participants made their way to the banks of the sacred Ganga River for a deeply moving experience. Many yogis entered the waters of Maa Ganga together, taking a holy dip as fragrant rose petals were gently offered over them by Pujya Swamiji and Sadhviji. Surrounded by prayer and devotion, the sacred waters of Mother Ganga touched hearts from across the world, creating a moment of purification, gratitude and profound connection.
The second day of the International Yoga Festival at Parmarth Niketan concluded with a vibrant evening of music and celebration on the holy banks of Maa Ganga. Padma Shri Drums Shivamani and acclaimed vocalist Runa Rizvi filled the night with powerful rhythms and soulful melodies, inspiring participants from around the world to dance in joy and ecstasy late into the evening. The celebration was further honored by the presence of Hon’ble Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, who joined Pujya Swamiji, Pujya Sadhviji and our IYF Presenters in a special lamp-lighting ceremony, formally inaugurating the festival and keeping the light of yoga burning brightly in the hearts of all.
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Sunrise Practices Awaken Body, Mind and Spirit
As dawn illuminated the Himalayan sky of Day 3, participants gathered for an energizing series of morning practices designed to awaken the body and calm the mind.
The day began with Hatha Yoga led by Durgesh Amoli, offering a grounding and traditional start to the morning practice sessions.
Dasa Das guided participants through Empower & Energize: Kundalini Awakening, introducing powerful techniques designed to activate inner energy and awaken awareness.
Dr. Eden Goldman, an international Yoga, mindfulness, and wellness lifestyle expert led the Chikitsa Vinyasa Therapeutic Flow Master Class, integrating yoga therapy principles with mindful movement to support healing and physical resilience.
Participants also explored the transformative power of breath and meditation in Kundalini Rebirthing: A Reset of the Self with Har Hari Singh, while Jahnavi Claire Missingham offered a deeply reflective Vinyasa Practice: Brahma Muhurta, inviting practitioners to connect with the sacred early morning energy of spiritual practice.
Blending yoga with ancient martial traditions, Shiva Rea founder of Prana Vinyasa and the Samudra Global School for Living Yoga, led Primal Flow: Yoga and the Art of Kalarippayatu, while Sensei Sandeep Desai guided participants through an energizing Qigong practice that harmonized breath, movement and energy.
As the sun rose above the sacred Ganga, participants gathered for Sunrise Chanting led by Sudhanshu Sharma, creating a powerful moment of collective mantra and devotion.
Following tea and light refreshments, participants joined the Parmarth Niketan Sacred Morning Fire Ceremony (Yagna/Havan) with Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, offering prayers for peace, healing and harmony for the world.
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Morning Sessions Explore Yogic Wisdom and Inner Energy
The morning continued with a rich diversity of teachings exploring yoga philosophy, alignment, energy work and deep relaxation.
Katie B Happyy a motivation master, keynote speaker, best selling author, optimal performance trainer,  led Bandhas + Binds – Third and Fourth Chakra Balancing Vinyasa, focusing on energetic alignment and emotional openness.
In Iyengar-Based Alignment-Led Twisting, Neeru Kathpal guided participants through precise postural alignment designed to strengthen and stabilize the body.
Participants also experienced the powerful discipline of Traditional Yogic Dand Sadhana with Mayank Bhatt our very own Parmarth Rishikumar, integrating strength, breath and ancient yogic training techniques.
Rohini Manohar Owner of Chennai Yoga Studio offered Kalari Flow: The Rhythm of the Warrior, merging yogic movement with martial arts traditions from South India.
Deep relaxation and meditation were explored through Yoga Nidra with Sadhvi Abha Saraswati, while Kia Miller one of the most well-known Kundalini Yoga teachers in the West, guided practitioners through Awakening the Inner Fire: Kundalini Energy Activation, helping participants explore the transformative power of subtle energy.
Music and expression also played an important role in the morning sessions. Anandra George led PleasureFULL Self-Shining Voice: Smash the Patriarchy One Note at a Time, celebrating voice, empowerment and self-expression, while Simon Glöde guided participants through Heart Dance, combining movement, music and devotional joy.
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Special Pilgrimage to the Historic Beatles Ashram
Late in the morning, festival participants embarked on a very special pilgrimage to the historic Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, widely known around the world as the Beatles Ashram, where the legendary band The Beatles famously came in 1968 to study meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
Surrounded by the quiet beauty of the forest and the sacred energy of this historic spiritual retreat, participants gathered for world peace prayers, followed by a special musical concert by Radhika Das. The gathering will also be joined by renowned percussionist Drums Sivamani and acclaimed vocalist Runaa Rizvii Sivamani, adding their powerful musical presence to this unique moment.
The experience offers a deeply moving opportunity for reflection, connection, and devotion, linking the present-day global yoga community with the rich spiritual heritage of Rishikesh as the world’s spiritual capital of yoga and meditation. For many participants, standing in this sacred place — where Eastern wisdom once inspired some of the most influential musicians in the world — becomes a powerful reminder of how the timeless teachings of yoga continue to unite people from across cultures, traditions and generations.


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Afternoon Sessions Explore Healing, Ayurveda and Self-Realization
Following lunch, participants continued their journey through a wide range of workshops and experiential sessions.
Gayatri Yogacharya led Quantum Healing, exploring subtle energetic dimensions of healing through yogic awareness.
Mohan Bhandari guided participants through Yoga for Immunity: Strengthen Your Inner Resilience, sharing practices designed to support physical vitality and immune health.
In Spirituality and Emotional Maturity: The Importance of Growing Up While We Are Waking Up, Tommy Rosen offered an insightful exploration of the relationship between spiritual awakening and emotional development.
Participants also explored the wisdom of traditional healing systems in Reset, Renew & Rejuvenate Through Ayurveda with Ramkumar, learning how Ayurvedic principles can restore balance and wellbeing.
Philosophical teachings continued with The Field Mantra: Navigating the Direct Path to Self-Realization led by Dr. Sanjay Manchanda, while Jai Hari Singh offered a reflective session titled The Projection of Acceptance, inviting participants to examine the deeper nature of perception and self-awareness.
Sound healing and devotional practices also featured prominently in the afternoon program. Joseph Schmidlin and Friends led Cradle of Sound Restorative Sound Bath, while James Cassidy and Friends guided participants through A Journey Through the Chakras With Mantra, combining sacred sound and meditation.
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Sacred Ganga Aarti Unites Participants in Prayer
As evening descended over the Himalayas, participants gathered once again along the sacred banks of Maa Ganga for the Ganga Yagna/Havan, followed by the world-renowned Parmarth Niketan Ganga Aarti.
Led by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, the Aarti brought together participants from dozens of countries in a deeply moving ceremony of devotion, gratitude and collective prayer for peace and harmony across the world.
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Evening Devotion and Music Close the Day
The evening concluded with a vibrant live concert Kirtan for Life featuring Gurnimit Singh and the Sacred Sound Experience Musicians, filling the banks of the Ganga with uplifting devotional music.
Later, participants gathered for Evening Ganga Kirtan – an all-female-led kirtan with Stine Dulong and Friends, offering a deeply calming and heart-opening musical experience that brought the day’s journey to a peaceful close.
Quotes from our presenters, Participants and Sevaks

Mahi from India (Sevak) shares, It has been such a wonderful experience here at IYF, with it being my second time as a sevak. It has made me feel so connected with myself just being here.

Anjali from London shares: Being in such a divine place brings out the light in me, being around Maa Ganga and esteemed leaders such as Pujya Swamiji and Pujya Sadhviji. If there is one place that I have learnt so much of spiritual practice, then it is Rishikesh.

Stewart Gilchrist shares “It’s all about peace and love. Country doesn’t matter”.