FINAL DAY International Yoga Festival

The concluding day of the International Yoga Festival at Parmarth Niketan, held under the divine leadership of Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, in partnership with the Ministry of AYUSH and Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, brought together participants from across the globe for a beautiful and meaningful conclusion to this week-long global celebration of yoga, spirituality and conscious living.

After days of transformative practices, wisdom teachings and sacred celebrations, participants gathered once again on the holy banks of Maa Ganga to celebrate yoga not only as a practice but as a way of life rooted in love, service and unity.

A Collective Yoga Practice Begins the Final Day

The final day began with a special Collective Yoga Day Protocol as participants gathered together on the holy banks of Maa Ganga, at the feet of the iconic Lord Shiva on the sacred ghat of the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh to practice yoga in unity. Marking the 98th day in the 100 day International Day of Yoga countdown, the gathering encouraged participants to take a pledge to celebrate and incorporate yoga into everyday life, while also recognising the importance of meditation and the observance of International Day of Meditation on the 21st December. The shared practice reflected yoga’s universal message of harmony, balance and interconnectedness, bringing together practitioners from around the world in a powerful experience of breath, movement and awareness. The practice was led by Yogacharya Ganga Nandini of Parmarth Niketan and joined by H.E. Mr. Fernando Xavier Bucheli Vargas, Ambassador of Ecuador; H.E. Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj, High Commissioner of Guyana; H.E. Mr. Mikhail Kasko, Ambassador of Belarus; H.E. Mr. Ganbold Dambajav, Ambassador of Mongolia as well as many other senior diplomats, IYF teachers Stewart Gilchrist, Dasa Das, Stine, and many other teachers as well as participants joined the blissful and serene practice. 

Participants were also led in a heartfelt pledge by Ganga Nandiniji to become instruments of peace, compassion and selfless service in the world, carrying the spirit of yoga beyond the mat into their homes and communities. 

The collective commitment flowed seamlessly into the final concluding Word Peace Yagya ceremony led by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, who inspired everyone to be the light the world so deeply needs, spreading peace, harmony and hope within their families, communities and across the globe.

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Spiritual Plenary Explores The Yoga of Love

At the heart of the final day was the Wisdom Talks Spiritual Plenary titled “The Yoga of Love: Opening the Heart as a Path of Awakening.” The session brought together renowned spiritual leaders including Pujya Sri Prem Baba, Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji.

The speakers shared profound insights into how love, compassion and devotion form the deepest essence of yoga and spiritual life. They emphasized that opening the heart through awareness, surrender and service allows individuals to move beyond separation and experience the deeper unity of all beings. The discussion highlighted that yoga is not merely a physical discipline but a transformative path toward awakening the heart and living a life guided by compassion, connection and purpose.

Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati shared that love is not only a spiritual experience but also deeply beneficial for our physical and mental wellbeing.

“Love changes our felt experience of life — in the body, the mind, and our relationships. Thousands of years ago our rishis and yogis understood something that modern neuroscience is now confirming: love is good for us. It improves our neurochemistry, strengthens our immune system, and enhances our cognition and overall wellbeing.”

Our bodies are designed to function best in love. Whether that love is for a child, a partner, a pet, nature, or the Divine, the body responds to it in the same healing way. Love helps us live with greater peace, health, and clarity. When we speak about love, we must move beyond the idea that it is only romance or drama. Romance can be beautiful, but true love is deeper than that. It is the openness of the heart to the truth of who we really are.”

Sri Prem Baba spoke about yoga as part of a deeper spiritual calling rooted in love and dharma.

“Some people come to learn yoga to deepen their practice or to share it with the world. But beyond learning techniques, many are responding to something deeper — a call of love. This love is the force that unites us and the very cause of life itself. In the tradition of Sanatan Dharma, yoga is one petal of a vast flower of eternal wisdom that guides us back to our true home. The scriptures offer orientation on this journey, helping us remember who we truly are. Often people arrive without fully knowing why they came, but behind the desire to learn yoga is the call of dharma — the call to reconnect with our source of love.

The Bhagavad Gita beautifully illustrates this through Arjuna’s dilemma. Lost in confusion, unsure of what is right or wrong, he turns to Lord Krishna for guidance. Through that guidance, Arjuna learns to face his inner battle, become aware of his own darkness, and ultimately rediscover his true purpose.”

Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji  shares: 

“India is not just a landmass, but a consciousness, a consciousness that conveys the message of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah.” Here, yoga is a bridge connecting mind, soul, and all humanity. When seekers from different countries, languages, and cultures sit together on the sacred banks of Mother Ganga to meditate, pray, and practice, it becomes clear that yoga transcends boundaries. Today, when the world is going through a period of war, conflict, and division, this festival sends a powerful message of peace, compassion, and love. The seekers who have come here have come not as representatives of countries but as seekers of humanity. This seven-day journey reminds us that true power lies not in weapons, but in consciousness, compassion, and unity. This is India’s message, this is the message of yoga, and this is the light that can guide the entire world.”

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As the sun rose over the Himalayas, participants gathered  for several yoga classes, filling the morning air with dedication. The early morning sessions offered a wide range of traditional yogic practices designed to energize the body, calm the mind and awaken the spirit.

Sianna Sherman an international yoga teacher, storyteller, speaker, and guide for transformative experiences through yoga, alchemy and collective ritual, guided Healing Power of Mudra – Mantra, Tantra & Breath Alchemy, exploring the subtle energy pathways of the body through sacred gestures, mantra and breath. Stewart Gilchrist, owner of east london school of Yoga, led Yogāsana and Satsang, integrating physical practice with spiritual reflection and wisdom teachings.

Participants also deepened their understanding of yoga through sessions including Yoga Therapy with Durgesh Amoli, SANNIDHI Ashtanga Yoga Sadhana with Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani and Anandhi Mary Cecil, and Elemental Meditation with Dr. Christopher Key Chapple. Dr. Radhika Nagrath guided Pranayama, Mudras and Relaxation, offering practices to cultivate inner balance and wellbeing, while Sanj Hall and Friends shared Sonic Homeostasis: How to Use Sound for Self-Care for Balance in Daily Life. The morning also included Mantra Meditation (Japa) and Gentle Morning Kirtan with Stine Dulong and Friends, creating a deeply devotional start to the final day of the festival.

Following tea and light refreshments, participants joined the Parmarth Niketan Sacred Morning Fire Ceremony (Yagna/Havan) led by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, offering prayers for peace, healing and harmony for the entire world.

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Afternoon Sessions Continue the Journey of Transformation

Following brunch, participants continued their journey through a rich range of experiential workshops and teachings designed to deepen awareness and inspire inner transformation.

Dr. Yogrishi Vishvketu guided Pranayama for Building Self-Confidence, demonstrating how conscious breathing practices can cultivate clarity, strength and emotional balance. H.S. Arun offered Surrender to the Sublime, encouraging participants to explore the power of surrender within their practice.

Participants also explored Flow with Intention – Vinyasa Exploration with Dasa Das, while Dr. Sanjay Manchanda shared insights in The Luminous Mind: Bridging Ancient Meditation with Modern Infrared Light Science. Ganga Nandini guided Ganga Yoga, inviting participants to connect more deeply with the sacred river and the spiritual traditions it represents.

Later afternoon sessions continued to explore themes of devotion, healing and spiritual growth. Jai Hari Singh offered Unconditional Love as the Path to Full Liberation, while Aadhya guided a deeply restorative Yoga Nidra practice. Gayatri Yogacharya shared insights in The Path of Sadhana, emphasizing the role of dedicated spiritual practice in personal transformation.

Dr. Krushna Pankaj Naram offered teachings in Secret of the Seasons: How to Prevent Diseases Safe and Side Effect-Free, sharing wisdom from ancient healing traditions, while Gurnimit Singh guided Throat Chakra – Kriya for Nervous System Regulation. James Cassidy and Friends shared Reservoir of Pleasure – Connecting with Krishna, exploring devotion through music and movement.

Participants also experienced deep relaxation and integration through Sound Bath: Sounds and Music for Integration and Peace with Stine Dulong and Friends, as well as Finding Yourself Through Your Voice with Sudhanshu Sharma.

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Sacred Evening on the Banks of Maa Ganga

As the final evening of the International Yoga Festival arrived, participants gathered once more 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 ceremony offered a powerful moment of collective prayer and gratitude as participants reflected on the profound experiences and connections formed throughout the week. With lamps raised toward the sacred river and devotional chants filling the Himalayan air, the gathering offered prayers for peace, harmony and wellbeing for the entire world.

The evening concluded with a joyful and heart-opening celebration through the Cacao Ceremony, Elemental Dance and Sacred Sounds with Sandra Barnes, a joyful free spirited yogini from Argentina and Friends, bringing the International Yoga Festival to a vibrant and uplifting close along the sacred banks of Maa Ganga.

Highlights throughout the whole of week of IYF 

• Highlights from the International Yoga Festival 2026 at Parmarth Niketan
• Global Gathering: Nearly 1,200 participants and yoga lovers from almost 80 countries, including more than 25 ambassadors and diplomats, gathered in Rishikesh for the annual International Yoga Festival on the sacred banks of Maa Ganga.
• Powerful Opening Ceremony: The festival opened with a global peace prayer and moment of silence, honouring unity and compassion during current global challenges, followed by a vibrant cultural presentation of India’s ancient Mallakhamb tradition.
• Daily Sunrise Yoga & Sacred Rituals: Each day began with sunrise yoga, chanting and sacred fire ceremonies (Yagna/Havan) followed by meditation, pranayama and yoga sessions led by internationally renowned teachers.
• Wisdom Talks & Spiritual Plenaries: Inspiring plenary sessions brought together global spiritual leaders and scholars to explore themes including Karma Yoga, the power of Shiva and Shakti, Ayurveda and holistic health, the preservation of Bharat’s yogic heritage, and the Yoga of Love led by Pujya Chidanand Saraswati ji, Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Ji and Sri Prem Baba.
• World-Class Yoga & Wellness Workshops: Participants experienced hundreds of sessions including Hatha, Vinyasa, Kundalini, Iyengar and Kriya Yoga, alongside teachings on Ayurveda, breathwork, meditation, sound healing, neuroscience and conscious living.
• Sacred Gathering at the Beatles Ashram: Festival participants joined a special pilgrimage to the historic Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram (Beatles Ashram) for world peace prayers, meditation and a musical offering by world famous Radhika Das.
• Music, Bhakti & Sacred Sound: Evenings were filled with devotional kirtan, bhajan jamming, mantra chanting and sound healing, featuring artists and musicians from around the world, including the Backstage Siblings and many international performers.
• Special Guest Visits & Cultural Celebrations: The festival welcomed several countries, including several Ambassadors and High Commissioners, including Mr. Simon Sevan Schafer, First Secretary at the Embassy of Switzerland.
• Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati’s birthday with a special gathering.
• Diplomats attending the festival including H.E. Mr. Fernando Xavier Bucheli Vargas, Ambassador of Ecuador; H.E. Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj, High Commissioner of Guyana; H.E. Mr. Mikhail Kasko, Ambassador of Belarus; H.E. Mr. Ganbold Dambajav, Ambassador of Mongolia as well as many other senior diplomats.
• Unforgettable Musical Evenings: Highlights included powerful live performances such as Padmashri Kailash Kher and Kailasa’s concert as well as global peace concerts and sacred music experiences.
• Daily Parmarth Ganga Aarti: Each evening concluded with the sacred Ganga Aarti on the banks of Maa Ganga, led by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, bringing participants together in prayer, devotion and gratitude.
• Closing Ceremony: The week concluded with a heart-opening final day focused on the “Yoga of Love,” collective yoga practice, and a sacred closing ceremony attended by Hon’ble Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Gurmit Singh Ji, celebrating yoga as a path of unity, service and global wellbeing.