International Yog Festival 2026 Inaugurated at GMVN Ganga Resort, Muni Ki Reti, Rishikesh
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami Lights the Ceremonial Lamp

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand — The much-awaited International Yog Festival 2026 commenced on a spiritually charged note at the GMVN Ganga Resort, Muni Ki Reti, Rishikesh, with Uttarakhand’s Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami lighting the ceremonial lamp and formally inaugurating the grand event.
Welcoming guests and delegates from across the globe, Chief Minister Dhami expressed heartfelt gratitude to all visiting participants. In his address, he underscored that the growing dedication and commitment towards yoga is powerfully transforming the atmosphere — infusing it with the energies of yogic practice, spiritual discipline, and inner awakening.
He highlighted that through the seamless integration of various dimensions of yog — encompassing asanas (postures), naturopathy, and allied practices — practitioners are being meaningfully introduced to the vast and multifaceted nature of this timeless discipline. “Yog is the fundamental basis for uniting the body, mind, and soul,” he affirmed.
CM Dhami proudly noted that as yog continues to make its mark on the global stage, India’s ancient culture and values are hoisting their banner across the world — a testament to the enduring wisdom of this civilisation. He described yog as a holistic and unifying principle of life, serving as a cornerstone for qualitative transformation in one’s lifestyle.
Emphasising yog universal spirit, he stated that yog transcends and erases all distinctions — be they of caste, language, or religion — and instead works as a powerful force for unity among humanity.
The Chief Minister further noted that Uttarakhand has firmly established itself as a world-renowned hub for yog, spirituality, sadhana (spiritual practice), and naturopathy. Rishikesh, in particular, continues to earn widespread recognition — both domestically and internationally — as the “Yog Capital of the World.”

International Yoga Festival 2026 at GMVN Ganga Resort, Muni Ki Reti, Rishikesh, witnessed an extraordinary confluence of spiritual wisdom, governance, and global vision — as distinguished leaders and saints shared their profound insights on the transformative power of Yoga.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to promoting the many dimensions of Yoga, highlighting significant initiatives being undertaken in this direction. Expressing heartfelt gratitude to all Yoga masters, practitioners, and guests in attendance, he conveyed a resolute message — that every individual must be connected with the practice of Yoga as a way of life.

Mahant Ravindra Puri, President of the Akhada Parishad, offered a stirring address, declaring that in Uttarakhand, even the impossible becomes possible. He eloquently described Yoga as a living tradition and a treasured heritage passed down through generations. Yoga, he emphasised, is far more than a foundation for physical health — it is a profound spiritual discipline that seamlessly weaves together spirituality, practice, and culture, ultimately serving as a sacred pathway to unite the individual soul with the Supreme Soul. He also noted that Rishikesh stands as a spiritual realm unto itself, and that the Kumbh Mela 2027 is being meticulously prepared for by the state government — poised to be a divine, grand, and transformative event for the development of Uttarakhand.

Swami Chidanand Saraswati, President of Parmarth Niketan, offered a deeply relevant message for our times. While conflicts rage across the globe, he observed, the atmosphere within our own country and state is being purified. The serene grace of Mother Ganga, he noted, continuously brings peace to our lives. True peace, he asserted powerfully, cannot be achieved through war — it can only be found through the practice of Yoga. He further called upon every individual to walk hand in hand with Yoga and the vital responsibility of environmental purification — for the healing of both the self and the planet.

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati moved the audience deeply with her heartfelt words. Born in America, she spoke of the immeasurable blessings that Mother Ganga has bestowed — the gifts of Yoga, spirituality, a holistic way of life, and the sacred guidance of an enlightened Guru. With great conviction, she declared that today she can truly affirm — “It is not merely I who resides in India; rather, India resides within me.” This profound transformation, she concluded, is precisely what Yoga teaches — that boundaries dissolve, identities expand, and the soul finds its true home.

Shri Subodh Uniyal, State Minister for Forests, Environment, and Language, spoke with deep pride and conviction, declaring that India is the very “mother” of Yoga — it was India that gifted this timeless discipline to the entire world. He highlighted that today, Yoga has transcended its spiritual origins to become a powerful driver of employment generation, while simultaneously nurturing a healthier lifestyle for millions across the globe. Minister Uniyal warmly expressed his gratitude to all distinguished guests in attendance — including the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the Tourism Minister — who had graced his legislative constituency for this momentous occasion, making it all the more special and memorable.

Shri Satpal Maharaj, State Tourism Minister, offered a wide-ranging and captivating address, describing Yoga as an eternal focal point for spirituality. He emphasised that through the dedicated practice of Ashtanga Yoga, one can attain not merely physical well-being but also deep mental tranquility and meaningful relief from depression — one of the most pressing challenges of our modern times.

In a fascinating cultural reference, Minister Maharaj spoke about the legendary Beatles — the iconic British musical group — and their historic connection with Rishikesh. He noted that during their celebrated stay in this sacred city, the Beatles composed an extraordinary 48 songs, including one lovingly dedicated to Dehradun. These timeless compositions, born on the banks of the Ganga, continue to be global hits to this day — and in doing so, they serve a dual and remarkable purpose: enhancing India’s global prestige while simultaneously carrying the spirit of Sanatan culture to every corner of the world.

Shri Prateek Jain, Managing Director of the host corporation for the International Yoga Festival, extended a warm and gracious welcome to all the distinguished dignitaries gracing the dais — including Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Tourism Minister Shri Satpal Maharaj, Forest Minister Shri Subodh Uniyal, Padma Shri Bharat Bhushan, Akhada Parishad President Mahant Ravindra Puri, Swami Chidanand Saraswati, Sadhvi Bhagawati, Smt. Neelam Bijalwan, renowned Jagar singer Padma Shri Basanti Bisht, Smt. Usha Mata, Smt. Vinita Bisht, Rishikesh Mayor Shri Shambhu Paswan, Shri Bachan Pokhriyal, and Shri Sunil Bhagat — as well as to the numerous distinguished Yogacharyas and yoga practitioners present in large numbers.

In his address, Shri Jain reflected on the ancient and sacred roots of this gathering, noting that since time immemorial, yoga, meditation, and Pranayama have served as the spiritual path of practice within India’s revered Rishi (sage) tradition. Today, he observed, Rishikesh — the Yoga City — is carrying this timeless message of yoga, naturopathy, adventure tourism, and spirituality to every corner of the globe.
Sharing encouraging participation figures, he announced that 2,500 yoga practitioners have registered for this year’s festival, while an impressive 250 guests from 30 different countries are in attendance — actively engaging with distinguished Yogacharyas and exploring the many rich dimensions of yogic practice.

Shri Jain outlined the corporation’s active efforts to further the government’s vision of broadening public participation in the festival. In this spirit, a series of engaging community events — including a cross-country run and a heritage walk — have been planned to bring the spirit of the festival to the wider public.
He expressed his confident belief that the Yoga Festival would prove to be a deeply meaningful and enriching experience for every participant. Capturing the essence of India’s unique identity, he remarked with eloquence — “India is characterised by a multitude of forms, yet a singular spirit — and it is precisely this unique identity that captivates the world.”
A Spectacular Cultural Extravaganza
The inaugural program was further elevated by a breathtaking artistic presentation of yoga through dance — a stunning visual celebration that brought together the spiritual and the cultural in perfect harmony. The performances included:
杖 Ganesh Vandana — an auspicious invocation to Lord Ganesha
 Traditional Garhwali, Rajasthani & Punjabi Dance — a vibrant celebration of India’s regional diversity
️ Adi Yogi Dance — a powerful homage to Lord Shiva, the First Yogi
Patriotic Dance — “Dushman Ke Chhakke Chhuda De India” — a stirring tribute to the spirit and valour of the nation
The stage proceedings were anchored with great skill and energy by Shri Sunil Man Singh and Shri Harish Bisht of the India Group, whose spirited hosting added warmth and momentum to the evening. The event was graced by the corporation’s dedicated staff as well as a large gathering of distinguished citizens of Rishikesh.