The International Yoga Festival, held from March 1 to 7 in Rishikesh, concluded on Friday. Uttarakhand tourism minister Satpal Maharaj highlighted the state’s significance as the birthplace of yoga and the sacred Ganges.During the closing ceremony, Satpal Maharaj described Rishikesh as the ‘World Capital of Yoga and Spirituality.’ He emphasised that yoga and pranayama, developed by ancient sages in this holy land, have become a gift to humanity. “Uttarakhand is not just the gateway to the Char Dham Yatra but also the global centre for yoga and spirituality,” he said.The week-long event saw participation from around 410 yoga enthusiasts, including 38 international practitioners from Spain, Canada, Israel, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Singapore, the US, Mexico, Indonesia, Argentina, and other countries. Daily yoga sessions were held along the banks of the Ganges.Maharaj also underscored the role of yoga in boosting immunity, stating that yoga and pranayama helped people combat the Covid-19 pandemic. He noted that yoga is now widely embraced across the world as part of a healthier lifestyle.The minister also announced several initiatives to enhance tourism in Uttarakhand. Plans include developing border villages like Jadung as homestay destinations, reviving the historic Gartang Valley route, and promoting Timmarsain Mahadev, known for its natural ice Shiva Lingam, as a religious site. Additionally, pilgrims will soon be able to view Mount Kailash from Lipulekh Pass without crossing into Tibet. Work is also underway on ropeway projects to make Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib more accessible.Renowned yoga instructors were honoured for their contributions at the closing ceremony. The awardees included Yogacharya Bhagyashree Joshi, Surendra Rayal, Kapil Sanghi, Swami Bodhi Vardhaman, Yogi Mahesh, Lakshminarayan Joshi, Swami Jitanand, Yogi Kamal Singh, Vipin Joshi, SK Pandey, Navdeep Joshi, Yogacharya Rajeev Tiwari, Mahant Ravi Shastri, Chandra Veer Pokhriyal, Yogi Devendra, and Anil Thapliyal.Officials from various departments were also felicitated, including Rakesh Prasad Semwal from the AYUSH department, Manoj Bisht from the municipal corporation, Vandana Kandwal from health services, and SHO Muni Ki Reti.Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) managing director Vishal Mishra welcomed the guests and expressed gratitude for the successful execution of the festival under the tourism minister’s leadership. GMVN General Manager (Administration) Vipra Trivedi extended a vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of all departments and staff involved in organising the event.The ceremony was attended by senior GMVN officials, including assistant general manager SPS Rawat, senior personnel manager Vishwanath Benzwal, finance and accounts officer Chintamani Bhatt, and several other key personnel.
International Yoga Festival: International Yoga festival concludes in Rishikesh, tourism minister calls Uttarakhand the ‘global capital of Yoga’ | India News
