How to Reach Rishikesh

International Yoga Festival (IYF) – Rishikesh

Rishikesh is widely known as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” and the International Yoga Festival (IYF) held here is the most prestigious event for yoga practitioners. Organized annually at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram on the banks of the Holy River Ganga, it attracts thousands of participants from over 100 countries.

  • The Experience: During this week-long festival, participants learn from world-renowned yoga masters. The schedule includes over 70 hours of yoga classes (Hatha, Kundalini, Vinyasa, and Iyengar), spiritual discourses (Satsangs), and the world-famous evening Ganga Aarti.

  • The Vibe: Set against the backdrop of the Himalayas, the festival is not just about physical exercise but a spiritual journey of the soul, combining ancient Indian traditions with modern global styles.

How to Reach Rishikesh

Rishikesh is well-connected and easy to reach from any part of India:

  • By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), located about 21 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Rishikesh in about 45 minutes.

  • By Train: The nearest major railway station is Haridwar, approximately 25 km away. Haridwar is connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. From Haridwar, you can take a taxi, bus, or shared rickshaw to Rishikesh.

  • By Road: Rishikesh is about 230 km from Delhi (a 6-hour drive). Regular AC and non-AC buses run from Delhi's ISBT Kashmiri Gate.

  • To Parmarth Niketan: Once in Rishikesh, you can reach the ashram by crossing the Ram Jhula footbridge or by taking a motorboat across the river Ganga.

Massive Celebrations & Notable Locations

International Yoga Day (June 21) is celebrated as a "Jan Andolan" (people's movement) across India:

  • Main Mass Event: Every year, a different city is chosen for the national-level event. For the 11th edition in 2025, the mass celebration was led in Visakhapatnam, where over 3 lakh people gathered on the beach. Other famous mass venues include Kartavya Path (Delhi), Mysuru Palace, and the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

  • Iconic Sites: The Ministry of Culture organizes yoga sessions at 100 iconic destinations, including UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Taj Mahal, Hampi, and the Red Fort.

How the Nation Celebrates Yoga Day

1. Prime Minister & Ministers

PM Narendra Modi has been the primary driver of the global Yoga movement. Every year, he leads a massive yoga session at a different location (like Srinagar, Ranchi, or Dehradun).

  • Modi's Role: He performs the "Common Yoga Protocol" alongside citizens to inspire the nation.

  • Ministers: Central and State Ministers participate in events at historical monuments and border areas to promote the message of "Yoga for All."

2. The Indian Army

The Indian Army celebrates Yoga Day in the most extreme conditions to showcase the power of the mind and body.

  • Soldiers perform asanas at the Siachen Glacier (the world's highest battlefield), on warships in the middle of the ocean, and at high-altitude mountain passes in the Himalayas, emphasizing fitness as a core part of military life.

3. Schools & Students

Schools across India celebrate with great enthusiasm:

  • Special Assemblies: Students participate in mass Surya Namaskar and Pranayama sessions.

  • Competitions: Schools organize slogan writing, poster making, and yoga quizzes to educate children about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

  • Aqua Yoga: Many schools have introduced innovative concepts like "Aqua Yoga" in swimming pools to make the practice fun for younger students.

May (Baisakh/Jyeshta)​