The International Yoga Festival 2026 will be held from 9–15 March at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, bringing together seekers from around the world for a week of yoga, meditation, satsang and Ganga Aarti.
Yoga has become part of daily life for many people. Some practise it to feel healthier and calmer, while others look for something deeper-a sense of direction, connection and inner space. The International Yoga Festival brings all of these reasons together. It offers a rare chance to slow down, breathe with awareness and learn from teachers who have walked this path for many years.
Rishikesh adds a special quality to the experience. At the foothills of the Himalayas, with the Ganges flowing beside it, Parmarth Niketan has a calm energy that is felt as soon as you enter. Morning bells, soft chanting and the first light on the river create a setting that naturally supports reflection and steady practice.
Each year, people from more than 35 countries travel here to explore yoga in its true form- not only postures, but also breathwork, meditation, philosophy, healing arts and community living. The International Yoga Festival 2026, held from 9–15 March 2026, continues this tradition by bringing together traditional yoga masters, spiritual leaders and practitioners of all levels for a meaningful week of learning and inner renewal.
Also Read: International Day of Yoga – 21st June
International yoga festival 2026 – quick overview
- Dates: 9–15 March 2026
- Venue: Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
- Organiser: Parmarth Niketan Ashram with support from Uttarakhand Tourism
- Registration: Available on the official International Yoga Festival website
- Who Can Attend: Open to beginners, regular practitioners, yoga teachers, travellers and spiritual seekers from all countries
What the festival includes:
- Daily yoga classes in multiple styles
- Meditation and breathwork sessions
- Satsang and talks by saints and yoga masters
- Workshops on philosophy, wellness and healing
- Ganga Aarti, cultural programmes and sacred ceremonies
- Community activities and shared ashram living
What Is the international yoga festival?
The International Yoga Festival is a week-long gathering where yoga teachers, spiritual leaders and seekers from around the world come together to explore yoga in its traditional and complete form. It is more than a schedule of classes it is a full immersion into yogic living, from early-morning meditation to evening satsang and sacred ceremonies by the river.
The purpose of the festival is to help people experience yoga as a whole system, not just physical postures. Each day includes asana practice, breathwork, meditation, philosophy sessions, chanting, reflection and community activities. It offers a chance to step away from daily routines, reconnect with yourself and learn directly from teachers who have kept these traditions alive for decades.
Hosted at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, the festival reflects the spirit of its setting. The ashram encourages simplicity, discipline and inner focus. With the Ganga flowing beside it and the day shaped by sunrise and sunset, the environment naturally supports deeper practice.
Every year, people from more than 35 countries attend the festival – beginners, long-time practitioners, yoga teachers, students and travellers drawn to experience yoga at its source. Many leave with a stronger practice, a clearer mind and a renewed sense of balance and connection.
History of the international yoga festival
The International Yoga Festival began in Rishikesh, a town known for centuries as the home of traditional yoga. The earliest gatherings were small and intimate, first held at Hotel Ganga Kinare with only a few participants. Even then, the aim was clear- to offer a space where people could experience yoga in its most authentic form.
A major turning point came in 1999, when the festival moved to Parmarth Niketan Ashram. With the support of the Uttar Pradesh Government, the event found a larger spiritual setting with direct access to the Ganga and an environment shaped by traditional teachings and simple ashram life. As interest in yoga grew worldwide, the festival began welcoming visitors from across India and many other countries.
In the early years at Parmarth Niketan, meditation sessions were led by Pujya Swami Veda Bharati Ji, while Yogacharya Bharat Bhushan Ji guided the asana practice. Although some participants stayed in nearby hotels, all sessions were held at the ashram, preserving the festival’s spiritual atmosphere.
Over time, the festival expanded into a full seven-day programme with yoga practice, pranayama, meditation, philosophy talks, satsang, healing workshops and cultural evenings. Today, people from more than 35 countries attend the event every year.
Despite its growth, the core intention has stayed the same – to share yoga in its traditional form and offer a space for peace, learning and inner connection.
This consistency is what makes the International Yoga Festival one of the world’s most respected and meaningful yoga gatherings, with Parmarth Niketan remaining the heart of its history.
Also Read: What Is the History of Yoga?
When and where Is the international yoga festival 2026 celebrated?
The International Yoga Festival 2026 will be held from 9 to 15 March 2026 in Rishikesh, a town known worldwide as the birthplace of traditional yoga. The entire festival takes place at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, one of India’s largest and most respected spiritual centres.
Parmarth Niketan sits on the banks of the River Ganga in the quiet area of Swargashram. The ashram is surrounded by the Himalayan foothills and has a calm, steady energy that helps people settle into practice as soon as they arrive. The river flows just a few steps from the main courtyard, and the sound of temple bells at sunrise sets a peaceful tone for each day of the festival.
Rishikesh itself adds depth to the experience. For thousands of years, saints, yogis and seekers have travelled here to meditate, study scriptures and follow a simple, disciplined way of living. The town’s ashrams, temples, chanting and slow pace naturally support the inward focus that yoga encourages.
The festival is held in March because the weather is ideal for long days of practice. Mornings are cool, afternoons are warm and comfortable, and evenings by the river are refreshing- creating the perfect environment for learning, reflection and inner renewal.
What to expect at the international yoga festival 2026
A week at the International Yoga Festival feels different from a regular yoga event. Parmarth Niketan has a calm, steady rhythm that helps you slow down as soon as you arrive. Days begin early, the mind feels clearer, and the body settles into a natural flow of practice and reflection.
- A balanced mix of practices: Each day includes gentle morning sessions, focused asana classes, guided pranayama and evening meditation. You can try different styles and learn from teachers who share their knowledge with clarity and sincerity.
- Guidance from saints and yoga masters: Traditional Indian spiritual leaders lead daily satsang and talks. Their guidance is simple, practical and often becomes the highlight of the day.
- Workshops in philosophy and healing: The festival also offers sessions on yoga philosophy, Ayurveda, mantra chanting, sound therapy and other traditional practices. These workshops show how yoga supports both body and mind.
- A global community: People from more than 35 countries attend the festival each year. You meet travellers, teachers and beginners all drawn to explore yoga more deeply.
- The sacred Ganga Aarti: Every evening, everyone gathers on the riverbank for the Ganga Aarti. The chanting, the lamps and the sound of the flowing river create a moment many people remember long after they leave.
- A simple, slower rhythm: Life at the ashram follows a gentle routine — early mornings, sattvic meals and fewer distractions. Without much effort, you start feeling lighter, calmer and more connected with yourself.
Daily schedule overview (typical day at IYF 2026)
- Dates: 9–15 March 2026
- Venue: Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| Time | Activity | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| 4:00 – 6:00 AM | Morning Silence & Meditation | Wake-up bell, quiet reflection, guided meditation, mantra chanting; a calm start to the day. |
| 6:30 – 8:00 AM | Traditional Yoga Session | Classical Hatha or Kundalini practice, Surya Namaskar variations, breathwork and alignment-focused movement. |
| 8:00 – 8:30 AM | Sattvic Breakfast | Light, nourishing meal served in the ashram dining hall. |
| 8:30 – 10:30 AM | Multi-Style Yoga Classes | Choice of Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Iyengar-inspired sessions, Yin/Restorative, Kriya, Sattva Yoga, pranayama, or meditation workshops. |
| 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Spiritual Talks & Philosophy | Teachings from saints and scholars on the Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, mindful living and yogic values. |
| 12:30 – 1:30 PM | Lunch | Wholesome vegetarian meal prepared in the ashram kitchen. |
| 3:30 – 5:00 PM | Afternoon Yogasana Workshops | Alignment workshops, backbends/inversions, hip openers, therapeutic or somatic practices for deeper exploration. |
| 6:00 – 7:00 PM | Ganga Aarti & Sacred Ceremony | Evening Aarti on the riverbank with chanting, fire ritual and offerings — a highlight of the festival. |
| 7:00 – 8:00 PM | Dinner | Warm, sattvic evening meal served in community. |
| 8:00 – 9:30 PM | Cultural Programmes & Satsang | Kirtan, devotional music, sound healing, cultural performances and spiritual discussions. |
| 9:30 PM | Lights Out | Rest and quiet time to prepare for the next day’s early start. |
Yoga styles, classes & workshops offered at IYF 2026
One of the biggest strengths of the International Yoga Festival is the variety of practices offered each day. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, you’ll find styles that deepen your understanding of yoga in a meaningful and accessible way.
| Category | Styles / Sessions Included | Focus / Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Yoga | Hatha, Ashtanga, Iyengar-inspired | Alignment, discipline, foundation |
| Flow & Contemporary | Vinyasa Flow, Jivamukti | Creativity, movement, breath coordination |
| Energy Practices | Kundalini, Kriya Yoga, Sattva Yoga | Mantra, kriyas, energetic balance |
| Slow & Restorative | Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga | Relaxation, deep stretching, joint health |
| Therapeutic Workshops | Back care, hip mobility, stress release, somatics | Targeted healing & functional movement |
| Breathwork (Pranayama) | Nadi Shodhana, Kapalabhati, Bhastrika, cooling breaths | Nervous system balance & breath control |
| Meditation Techniques | Yoga Nidra, Ajapa Japa, Antar Mouna, chakra meditation | Stillness, clarity & inner awareness |
| Mantra & Sound | Kirtan, sound healing, Tibetan bowls, Nada Yoga | Vibrational healing & devotion |
| Philosophy & Lifestyle | Yoga Sutras, Gita wisdom, Ayurveda, mindful living | Understanding yoga beyond asanas |
How to register for IYF 2026
- Go to the official International Yoga Festival website.
- Choose your category (Indian or International).
- Fill in the registration form with your details.
- Upload documents if required.
- Select your package or accommodation option.
- Make the online payment.
- Check your email for confirmation.
Tip: Book early – ashram rooms fill up quickly.
Conclusion
The International Yoga Festival is more than a yoga event it is a chance to pause, practise, learn and reconnect with yourself in a peaceful environment. With the Ganga flowing beside you and a global community around you, the week brings moments of clarity and stillness that stay with you long after you return home.
FAQs for International Yoga Festival 2026
1. Is the International Yoga Festival suitable for children?
Children can attend, but the schedule is designed for adults, so parental guidance is necessary.
2. Do I need to bring my own yoga mat?
Yes, participants are encouraged to bring their own yoga mat for comfort and hygiene.
3. Are there single-day passes available?
Single-day passes may be offered depending on availability, but full-week passes are prioritised.
4. Can I attend the festival without staying at Parmarth Niketan?
Yes, you can book accommodation outside the ashram and still attend all sessions with a valid pass.
5. Are meals included for all participants?
Meals are included only for packages that specify food services; others may require separate purchase.
6. Is photography allowed during the sessions?
Photography is restricted during classes and satsang to maintain a calm learning environment.
7. Do I need prior experience to join advanced workshops?
Certain advanced classes may require experience, and teachers will guide you to choose suitable sessions.
8. Is the festival wheelchair accessible?
Parmarth Niketan has basic accessibility support, but some areas may require assistance due to uneven terrain.
9. What language are the classes and talks conducted in?
Most sessions are conducted in English, with some satsang or teachings offered in Hindi.
10. Can I volunteer at the International Yoga Festival?
Yes, volunteer opportunities are available, but applications must be submitted in advance through the official website.
