INTERNATIONAL YOGA FESTIVAL the Birthplace of Yoga PARMARTH NIKETAN ASHRAM RISHIKESH (HIMALAYAS), INDIA

MARCH 1-7 2019 30th Anniversary INTERNATIONAL YOGA FESTIVAL The Birthplace of Yoga PARMARTH NIKETAN ASHRAM RISHIKESH (HIMALAYAS), INDIA

internationalyogafestival.org

08 ABOUT PARMARTH NIKETAN 10 PUJYA SWAMIJI & SADHVI BHAGAWATIJI’S BLESSINGS 12 ABOUT INTERNATIONAL YOGA FESTIVAL 18 DAY 1: Global World Family Unites Together 22 OFFICIAL INAUGURATION of the 30th International Yoga Festival 26 DAY 2: Pledge for a Cleaner & Greener Planet & Holi Celebrations 28 DAY 3: Power of Women & Divine Shakti Takes Center Stage 32 DAY 4: Divine Maha Shivaratri Celebrations 38 DAY 5: Insight into Heart, Soul & Lifestyle of Yoga 42 DAY 6: Climate & Future - Commitment to Yoga’s role in Earth Activism 46 DAY 7: Special Meditation at Maharishi Mahesh Yogiji Ashram 50 CONCLUDING CEREMONY: IYF Concludes with Over 2000 Participants from 81 Countries 54 TESTIMONIALS: Uplifting Connections 56 MEDIA COVERAGE 60 YOGA OFF THE MAT

6 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 7 About Parmarth Niketan

Home to the World Renowned, Annual International Yoga Festival

HH PUJYA SWAMI H.H. PUJYA HH PUJYA SWAMI SHUKDEVANAND MM SWAMI CHIDANAND SARASWATIJI ASANGANANDJI SARASWATIJI Founder of Managing Trustee of President of Swami Shukdevanand Trust Swami Shukdevanand Trust Parmarth Niketan (Rishikesh)

Yoga is practiced by some 300 million people worldwide, making Parmarth Niketan’s International Yoga Festival a tremendous draw for individuals from around the world.

armarth Niketan Ashram was you will feel your soul bathing in the founded by HH Pujya Swami peace of sacred energies, including those PShukdevanand Saraswatiji, in the that emanate from nature and those that early 1940’s. The ashram is currently linger from the timeless healing powers blessed by HH Pujya MM Swami of saints, sages and enlightened Asanganand Saraswatiji and masters. guided by the leadership and vision of HH Pujya Swami Parmarth Niketan is also one Chidanand Saraswatiji. of India’s largest interfaith, yoga and spiritual institutions. Parmarth Niketan Ashram Parmarth Niketan Ashram offers comfort, inspiration literally means an “Abode and upliftment for your body, Dedicated to the Welfare of All” mind and spirit as well as a deeper and is a true spiritual haven, lying connection with the Divine. As you on the holy banks of Mother Ganga, in the experience the serenity of the Ashram lap of the lush green Himalayas. To learn more: www.parmarth.org

8 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 9 Blessings H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, President and Spiritual Head of Parmarth Niketan Director of International Yoga Festival

Dear Divine Souls,

I am so glad to have welcomed you all to the holy banks of Mother Ganga, to the lap of the sacred Himalayas, to this land which is the birthplace of yoga. Jai Gange! It is not a coincidence that you were here in such a holy place. You were truly the chosen ones to be here, to be able to imbibe the ancient and It was such a great joy and blessing to welcome you all to the holy timeless nectar of yoga. The International Yoga Festival is not only a banks of the Mother Ganga river, to the lap of the Himalayas, to the festival where people learn yoga; rather, the festival itself is yoga – a birthplace of yoga, a place where for thousands of years saints, sages divine union of the east and west, the north and south. On the banks and rishis have performed their meditation, their yoga and attained of Mother Ganga, people of every country, every culture, every color enlightenment. It was a great honor and joy to have organized this and every creed came together as one family, connecting to the Divine festival in cooperation with the Ministry of AYUSH and Incredible India, within themselves and to the Divine within others. It was a time of Ministry of Tourism. uniting not only one’s hands to one’s legs, but a time of uniting oneself The International Yoga Festival is a beautiful time of seeing the world to the Divine, to the Divine that exists in every single one of you. Yoga come together in the name of yoga, or union. We had a union of is not only for health of the body; rather it also brings health, balance countries, cultures, colors and creeds, a union of different lineages of and stability to the mind, heart and your entire being. yoga, a union of saints, yogacharyas and seekers. Know that you have come home, here at Parmarth Niketan. This is your Himalayan home. Everything that your soul needs is here in abundance: Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati is the President of This week as our world International Yoga Festival family gathered the Divine Shakti Foundation, a humanitarian together, we united with our inner selves, with the Divine and with Pujya Swamiji is President of Parmarth serenity, inspiration and the divine touch. You came, sat by the banks organization which focuses on holistic the Divine embodied in and reflected by ourselves and each other. Niketan, the largest ashram in Rishikesh of Mother Ganga, and absorbed the divine energy of saints, sages and programs to provide for the wellbeing of and one of the largest spiritual institutions rishis who have meditated and performed yoga here for centuries. You women, children and the Earth, and Secretary- During this transformative and sacred week, we learned asana, in India. He is a world renowned spiritual were touched and transformed by the divine, sacred energy of this holy General of the Global Interfaith WASH pranayama, meditation, philosophy and so much more from world leader, visionary and divine guide. He is place. You surrendered, surrendered your grudges, pains, difficulties Alliance, an interfaith organization dedicated renowned yogacharayas. We delved into hatha yoga, ashtanga yoga, the Founder of Ganga Action Parivar, India and obstacles into the flowing waters of Mother Ganga. You let go, and to bringing clean water, sanitation and hygiene raja yoga, kundalini yoga, so many other forms of yoga and also Heritage Research Foundation (IHRF), and let Ganga wash away the barrier between you and the peace, joy and to all (see back cover for details). of course the triveni sangam of bhakti yoga (devotion), gyan yoga Divine Shakti Foundation, and co-founder light your life is meant to embody. of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, (wisdom) and karma yoga (taking yoga off the mat and into service of organizations working for education, I extend great thanks to all our dedicated teachers who travelled To learn more please visit: the world). healthcare, women’s empowerment, from every corner of the globe to come and offer their experience, sadhviji.org During the week you were here, you imbibed not only the teachings disaster relief, environmental protection, enthusiasm and expertise to the Festival. I also offer great appreciation but also the divine touch and transformation of this sacred place. You water, sanitation and hygiene (see back and gratitude to the Ministry of AYUSH and Incredible India, Ministry of @sadhvibhagawatisaraswati let the waters of Mother Ganga wash over you, and let the blessed cover for details). Pujya Swamiji has Tourism for their great commitment and dedication to the propagation received innumerable awards, for example @sadhvibhagawati atmosphere transform your whole being, filling you with joy, love, peace and dissemination of the science and art of yoga. the Mahatma Gandhi Humanitarian Award and the true union or “yoga” of body, mind and spirit. @sadhviji and the “Surya Ratna” (Jewel of the Sun May God bless you all with the continued awareness of the Divine With love and peace from the holy banks of Mother Ganga, Award). His religion is Unity, and he is a within you and continued connection to the Divine Source. youtube.com/parmarthniketan frequent leader at international interfaith conferences and summits such as the UN, With love and blessings always, World Economic Forum, Parliament of In His seva, World Religions, etc. He travels the world, bringing people of every religion and Swami Chidanand Saraswati culture closer to the Divine. Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswat To learn more please visit: pujyaswamiji.org @pujyaswamiji youtube.com/parmarthniketan

10 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 11 ClickClick Here Here toto watch the the IYFIYF gorgeous gorgeous video!video! IYF 2019

YF has taken place in Rishikesh been hosting this event, since Isince 1989, first organized 1999. In this time, the IYF has by the Government of Uttar grown to international acclaim Pradesh, and then by the and continues to increase in Government of Uttarakhand attendance yearly. since 2001. Parmarth Niketan has

OVER 150 CLASSES • OVER 2000 MORE THAN 50 PARTICIPANTS More than PRESENTERS RISHIKESH 50 diverse class THE YOGA CAPITAL From 81 offerings From OF THE WORLD countries 17 countries On the Holy banks of Mother Ganga AT PARMARTH NIKETAN In the Lap of The Himalayas OFFERING YOGIS FROM AROUND THE WORLD THE TEACHING, TOUCH & TRANSFORMATION OF YOGA •

12 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 13 81 Countries Participate in the International Yoga Festival 2019

14 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 15 “Yoga is not only what we do but it is truly who we are. The saints whom “There are so many world-class yoga studios across the world but there we are honouring today, their lives reflected this truth.” is no place like the banks of Mother Ganga, no place like Rishikesh, and - Pujya Swamiji - no place like at the feet of our Yoga Masters and Revered Saints.” - Sadhvi Bhagawatiji -

16 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 17 Day 1 Being Yoga & Living Yoga: Global World Family Unites Together in Peace on the holy banks of Mother Ganga

The 30th annual, world-famous After a light breakfast, participants Inwardly, the paths are interlinked.” annual International Yoga Festival dove into our intensive asana classes, He wove in examples from the seers began March 1st, 2019 at Parmarth which included Chikitsa Vinyasa and sages of the yogic tradition to Niketan. The festival opened at 5 am Therapeutic Flow with Dr. Eden inspire the audience to integrate their with a special temescal (sweat lodge) Goldman; “Leading Lives of Purpose, practice into daily life, infusing love ceremony by indigenous elders from Passion, and Power” with world- and devotion into their thoughts, South America, Central America and renowned Jivamukti teacher Gabriela words, and actions. North America in the yoga village. Bozic; and “Magic Takes Guts” with Dana Flynn, founder of Lotus NYC/ In a similar spirit, through his presence During this one-week Festival, BK, which focused on physicalizing and words, HH Pujya Radhanath attendees had the opportunity the body and physicalizing gratitude. Swamiji filled the yoga ghat with the to participate in over 150 classes In our yoga tent, Rishikesh-native and joy of bhakti, devotion, because his from world-class Yoga masters of founder of Sattva Yoga Academy life reflects union with the divine. multiple styles of Yoga including Anand Mehrotra offered students two He said: “The purpose of yoga, the Kundalini Yoga, Power Vinyasa energetic hours of “Awaken Shiva”. purpose of religion, the purpose of Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Vedic Chanting was led with grace life is to awaken our true potential. Pranayama, Meditation, Reiki, as well by Sadhvi Abha Saraswati, who has Each one of us is a divine being, as lectures on Yoga, Vedanta, ancient been teaching, chanting and infusing each one of us, in whatever capacity, Indian philosophy and Ayurveda. Parmarth with her love for many years. has an opportunity to do something Additionally, we had a Sacred Sound wonderful in our life.” Stage and offered fantastic cultural At 11am, the Spiritual Lecture song and dance performances, giving Series commenced with highly- After lunch, prior to the inauguration a wonderful flavour of the culture of motivational addresses: “The Yoga the afternoon continued with classes India. of Love” with HH Pujya Radhanath such as Therapeutic Yoga Flow with Swamiji and “Philosophy of Yoga in Paula Tapia, Yin Yoga with Yujia, The morning asana classes began with Indian Spirituality” with HH Pujya Sri H.H. Pujya Radhanath Swamiji’s a Traditional Hatha Yogasana class Shankaracharya Swami Divyanand “My Experience with the Himalayan led by Dr. Indu Sharma, a dedicated Teerthji. Sri Shankaracharyaji Masters,” Tommy Rosen’s “The teacher and practitioner at Parmarth beautifully articulated the depth Meditative Heart”, and a Gong Bath for over 10 years, followed by pre- of Indian philosophy in Yoga and Healing Journey led by Sanj Hall. In breakfast classes. Sensei Sandeep explained how yoga is truly about the later afternoon, offerings ranged Desai offered his students a unique union with the divine. He said: “Love from Kia Miller’s “Awakening Our mix of yoga and martial arts in his is present in every being of this world. Spiritual Heart” to Seane Corn’s Chen T’ai Chi class, Deepika Mehta ’Yoga Chitta vritti nirodaha’—stillness “Mystics on the Mat”, held right along led the Ashtanga Primary Series, and of the mind. Yoga takes us to super- the River Ganges. the bright day was formally greeted consciousness and so different by Anandra George, in her Sunrise paths—action, devotion, knowledge. Nāda Yoga Musical Meditation class. Outwardly, they look different.

Click Here to See More 18 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 19 Click here to watch the performance Click here to watch the satsang

After dinner, participants returned to the Ghat for a harmonious performance of drums, music, soul, and dance by Sivamani. He entranced his audience in moments both soft and intense, and closed our first evening with an energy that mimicked the vitality of the day’s events.

20 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 21 Official Inauguration of the 30th International Yoga Festival

The festival was officially inaugurated in the afternoon The inauguration concluded with a sacred water blessing by the Hon’ble Minister of AYUSH Shri Harak Singh using holy waters from the Sangam of Prayagraj, carrying Rawat and Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Shri Satpal the vibration of the Kumbh Mela to the banks of Ganga Maharaj. Just before 3 p.m., participants gathered in for the International Yoga Festival. the garden and took part in a joyous procession to the banks of Ganga for the Official Inauguration of the 30th Click here to International Yoga Festival. The inauguration featured a traditional song and dance by indigenous elders of watch the Americas in addition to words by new and returning yogacharyas.

“Yoga is all the way from the “As we gather on the banks of “Yoga brings healing to not just “Welcome to Rishikesh, the world “It is so inspiring to be a witness, “The source of the International “This is my 6th or 7th year United Nations to the United the sacred Ganga, we remember the body, but it brings peace to capital of Yoga, and welcome to and to now experience the way in Yoga Festival’s success is Pujya teaching at the International Yoga Creations on the banks of that yoga is not only postures the mind and the heart, and that Uttarakhand. Through yoga, we which Swamiji supports inclusivity Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Festival at Parmarth Niketan and Ganga!” on a mat but yoga is who we is why, in the face of the turmoil learn that we breathe because we and makes space for various who constantly emanates love, the magic never ends. There is - Pujya Swami Chidanand are. Yoga is love, yoga is peace, of the world today, so many live; we live because we breathe. beliefs, cultures, practices, and just like the River Ganga. He is a something about this festival that Saraswatiji, President of Parmarth yoga is togetherness. This is people are turning towards Indian We call God by so many names religions, helping to heal the living example of what sadhana always excites me like a child, Niketan what the world needs today. culture and Indian tradition, but that energy is everywhere, all divides that separate. Swamiji can do. Let His example, and I feel this sense of adventure Yoga is the answer to all that toward Yoga, for those teachings around us, like WiFi. And Yoga has committed to making social the wisdom learned at the whenever I am heading here and I ails us from terrorism and war and touch that bring true peace is the password to access that change and he uses his platform, International Yoga Festival draw always feels like I’ve finally arrived to environmental destruction to in our lives.” energy. We have come to this resources and relationships all from darkness to light and HOME. There is something about internal depression. Through our - Hon’ble Shri Harak Singh Rawat, place with open hearts, in the to raise awareness, support from fear to love.” this festival that Swamiji and yoga may we become vehicles Minister of AYUSH hope that the power of Yoga advocacy and develop leadership - Tommy Rosen, Founder of Bhagawatiji are always able to of peace, love and union for the will relieve tension and spread for the benefits of others. Now Recovery 2.0, using yoga to help blend the best of the west and world.” peace.” more than ever, these actions are people overcome addiction stay rooted to the tradition of this - Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, - Hon’ble Shri Satpal Maharaj, an important model for global age-old culture and Ashram.” Director of the International Yoga Minister of Tourism healing.” - Deepika Mehta, famous yoga Festival - Seane Corn, world famous yoga teacher to the stars from Mumbai teacher from California

22 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 23 Click here to watch the satsang

The day began its second early morning in the Temescal sweat HH Pujya Sri Shankaracharya Swami Divyanand Teerthji lodges. Pre-breakfast classes were kicked off by Paula Tapia, shared, “It [Yoga] does not purify just our physical body, but Yoga Therapist and Mindfulness Advisor at Attune Health, in it also purifies us mentally, it purifies our mind, it purifies our her “Flow Terapéutico En Español” class. Participants also intellect, and even, it purifies us to the extent that we can had the opportunity to attend Sacred Sound Healing with understand the secret behind our Soul.” Michelle Button Vrinda Devi, President of the Institute of Music and Healing Arts for Peace; and “Soothe Your Insides: Abuela Tonalmitl & the native elders from South America Mindfulness, Meditation, Pranayama, and Yogic Storytelling” added: “We are weaving together with Mother Ganga for with Dr. Eden Goldman, Yoga, Mindfulness, and Wellness the preservation of the cultures. We honour all of the world’s lifestyle expert from Los Angeles, CA. Anandra George led indigenous cultures- their customs and ceremonies and we “Nāda Yoga Musical Meditation” alongside a Ganga sunrise. recognise on the holy banks of Mother Ganga that water is the common thread that makes us one.” The two-hour asana classes began with Tommy Rosen— founder of online program Recovery 2.0, which uses the values Special Guests Maulana Waleullah Qasmi, Principal, Madani and energy of Yoga to help those struggling with addiction— Darul-Uloom, Deoband, Sharanpur and his son Maulana Abdul in his “River of Kriya” class. On the ghat, Seane Corn led Hanan Qasmi were warmly welcomed to the International the Yoga of Awakening, and Karen Neumann, Reiki Master, Yoga Festival during the Spiritual Lecture series with Parmarth’s Nada Yoga teacher and medium, offered “The Great Healing traditional and sacred Rudraksha sapling. Mantra: Mahā Mrtyunjaya” at the Sacred Sound Stage. Indigenous and Interfaith leaders present during the lecture The Spiritual Lecture Series continued with the HH Pujya Sri series joined together in a collective pledge in Yoga as a Shankaracharya Swami Divyanand Teerthji and H.H. Pujya union of religions and a celebration of unity admist diversity. Radhanath Swamiji. The series was enriched by the presence The pledge symbolized their commitment to work together and knowledge of South American spiritual leaders and for the protection of the environment, conservation of our healers Taita Julio Muñoz, Berito Kuwarwa, and Marceliano sacred rivers and fresh water bodies. Sivamani also joined Day 2 & Abuela Tonalmitl, in their discourse “Healing Medicines.” the interfaith and indigenous leaders along the banks of the flowing River Ganga to pledge for this noble cause. Interfaith & Indigenous Leaders Pledge for a Cleaner H.H. Pujya Radhanath Swamiji said, “What a leader does for common people that becomes the standard of what is Deeply touched by the visit Maulana Waleullah Qasmiji said, & Greener Planet truly valuable. The greatest need in the world is leaders, and “Pujya Swamiji is a real beacon of oneness and brotherhood. everyone, in whatever situation, whether it affects a few people Under his leadership and vision it’s so wonderful to see so many or large quantities of people, we all have the opportunity to large-scale and multi-faceted events happening in Rishikesh, Colours of Oneness & Love in Special, Eco-Friendly be leaders, to live with integrity, to live with compassion. But across India and the world that spread and create greater it’s only truly possible in a sustainable way when there’s a deep peace, oneness and love. We look forward to continuing to Holi Celebrations with World Famous Percussionist foundation within our hearts of inner-peace, inner-satisfaction, serving together, hand in hand and heart in heart, for a cleaner, Sivamani inner-love and compassion.” greener and more harmonious world for all of humanity.”

24 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 25 Click Here to See More

Back due to popular demand, a special curtain-raiser Eco- Friendly Holi* Celebration gave participants a glimpse of the rich Indian cultural traditions and holidays. Vibrant dance celebration was led by the incredible drumming of Sivamani in the Yoga Garden as colours of oneness and peace flew through the air. From our lawn at Parmarth, in the lap of the Himalayas, a release of love, peace and positive energy was sent out to the corners of the world most in need.

In the afternoon, participants had the exciting opportunity to experience Kundalini Yoga in Spanish—or English!— with Jai Hari Singh, teacher and healer from Mexico City. “How to Look Younger than Your Age with Health Tips” was offered by Dr. G.S. Gupta; “Vedic Mythology & The Four Devis of Awakening” with Laura Plumb; and Nrityavali Dance of Gujarat offered a workshop on Classical Indian Dance. At the Sacred Sound Stage, The Love Keys led a beautiful devotional session of Soothing Mantra Śavāsana and Joseph Schmidlin taught a class on Music As Medicine.

The evening featured divine Ganga Aarti, with Nrityavali adding the flavour of Indian culture and heritage to the Aarti, and then to the hearts of all gathered through their energetic performance. The day ended with Ganga flowing through the mind, heart, breath, and body, of all Yogis sharing the experience of the International Yoga Festival.

*Traditionally Holi falls during the Festival but this year participants and presenters especially requested a pre-Holi celebration admist the beautiful music of Sivamani as to many of the IYF participants that has been a very special highlight of the festival.

26 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 27 A beautiful panel took place personal anecdote: “The no things in the world there during the Spiritual Lecture first time I was ever photo- is only potential and expres- Series time entitled “Shakti, graphed for something relat- sion of this oneness, this po- Power of the Divine Femi- ed to Yoga, when I saw the tential, is diversity.” nine in A Yogic Life”on the photograph, I thought ‘Oh third day of IYF 2019 Partic- my god, I look remarkable!’ Laura then welcomed Cheryl ipants heard from this inspir- and the reason was because Angel, an indigenous Sioux ing panel of women leaders, it wasn’t my neck, it wasn’t Dakota leader, to speak on who shared their take on the my breasts, and it wasn’t my this Shakti energy. Cheryl power of Shakti, their chal- thighs and it wasn’t my butt. Angel shared: “My intent lenges as women in the Yo- I had been so airbrushed when I meet someone is to gic world, and how women that I was not recognizable look directly at them, to let can use their gifts as tools as myself. I thought, this them know that I see them. to embody and channel the is how it’s done, to disem- I love everyone and I know uniquely feminine energy or power women, this is how that unity is the answer. I Shakti. it’s done to continually di- know that forgiveness is part vide and make us feel like of the journey to peace. I Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati- we’re never enough. I’m in choose happiness and so can ji, Director of the Internation- this photograph and I can’t each and every one of you. al Yoga Festival, when asked even identify myself. I made I have come from a place how we can empower yoga a point going forward, that if where the history is bloody, students to use Shakti in their any organization ever want- but I choose peace.” daily lives, said: “The chal- ed to work with me, I could lenge isn’t the external pres- never be airbrushed. That She continued: “Men, you sure to be all. It’s the internal they could never take away carry the seed of life. Wom- pressure to be enough, to be any part of my body and that en, in your bodies, we nur- whole, to be complete. The I had to be able to age as I ture that seed within our energy of the divine feminine, am publically. My challenges womb, so how can there be which is Shakti, is the energy were internal, how can I ben- any separation between us?” of expansion and connec- efit from and support this? tion…both men and women And use my platform in a way Finally, Martina Mamani can embody that energy, it is that could incite change.” spoke: “First of all I come Click here to watch there for both. Mother Gan- to represent the community the panel ga invites us to flow from our Dr. Vandana Shiva, Founder from Peru, from the Quech- authentic source, letting go of Navdanya, shared, “We uas. In our tradition, to take of the false identities and let- must stop the roots of vio- care of our territory, which ting in the divine grace that lence. I see all violence root- is our body, first we need to says: I am Shakti.” ed in the deep fear of any- feel the vibration of Mother thing that is alive and free. I Earth to connect with her and Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, re- think the roots of violence is to feel her. If we don’t know nowned Kundalini Yoga not intrinsic to a male culture how to concentrate, then we Master from USA said: “As but to a militarised patriarchy don’t know how to feel”. a woman, you are the first and that is what we need to Day 3 teacher on this earth for your stop so that we may unleash Vibrating with the power of children. Think about how the divine feminine – the Shakti, the series ended with you become that presence Shakti that connects all of us- words from Abuela Tonal- that can change the ener- men and women.” mitl, a 91-year old Elder from The Power of Women and Divine gy of any situation with the a tribe in Mexico, who said: Shakti Takes Center Stage at Shakti within you. Meditate She added, “Mahatma Gand- “To wake up as warriors of to find that Shakti- that ener- hi said a daily prayer, ‘make Mother Earth, we should Day 3 of the International Yoga gy. Once you roll up your mat me more feminine’- in terms never be separated. We and put it in the corner, ask, of cultivating the caring, the must feel the love and pro- Festival “How can I serve today?” sharing, the giving and the create, and work together”. loving that the feminine em- With a voice of pure energy Seane Corn, Founder, Off bodies. The enlargement of that erupted from her body, the Mat Into the World when potential is the divine femi- Abuela led the audience in asked about her story in re- nine and to me is most vis- a unifying song about the lation to Shakti, shared a ible in the seed. There are strength of women.

28 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 29 Click Here to See More Click here to watch the cultural programs!

Cleansed from another early morn- After-lunch classes were com- ing sweat in the Temescal sweat prised of three different types of lodges, participants of the Interna- yoga: Inbound Yoga with Srila B.A. tional greeted the third day of the Paramadvaii, Restorative Yoga and International Yoga Festival. Mediation with Paula Tapia, and Cosmic Intelligence Mediation At 5:30 am, teacher and practi- with Maa Gyaan Suveera. tioner Paramaguru Sharath Jois of Shri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtan- A highlight of the afternoon was ga Yoga Institute in Mysore led a “Ancient Wisdom of the Origi- traditional Ashtanga class on the nal Nations as an Offering to the Yoga Ghat. Participants were also United Nations of the Spirit”, a welcomed to try Taoist Yoga with discourse for which over five of the Yujia of China, Traditional Hatha festival’s world-renowned teachers Yogasana with Sadhvi Abha Saras- collaborated. The day proceeded wati, or “SUNNIAI Deep Listening” with classes ranging from Anand with renowned yogi Kia Miller—all Mehrota’s “Awakening Kudalini” before breakfast! to Mert Güler’s “Rumi Love Media- tion” and Anandra George’s “Tan- An array of exciting classes fol- tric Sanskrit: Embody the Primal lowed breakfast: “Art of Asana Sounds”. Alignment” with Mohan Bhandari, co-founder of China’s leading yoga In the evening, participants re- center, Tommy Rosen’s motivation- turned to the ghat by the River al talk “The Three Jewels.” Ganges for Divine Aarti, where singing and chanting reached its Dana Flynn of New York gave an full capacity as we said goodbye awe-inspiring and energetic class to the sun for another night. Af- entitled “Soul Sweat,” and Seane ter dinner ended, the Indigenous Corn led a profound and deeply Elders graced us with music that touching Anahata Flow class along instilled peace, harmony, and an the flowing banks of Maa Ganga. inviting look into their culture.

30 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 31 Day 4 Divine Maha Shivaratri Celebrations through yoga, reflection, song, dance, chanting, prayers, and meditation

On day four, participants gathered Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji said Rishikumars, sacred Shivabhishek on the ghat in the evening to that on Maha Shivaratri, we ask and Vedic chantings. The ecstatic celebrate Maha Shivaratri, “the Great ourselves: “What is it in me that’s not vibration of Shiva resonated into Night of Shiva”, as an opportunity allowing me to be present with the an All-Night Maha Shivaratri Chant. to go within, with an intention of truth of who I am? And not allowing Musicians from the IYF’s Sacred overcoming darkness and ignorance me to be present with the joy, the Sound Stage led the all-night in one’s own life and the world. With peace, the love of every moment? celebration vigil, leading meditation, Pujya Swamiji, Sadhvi Bhagawatiji, What is it in me that’s not allowing kirtan, and japa until the dawn. Sadhvi Abhaji and the Parmarth me to be in union, in Yoga, with This included an open-mic for Rishikumars, participants offered myself, connected to the Divine, participants to showcase their talents that part of themselves that has not connected to the creator and all of along with the continuous chanting allowed them to be present with the creation?” and music. Shiva kīrtan carried us truth of who they are. In the spirit of graciously from Day 4 into Day 5 of light and rebirth, they threw seeds Participants performed along the International Yoga Festival. into the fire and let the smoke wash Pujya Swamiji, Sadhvi Bhagawatiji, over them and across Mother Ganga. Sadhvi Abhaji, and the Parmarth ClickClick Here here to watchwatch the the 32 | International Yoga Festival IYFsacred gorgeous celebrations video! Parmarth Niketan | 33 With hundreds of people pouring wetness that after a few minutes of into the Yoga Ghat, we welcomed HH sunshine quickly dries and remains Pujya Mooji back to the International just a beautiful memory. But the other Yoga Festival at Parmarth Niketan, way is in which the wetness touches where the revered spiritual teacher a core part of our being such that it engaged those gathered in a thought- never quite dries. This is the wetness of provoking and insightful dialogue. Truth, the inner bath we experienced today. With the sacred Satsang HH Pujya Mooji said: “Sages are with Mooji on the most auspicious sages because they are not caught occasion of Maha Shivratri and the in the mental traffic of personhood. incredible Shivratri celebrations this By observation, without judgement evening at the feet of Lord Shiva, the and attachment, we can move from universe is conspiring for you to wash a state of personhood into just away the darkness and that which is presence. In this presence there is holding you back to live in the light nothing that you have to change, and the true presence, the wetness of fix or do but you can immediately your Self.” experience your beingness… What value is it to study something that you Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, cannot experience? By experiencing President of Parmarth Niketan, and seeing with the intelligence of stated: “There cannot be a greater gift, being it becomes irrevertible truth a greater blessing that can be taken and knowing. Today I hope we have away from the International Yoga planted the seed of knowing and Festival then to deeply inspire us to live recognition so that you may continue every moment in Yoga, in awareness, this practice until it becomes very such that our entire life becomes a innate and natural to your very celebration, a divine festival, and our existence.” actions become an expression of this joy and we become nothing but vessels In closing Sadhvi Bhagawati and instruments of this joy, peace and Saraswatiji, Director of the love. Let this Mahashivratri inspire International Yoga Festival, shared: us to be like Adiyogi - dissolving the “There are two ways you can get poison, the suffering, the ignorance into Ganga: one way in which just and allowing the nectar to emerge for our body and our clothes get wet. A all of humanity.”

34 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 35 Click Here to See More

For early risers, the fourth day of the In the afternoon, Jai Hari Singh held festival began with an energizing 4 yet another yoga class in both Spanish a.m. Kundalini Sadhana class led by and English, a second “Rebirthing Gurushabd Singh Khalsa, Kundalini – Renacimiento” class. An initiation master and founder of Golden Bridge to Reiki healing class also took place Yoga. Paramaguru Sharath Jois with Maa Gyaa Suveera, teacher- followed, along with “Ashtanga – The healer, life coach and mentor in the Standing Postures in Detail” led by Healing Arts, in addition to more Sandeep Desai, “Ganga Yoga: Soma sound healing, yoga, and mediation Flow” with Laura Plumb, Sufi Mediation classes. A wonderful opportunity to with Mert Güler, and “Bhakti: The enjoy a sound healing was offered in Power of Love” with Gabriela Bozic. Tilak Vishwas’ “Krsna’s Flute: Rāga Sound Healing Experience”, and an The morning then moved into courses Oida Therapy class was led by Srila BA ranging from “Accessing your Radiant Paramadvaiti. Body” with Kia Miller, to “A Split Second: The Awakening Call” hosted Innovative classes took place in by Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, to “Give It the afternoon session, including Up: How to Give Up What Holds You Mohan Bhandari’s “Yoga Therapy for Heavy” with Katie B. Happyy. At the Scoliosis” and another of the popular Sacred Sound Stage, Sanj Hall led a Classical Indian Dance Workshops with beautiful Sound Healing ceremony. the Nrityavali Group.

36 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 37 IYF welcomed Bollywood actress doing yoga, it will make you re- Shilpa Shetty for the Spiritual Lec- alize that you must respect and ture Series on day five of the festi- love yourself first, in order to love val. Opening the series were skits the other person in front of you. and dances performed by various When we say Om Namah Shivaya, attendees of the festival convey- we are actually ‘I love myself’ and ing a message and plea for clean realising that in loving ourselves water and a clean world. we are loving the Creator.”

In opening the day’s Spiritual Sadhviji also asked Shilpa to Lecture Series, Sadhvi Bhagawa- share the thinking behind her new ti Saraswatiji made a distinction phone app “Simple Soulful”, cur- between conditional love, which rently in development, and how it causes us to contract, and uncon- will serve and support those who ditional love, which allows us to are turning to yoga. Shilpa ex- expand, to open our breath and plained: “Women who feel that our hearts in our practice and our it is difficult, and most people do relationships. feel this general myth that you must be flexible in order to prac- Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, tice Yoga. I want that myth to be said: “Expanding in love means dispelled. Schools need to em- Click here to watch through loving you, I have turned bed yoga in children’s education, the satsang on my internal love manufacturing to make it more accessible across machine. Yoga is living in divine the world, not just in India. I take love—such that through loving, the blessings from here for its we deeply connect with love and success in touching and inspiring truth in ourselves. Only in the people to live a life of Yoga.” connection with our spirit and essence can we truly love the spirit Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswa- and essence of others. The goal tiji shared on the occasion, “Shil- of life, love and yoga is to expand pa is such a beautiful and power- to know we are the ocean, such ful example of being like the lotus that when rocks, stresses, etc fall amidst the muddy pond, of being into it, we are not shaken but stay grounded and centred in our smile grounded and centred in Self.” amidst all trials and turbulences. She shines and provides great in- Sadhviji then turned to special spiration to so many young peo- guest Shilpa Shetty, asking: “In ple, women and people to keep the world of celebrity, of movies discovering and uncovering their and TV, flying across the world, infinite potential. For celebrities shooting from morning to night, to be proponents of yoga helps how do you find time to practice us understand that yoga is truly Yoga?” for all. So: Learn Yoga, Love Yoga, Do Yoga and Be Yoga.” Shilpa Shetty replied: “Yoga is a lifestyle for me, not just a fitness Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhaga- regime. I didn’t find Yoga but Yoga watiji offered Shilpa Shetty a found me. I feel I have become a beautiful, green Rudraksha Sap- famous actress to propagate and ling, so that the tree of Yoga may Day 5 spread Yoga and Wellness.” continue to grow in her life giving shade and life to all. They also Insight into Heart, Soul & Lifestyle of Yoga on Speaking about the role of wom- blessed her with the sacred waters en and young girls in Indian soci- of the Sangam as blessings from Fifth Day of International Yoga Festival ety, Shilpa said: “When you start the Kumbh Mela.

38 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 39 Our fifth day on the Mother Ganges The morning classes also included the Yoga Garden, drawing participants began with Gurushabd Singh Khalsa “Sounds of India - a Musical Journey from around the festival to practice for a Kundalini Sadhana course Story” led by Keren Popat Snapir. In in the light and grounding energy of alongside a vibrant sunrise. As with “Becoming Sensory Human Beings”, Shilpa. Reoccurring courses such as each morning, participants had the Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa encouraged “Rumi Love Meditation” with Mert opportunity to purify in the Temescal her students to “be in the light” by Güler and the Indian Classical Dance sweat lodges. leading dances and bowing exercises Workshop were offered, this time with which allowed them to let go of the the Uttaran Classical Dancers of West Before breakfast, yogis could attend things deeply holding them back. Bengal. Waka held an Indian Rhythm Katie B. Happyy’s “Align Up with Your Tala Workshop that reverberated Highest Self Workshop: Clarity in Your After lunch, many of the courses across Parmarth Niketan. Calling”, Traditional Hatha Yoga with focused on Earth preservation and Parmarth seva and Yoga & meditation how yoga and natural remedies can After chanting and singing through Click Here teacher Dr. Indu Sharma, or “Sunrise help craft a better future for our another divine sunset, the evening Nāda Yoga Musical Meditation”, led planet and ourselves. Dr. G.S. Gupta continued with Kīrtan Family Hour, to See More by Anandra George. spoke about “Natural Remedies for where international musicians Beauty and Hair” and “The Yoga of delved deeper into song. The day Later in the morning, Deepika Mehta Mother Earth” was led by Srila B.A. concluded with a “Cultural Union of led the “Dance of Prana”, while Paramadvaiti, founder of VRINDA, the World”, a series of spectacular Sandeep Desai exposed participants the Vrindavan Institute for Vaishnava performances, including Parmarth’s to Mysore-style Ashtanga Yoga. “Soul Culture and Studies. own Rishikumars, a Sufi dance with and Soma: Awakening the Power of Mert Güler, and a showcase of talents Inner Flow, Rejuvenation, and Intuition Mid-afternoon kicked off with “Simple from IYF participants. in Yova” was led by Saul David Raye. Soulful Yoga” led by Shilpa Shetty in

Click here to watch 40 | International Yoga Festival theParmarth performance! Niketan | 41 On day six International Yoga Gorila, Guardián de Teotihuacán A Declaration for the Rights of the Festival opened to a dialogue about comunidad Tolteca en Mexico, Rivers was signed and endorsed on the urgency of climate action, and played a beautiful piece on his the occasion as a call by Indigenous how Yogis can spread a message of medicine flute, then presented his Leaders from the KIVA Kumbh Mela unity and peace to combat waste, flute to Pujya Swamiji and Sadhviji and the International Yoga Festival pollution, and violence towards in the hopes that it will represent during their historic visit to India as a Day 6 Mother Earth. a continued dialogue of loyalty, pledge to work together to protect peace, and truth at Parmarth all forms of water across the world. In offering possibilities for impactful Niketan and across the world. Parmarth Rishikumars also shared a Our Climate and Our Future: and immediate action, Sadhviji special dance on India’s Beat Plastic IYF Participants, Ambassadors, and Leaders Make explained: “It’s not that we have Pujya Swamiji led all those gathered Pollution UN Environment Day a global land and global water for the Spiritual Lecture Series in a anthem, entitled Tik Tik, that they Commitment to Yoga’s role in Earth Activism shortage but rather we have a pledge to take action: “A lot has had prepared on the occasion to global consciousness shortage. Our been said. Now time has come emphasize the need to end plastic choices in every minute and every for action. We need not only the pollution in our rivers and oceans moment is the power that we all teaching but the touch. Touch before the menace of plastic have. As Yogis we must be conscious can come when you lead as the becomes an exploding bomb of the impact of our actions on our example. Only you can draw the line contaminating all our air, water and planet and inspire others to also be between greed and need. As yogis soil. in that awareness.” you can touch people and they can transmit these values”.

“Whether you look at terrorism, “In Yoga, we talk about “Today we are here to speak war, crime, any type of violence, connecting with our soul. Well, I about something that is close what’s happening to our world, believe that Soul and soil should to all of our hearts, it’s entwined climate change, depletion of work together. If the soil is with the food that we eat, with water, pollution… all of those contaminated, then our bodies our present and our future. We problems would be fixed, if are contaminated, our moods are the children of the mother, we we simply adopted the first are contaminated and our food is are born on this Earth, and she three yamas: Non-violence, contaminated. Let us join hands is so intimately connected to our truthfulness, and non-stealing. together, to take a pledge that hearts. If we were in our hearts, For those of us who are Yogis, it’s we will take care of this planet. we would never poison our rivers critical for us to realize that it’s We must remember that we are nor pollute the food that we eat.” not just what I do on the mat...it’s merely the custodians and the - Saul David Raye about true union.” guardians of this Earth.” - Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji - Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji

“The real change will only come “I want to be a part of the “Water is the blood of the earth, about in a person through a solution. I want you to and the earth needs her to spiritual connection, through a understand that YOU are the nourish and produce food. She duty to each other. Through Yoga, solution. I encourage you to look loves us a lot, we are her children. we have a duty to the world, to at yourself with love, look at But if we do not take care of her, give. What is our share in all of yourself in a forgiving manner, one day she will not be able to this? How will we take what we and accept the truth of how you provide for us.” have learned outside of this are living today. Be encouraged - Abuela Tonalmitl, indigenous festival and into the world? We to not only love yourself, but to elder from Mexico must join in that spirit!” forgive yourself, and make a pact - Srila B.A. Paramadvaiti to live in harmony with the Earth”. - Cheryl Angel, indigenous Sioux Dakota leader

“Be here, feel the connection to Earth, that “If Yoga is union with God, all of the energy, that Shakti. The more we can listen communities around the world have their to these wild places within us, nourish this own unique expression of Yoga. All of the balance between our cycles and feel the communities from the North, Center, and South vibrations from the Earth, the more we can have their own way to approach this divine create spaciousness and coexist.” union. That’s what we came to exchange here in - Amber Brovelli, Arizona Elephants Now and India: our ancient ways of Yoga.” Click here to watch World Elephant Alliance - Hate Ignacio Suaie, an elder from the Muisca 42 | International Yoga Festival the panel Community in Colombia Parmarth Niketan | 43 Gurushabd Singh Khalsa welcomed HS Arun and Kundalini Yoga - Surya problems and disease through food Day Six with another Kundalini Namaskar with Kia Miller. Gurmukh with Dr. G.S. Gupta. Many enjoyed Sadhana course on the Yoga Ghat for Kaur Khalsa led a colourful class the Hindustanī Classical Rāga sunrise, while across Parmarth, the about connecting with others Concert conducted by peaceful sweat lodges held sacred chanting through eye contact, physical touch, vibration santoor disciple Setsuo and purification. The third installment and by learning to hold space Miyashita. of Jai Hari Singh’s “Rebirthing – through Kundalini mantra. Gurmukhji Renacimiento” in Spanish and told students: “The best way to be At 4:15, participants chatted over tea English commenced at 6:30. Other able to heal is to give and to give and snacks, then joined in a group early morning classes included to yourself”. Swāmi Uttamānada led photo and water blessing ceremony “Ashtanga Yoga - Mysore Style” the “Inner Meaning of Om Namah on the Aarti Ghat. After dinner, with Sandeep Desai and “Secret of Śivāya” at the Sacred Sound Stage. Uttaran Dance of West Bengal closed Energy” with Mohan Bhandari. the day with a classical Indian dance After lunch, the second Reiki Healing that everyone enjoyed together, Participants enjoyed a light breakfast class was led by Maa Gyaan Suveera. uniting the power and grace of the in the garden before engaging in In the afternoon, participants day’s events into one traditional, various yoga methods: “Conscious explored many different platforms energetic performance. Breath in Asana Practice” led by for yoga including reversing health

Click Here to See More 44 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 45 Day 7 SPREAD YOUR LOVE becomes Anthem & Message of IYF 2019 In a joyous procession along the how to go deep down in our own Ganga, yogis made their way to hearts, connect ourselves to the Special Meditation at Maharishi Mahesh the Maharishi Mahesh Ashram, Divine, in whatever name and Yogiji Ashram most famously known as the form, or formless, in a way that Beatles Ashram, where the group appeals to ourselves”. lived and wrote many songs. In the magical ruins of the ashram, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji en- IYF Concludes with Hon’ble Governor of filled with sunlight and an abun- couraged the audience to close Uttarakhand dance of overgrown nature, hun- their eyes and become vessels dreds of participants laid out their for divine energy, saying: “The yoga mats for a group medita- Beatles came here as musicians, tion introduced by Pujya Swami but as they surrendered and let Chidanand Saraswatiji, President go out that identity, they became of Parmarth Niketan, and led by vehicles and vessels and channels Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, Di- of the Himalayas, of the light and rector of the International Yoga of the truth of the Himalayas. The Festival. music that was written THROUGH them, not by them but through Pujya Swamiji, before chanting them, touched and awakened beautiful mantras, said: “This is entire generations. Allow your- the place where Maharishi Ma- self to let go of your identity and hesh Yogiji, one of the leading become the vehicle for that light, saints, in the 1960s, brought that truth, that universal Shakti.” transcendental meditation to the world. And this is the place, where When participants opened their the Beatles, when they were de- eyes, filled with new energy, they pressed and going through hard were led in song by Karen Neu- times in their lives—and everyone mann, David Ma, and Gumi. Da- goes through hard times—came vid Ma then debuted his song looking for peace, for connec- “Spread Your Love, We’ve Been tion, and followed a divine de- Waiting Long Enough”, which sire to come to Rishikesh. They Sadhviji declared as the official came here and they found not anthem of the International Yoga only meditation, not only connec- Festival. Before sharing his song, tion, but being here, they wrote David told the audience: “From 48 beautiful, divine songs. Not up here on stage, you guys are only did they write the songs, but the wonderful ocean of love that the experience of the life was so I’ve always dreamt of. This song beautiful, the power of medita- has a message of peace, of love, tion, the power of connection was and it’s call-and-response, so so beautiful, that when they went sing with open hearts and open back to their country, they felt dif- minds.” Dance, song, and joyous Click here ferent. When we are here today, love were spread across the room to watch! after 7 days of yoga, we are now as yogis embraced and joined one step further in experiencing hands in harmony and peace.

46 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 47 Click Here to See More

The final day of the 2019 International Kokyu yoga practices from teacher Hika- The Aarti Ghat held participants for an Yoga Festival began the same as the first ru Hashimoto, a dedicated champion emotional last Sacred Havan and Divine day, with an early morning sweat among of yoga across Japan. Jai Hari Singh led Ganga Aarti. After spending the week participants and friends in the Temescal “Death & Me – La Muerte y Yo”, adding jumping from class to course, discussion Sweat Lodges. to the library of bilingual classes at IYF this to meditation, participants have been year. bonded by the healing power of yoga In the pre-breakfast classes, participants and chanted and swayed in unison while could attend their last Hatha Yogasana Following lunch, a relaxing Yoga Nidra facing the rush of the Ganga. A final meal class with Dr. Indu Sharma, or experience class was led by Sadhvi Abha Saraswati, was shared in the garden, under the stars “Balancing Five Elements Through Yoga” while spiritual guide Maa Gyaan Suveera and silhouette of the Himalayas. with Dr. Radhika Nagrath. Some who had led the third installment of Reiki Healing not yet had the chance to try “The Sound Initiation. HS Arun unpacked the body- The evening concluded with a special of Silence” were able to meditate and mind connection so sacred to our prac- Ecstatic Kirtan with The Love Keys on the reflect in the Sacred Sound Stage for an tice in “Untwist the Twist to Unwind the banks of Ganga. Though the duo played hour. The sun greeted Day 7 participants Mind”. On the Yoga Ghat, Saul David for participants throughout the festival, in Anandra George’s Nāda Yoga Musical Raye led “Prana Shakti: Soul Sadhana”, their electric mantra energy blessed all Meditation class along the Ganges. while those at the Sacred Sound Stage present with the strength and love to say learned from Joseph Schmidlin about farewell to the 2019 International Yoga A diverse schedule followed breakfast, “The Homeopathics of Sound”. Festival. with an offering of Shintou and Ibuki

48 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 49 Concluding Ceremony The 30th Anniversary International Yoga Festival Concludes on Banks of Ganga, United All in the Spirit & Love of Yoga

On Day 7, the International Yoga Festival celebrated its final day on and off the mat. At 5:30 pm, the closing ceremony was graced by Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand, Smt. Baby Rani Maurya and Dr. HR Nagendra, PhD, chancellor of SVYASA Yoga University.

The ceremony featured inspiring words from Hon’ble Governor: “The worldwide renowned International Yoga Festival celebrated in Rishikesh at Parmarth Niketan on banks of Mother Ganga every year is attended by yogis from all around the world. Yoga is the only answer for our wellbeing and solution to modern day life, where we need to connect with everyone and also connect to our soul.”

Click here to watch!

50 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 51 52 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 53 Testimonials: Uplifting Connections

“It was indeed a life-changing experience “Thank you, to Pujya Swami Chidanand “Such a beautiful experience being surrounded with all the beautiful souls. I made some Saraswatiji Maharaj, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, by such loving souls.” extraordinary friends for life and also met some the talented students, volunteers, spiritual - Vikki Narayan, Participant leaders, dignitaries, yoga masters, sacred music guiding angels. I will see you all again next year masters, and all the participants from all over the for sure! Tat twam asi!! Aham brahmasmi!!” world. The International Yoga Festival creates a - Anika Agrawal, Participant “I want to thank all of you for such a beautiful beautiful spiritual space to be, discover, and feel experience. The love and kindness shown this the power of universe.” “It was so lovely to meet you all, such a beautiful week is uplifting and connective. I’ve never - Marie Lorenzo, Participant festival with so much love and positive energy. It vibrated at such a high frequency and I had the was very hard to leave but I am looking forward time of my life. Thank you thank you thank you to come back next year!” x a million thank you.” - Nadine Anne, Participant - Victoria Storr, Participant

“Here at the banks of holy Mother Ganga, the birthplace of Yoga, it is the perfect time to ask ourselves whether we are using our precious life to bring light into our lives and lives of others or whether we’re squandering our time and resources. [IYF] is the perfect time to recommit “The honor of sharing the sacred practices to developing a compassionate heart, to of Sanskrit mantra and nāda yoga with an “On average, 60,000 thoughts flood through working for peace within and without so that the “Sangha is a requirement to progress along international student body has forced my your head in a day. Researchers say, 59,000 are light may prevail.” any spiritual path. The sacred community that teaching delivery to become clearer, more repeated from the day before. The running - Gabriela Bozic, Presenter gathers at the International Yoga Festival at concise, and more focused largely on their playlist of same/same anxiety and worries Parmarth Niketan is sincere, supportive and direct experience and skill enhancement. My plagues the mind of the average person daily. loving. Everyone is welcome and invited... go-to cultural references, assumptions of shared IYF gives us the opportunity to create a new The International Yoga Festival presents an “I am very happy and grateful for the time knowledge, and many unconscious biases are thought pattern. We come from over 100 opportunity to learn from some of the most I shared with you. I am very happy in each being steadily rooted out in my effort to reach countries all over the world to change the dedicated and experienced teachers in the festival. Thanks to all the organization for people with the pure power of the practices. habitual thoughts and dive into something new. world. There is a reason people come here making these days a beautiful shared present. Teaching at IYF has been an incredible learning I’ve been bringing groups for 6 years, over 80 from across the world. Most people in their Great companions, great organizers and great experience for me!” people have been astronomically changed by lifetime will never even ask the questions which teachers. Many thanks. My heart is again full of - Anandra George, Presenter the powerful inspiration from India & IYF.” are being answered at the International Yoga happiness.” - Katie B. Happyy, Presenter Festival, Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh.” - Erica Di Cione, Participant - Tommy Rosen, Presenter

54 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 55 Media Coverage

Click Here to See More

56 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 57 A very special thank you to all of our IYF Sevaks, who came from all over the world and without whom this festival would not have been possible.

Click Here to See More 58 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 59 Yoga off the Mat “Yoga is not just what you DO but it’s who you ARE. Hence, your Yoga must continue 24 hrs, especially when you get off the mat and into the world.” - HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji -

GLOBAL INTERFAITH GANGA WASH ALLIANCE ACTION PARIVAR

is the world’s first initiative to bring is a global family dedicated to the together the faiths as alllies in ensuring preservation of the River Ganga and everyone, everywhere has access to Her tributaries in their free-flowing safe, life-giving Water, Sanitation and and pristine state. Hygiene (WASH). www.GangaAction.org www.WashAlliance.org

DIVINE SHAKTI INDIA HERITAGE FOUNDATION RESEARCH FOUNDATION

is dedicated to the holistic well being Committed to education, healthcare, of women, their children, and or- interfaith harmony, the upliftment of phaned/abandoned children, and to all women as well as to the preservation to of Mother Nature. Indian heritage and culture. www.DivineShaktiFoundation.org www.ihrf.com

60 | International Yoga Festival Parmarth Niketan | 61 Stay Connected

INTERNATIONAL YOGA FESTIVAL 1-7 TH MARCH PARMARTH NIKETAN ASHRAM RISHIKESH (HIMALAYAS), INDIA www.InternationalYogaFestival.org www.Parmarth.org @intlyogafest @internationalyogafestival @intlyogafest@parmarthniketan #IYFPARMARTH #IYF2019 #IYFPARMARTH #IYF2019

62 | International Yoga Festival