International Yoga Festival 2025, Rishikesh

International Yoga Festival

International Yoga Festival, Rishikesh Overview

The International Yoga Festival (IYF) is a world-renowned event that celebrates the ancient practice of yoga and its transformative power to promote wellness, spirituality, and unity. Held annually in Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world, the festival attracts yoga enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and wellness practitioners from across the globe. With its rich heritage, serene setting, and diverse offerings, the International Yoga Festival has become a beacon of holistic health and cultural exchange.

Dates for International Yoga Festival 2025

In 2025, the International Yoga Festival will be held from March 9 to March 15 2025. This week-long celebration provides a comprehensive exploration of yoga and its many facets, from asanas and meditation to philosophy and pranayama.

About the International Yoga Festival

The International Yoga Festival is organized by the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, one of India’s largest spiritual institutions, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. This week-long event is held on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, amidst the tranquil Himalayan foothills. The festival combines traditional yoga practices with modern wellness techniques, offering participants a chance to deepen their knowledge, rejuvenate their bodies, and connect with their inner selves.

Highlights of the International Yoga Festival 2025

1. Diverse Yoga Styles
Participants can explore a variety of yoga styles, including Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga. Renowned yoga teachers and spiritual leaders from India and abroad lead classes and workshops tailored for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.

2. Spiritual Discourses and Meditation
The festival includes inspiring talks and lectures by revered spiritual leaders, yogis, and philosophers. Daily meditation sessions offer a peaceful retreat, helping participants connect with their inner selves and achieve mental clarity.

3. Ayurveda and Wellness Workshops
Dedicated sessions on Ayurveda, naturopathy, and alternative healing practices complement the yoga teachings. Participants can learn about Ayurvedic diets, detoxification techniques, and holistic therapies to improve their overall well-being.

4. Ganga Aarti and Cultural Programs
Every evening, attendees gather for the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, a spiritual ritual performed on the banks of the Ganges River. The festival also features vibrant cultural programs, including classical Indian music, dance performances, and storytelling sessions.

5. International Networking and Community Building
The festival provides a unique platform for like-minded individuals to connect, share experiences, and build a global community united by their love for yoga and wellness.

The Dress Code at the International Yoga Festival

Participants should dress modestly and comfortably, respecting local customs. Light-colored, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or khadi are recommended. Tight clothing, mini-skirts, and shorts are not allowed. Men can wear tunics, kurtas, or loose trousers, while women can opt for kurtas, tunics, or salwars. For the Ganga Aarti, traditional Indian attire is preferred, which can be purchased within the ashram.

Dos and don'ts at the International Yoga Festival

Footwear is not allowed inside the premises to respect the sanctity of the area, so leave your footwear in designated places
If you want to greet someone, fold your hands to your chest and say ‘Namaste.’ Avoid PDA.
Abstain from cursing, swearing and speaking very loudly as the event aims to harbour peace and brotherhood.
Non-vegetarian food and eggs are not allowed inside ashram premises. Abstain from eating non-vegetarian food for the week.
Alcohol, tobacco and other intoxicants are strictly prohibited inside ashram premises. Avoid these intoxicants as this is the time for your body to detox and rejuvenate.
Use electronic devices minimally as this is the time for you to connect to yourself, nature and people around you.
Bring a reusable bottle of water along, so that you can stay hydrated.
Avoid littering and keep your surroundings clean. Segregate your waste.
You can bring your yoga mat, or purchase one from the ashram stalls.
Remember to secure your spot for the festival by booking your slot online well in advance.
Things to keep in mind

The focus of the festival is in simple living, by Satvic rituals. This means that the food, accommodation and amenities are to be clean. Keep this in mind while visiting the area. When in doubt, always consult with local authorities when it comes to rituals and other eclectic practices.

History of the International Yoga Festival

Patanjali, the ancient Indian seer, has been hailed as the founder of Yoga. The miraculous powers of Yoga in healing the mind, body, and soul. For centuries, tourists from all over the globe have come to India to experience the transformative powers of yoga. Parmarth Niketan Ashram is one of the largest in India and sees thousands of pilgrims every year who throng the region in pursuit of spiritual bliss. Spread over a large area, the ashram houses ponds, lawns, gardens and other abodes where you are free to detoxify your mind, body, and soul. The first edition of the International Yoga Festival was held in 1999, under the directions of Pujya Shri Swami Veda Bharat and Yogacharya Shri Bharat Bhushan. Ever since the festival has been growing every year with new leaps and bounds. Today it is a week-long festival that hosts a plethora of events to cater to your every need.

Ticket Options for the International Yoga Festival 2025

Top Tier Full Week Residential Pass: $700.00 + $35.99 fee. Includes premium shared ashram rooms (Ganga Darshan, Himalaya Darshan) with meals, workshops, and access to all activities.
Top Tier Single Room Full Week Residential Pass: $1,050.00 + $49.45 fee. Offers premium single ashram rooms with all festival benefits.
Middle Tier Residential Pass: $650.00 + $33.49 fee. Includes shared middle-tier ashram rooms (Yoga Village, Saraswati), meals, and access to all classes and programs.
Middle Tier Single Room Residential Pass: $975.00 + $47.20 fee. Provides middle-tier single rooms with all festival benefits.
Courtyard Room Residential Pass: $550.00 + $28.49 fee. Includes basic shared ashram rooms, meals, and festival access.
Courtyard Room Single Residential Pass: $825.00 + $42.24 fee. Offers single courtyard rooms with meals and access to all sessions.
Non-Residential Week Pass: $450.00 + $23.49 fee. Includes all classes, workshops, meals, and performances without accommodations.
Indian Citizen Week Residential Pass: $300.00 + $15.99 fee. Special pricing for Indian residents, including meals, sessions, and shared accommodations.
Day Pass: $70.00 + $4.49 fee. Valid for one day, includes meals and access to all activities.
Group Discounts: Available for groups of 20 or more, offering 10% off regular ticket prices across various categories.