International Yoga Festival–2026 concludes in Rishikesh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Rishikesh, 22 Mar: Governor Lt General Gurmit Singh (Retd) participated in the closing ceremony of the International Yoga Festival–2026 held in Rishikesh. Organised by the Tourism Department and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam, the week-long festival saw participation of over 2,500 yoga practitioners from India and abroad.
On this occasion, the Governor said that this is not just a closing ceremony but the beginning of a new resolution to spread the message of yoga to all humanity. He highlighted that Rishikesh, nestled in the sacred lap of the Himalayas and on the banks of the Ganga, is a major global centre of spiritual consciousness and practice. From this holy land, the message of yoga spreads across the world. He invited everyone to visit Uttarakhand, especially Rishikesh and Haridwar, to experience yoga and spirituality.
The Governor stated that yoga is a means of uniting body, mind, and soul. It is not merely a practice but a way of life. He emphasised that to attain happiness, peace, and spiritual balance, yoga must be incorporated into daily life. Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted that the global crisis has highlighted the importance of health awareness. Through yoga and Ayurveda, physical and mental well-being can be strengthened.
He further stated that Uttarakhand has a special responsibility to promote the message of yoga and Ayurveda globally. He called upon the youth, referring to them as the “Amrit Generation”, to adopt yoga and take a leading role in spreading it to the masses. He added that under the visionary leadership of Narendra Modi, yoga has become a global mass movement and is a symbol of India’s soft power, embraced worldwide beyond cultural boundaries.
Praising the grand occasion, the Governor said that this year’s event stood out for the energy, dedication, and excellent management, especially by the youth. He thanked the organisers and volunteers and emphasised that yoga should not remain limited to events but should become an integral part of life. During the closing ceremony, outstanding yoga teachers were honoured by the Governor. Students from Dev Sanskriti University also showcased yoga performances.
On this occasion, Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal, Swami Avdheshanand Giri, President of Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Management Trust, Narenderjeet Singh Bindra, Swami Prem Baba, District Magistrate, Tehri Garhwal, Nitika Khandelwal, MD, GMVN, Prateek Jain, SSP, Tehri Garhwal, Ayush Agarwal, Municipal Chairperson, Muni Ki Reti, Neelam Bijalwan, along with Swami Atmaswaroopanand, Swami Bharat Bhushan, Yogini Usha Mata, Swami Sunil Bhagat and other dignitaries were among those present.
