International Yoga Festival inaugurated
By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Rishikesh, 1 Mar: While inaugurating the seven-day International Yoga Festival here, today, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that Yoga is eternal, it was there before, it is there today and it will always exist.
Dhami praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that he has taken Yoga to the whole world and such ancient practices are suitable for everyone that is why today the whole world is adopting Yoga.
Dhami added that Uttarakhand is not only the Land of the Gods but also an excellent centre for yoga and wellness. The government is also trying to develop many such yoga and wellness centres in the state. The Yoga Festival organised by the Tourism Department is also a step taken in this direction. Yoga has given a new identity to the people of Uttarakhand in the country and abroad. The Central Government has also honoured the people of Uttarakhand working for Yoga.
Dhami added that keeping in view the excellent work being done by the Uttarakhand government, the central government has decided to hold a G20 conference in the state, which is a matter of pride for the state.
The Chief Minister said that, today, when India is giving the message of Yoga to the world, the importance of the International Yoga Festival increases even more. Even though the natural beauty of Rishikesh is such that people come here to enjoy nature on their own, but during the Yoga Festival this beauty and joy reaches its peak. In the spring, when the atmosphere is filled with the fragrance of the flowers of the surrounding valleys, the holy water of Maa Ganga becomes even more clean and pure.
He announced expansion of Ganga Setu on the occasion.
Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj said that the fame of Yoga city Rishikesh has now spread all over the world. The atmosphere here is an atmosphere of yoga. Yoga has crossed the boundaries of India and spread all over the world. The martial art of China is also influenced by Yoga. The Prime Minister obtained recognition for Yoga in the United Nations, due to which Yoga is practices all over the world. Maharaj said that the government is committed to the promotion of Yoga. Yoga seekers will be taught many disciplines through this festival.
In this festival, which will be held till 7 March, people will get the chance to learn the nuances of yoga, get the unique experience of peace of mind and a healthy body. Along with this, yoga seekers coming here will be able to enjoy discussions on various aspects of yoga along with dance and music. Like every year, this year too religious and cultural programmes will also be held.
On this occasion, Finance Minister Premchandra Agarwal, Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal, Secretary, Tourism, Sachin Kurve, Padma Shri awardee Shivanand, Rajnikant, Rishikesh Mayor Anita Mamgai, Municipal President, Muni ki Reti, Roshan Raturi, etc., were also present.
The events of the Yoga Mahotsav began this morning ahead of the formal inauguration. First, yoga camps were organised for the seekers in the presence of instructors from six renowned yoga institutes, Isha Foundation, Art of Living, Ramamani Iyengar Smriti Yoga Institute, Kaivalyadhama, Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram and Sivananda Yoga School. Thereafter, Art of Living organised a meditation session. Art of Living organised a special yoga session for people suffering from diabetes.
After the formal inauguration in the evening, renowned sand artist Nitish Bharti performed his art, along with a classical dance performance by Ragini Makkar and flute performance by Sujit Gupta in the cultural programme. Apart from this, Ganga Aarti and a grand drone show were also organised. A seven-day routine will be fixed for yoga seekers and training will be given to the seekers on different subjects. Yoga sessions will be organised daily in the morning.
