YogaFestival – International Yoga Gathering Rishikesh Draws Delegates from 80 Countries
YogaFestival – The 38th edition of the International Yoga Festival began on Monday at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh, bringing together more than 1,200 participants from around the world. Delegates representing about 80 countries have arrived for the week-long event, which has grown into one of the most prominent global platforms dedicated to yoga, wellness, and spiritual dialogue. The festival will continue until March 15 and includes an extensive schedule of discussions, workshops, and practice sessions led by renowned teachers and practitioners.
Organizers say the gathering reflects the expanding global interest in yoga as both a physical discipline and a pathway toward mental and emotional balance. Diplomats, government representatives, and international guests have also joined the event, highlighting the cultural and diplomatic significance of the festival.
Global Leaders and Practitioners Participate
The festival has attracted high-level international participation, including ambassadors, high commissioners, and senior officials from more than 30 countries. Their presence reflects the growing recognition of yoga as a universal practice that connects people across cultures and traditions.
Swami Chidanand Saraswati, president of Parmarth Niketan, described the festival as a meeting point for people seeking collective well-being and shared understanding. According to him, the event provides an opportunity for participants from diverse backgrounds to explore yoga, meditation, and environmental awareness in a collaborative environment.
More than 150 sessions have been scheduled throughout the week. These sessions include guided yoga practices, meditation workshops, discussions on holistic health, and conversations about the role of spirituality in modern life.
State Leaders to Address Key Sessions
The festival program will also include special addresses by senior state leaders later this week. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is expected to speak during one of the sessions on March 13, while Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) is scheduled to address participants the following day.
Officials say the involvement of state leadership underscores the importance of promoting wellness tourism and cultural exchange in the region. Rishikesh, often referred to as a global center for yoga, regularly hosts visitors seeking training and spiritual retreats, and events such as this festival strengthen the city’s international profile.
India–Japan Military Exercise Strengthens Tactical Cooperation
Meanwhile, in Uttarakhand’s Chaubattia region, the seventh edition of the joint military exercise Dharma Guardian 2026 concluded this week. The training program brought together troops from the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force for two weeks of joint tactical drills.
Conducted at the Foreign Training Node in the mountainous terrain, the exercise focused on improving coordination and operational readiness between the two forces. Military officials said the training emphasized real-world scenarios that require quick decision-making and close cooperation between units.
One of the key components of the exercise was a demanding 48-hour validation drill known as Asahi Shakti. During this phase, participating teams carried out simulated missions that included hostage rescue operations and building intervention exercises. The drills also involved the use of surveillance equipment and drones, highlighting the role of modern technology in contemporary military operations.
Defence observers noted that the exercise represents an important step in strengthening strategic cooperation between India and Japan, particularly in areas related to security coordination and joint preparedness.
Forest Fire Reported in Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
In another development from Uttarakhand, a forest fire broke out on Monday within the Rail beat area of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary near Phata in Rudraprayag district. Thick smoke rising from the affected forest area caused concern among nearby residents as the blaze spread across sections of the sanctuary.
Local forest authorities responded quickly by deploying teams to control the fire and prevent further damage to the region’s ecosystem. The sanctuary, known for its rich biodiversity and fragile Himalayan environment, remains a sensitive area where fires can pose serious ecological risks.
Forest Range Officer Vimal Bhatt from the Kedarnath Wildlife Division said a six-member team was immediately sent to the site after the fire was reported. According to him, the fire has been brought under control in several sections, though efforts are continuing in difficult terrain where rocky slopes and limited access make operations challenging.
Officials added that monitoring teams will remain on alert until the situation is fully stabilized, as dry vegetation and steep landscapes can complicate firefighting efforts in the region.