RISHIKESH: This morning, after the successful completion of the week-long festivities and celebrations of the International Yoga Festival (IYF) from 8th-14th March at Parmarth Niketan, in which 1500 participants from nearly 90 countries joined together to practice yoga on the holy banks of Mother Ganga, the Yoga lovers from across the world came together once again at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh for the curtain raiser of the 100 day countdown to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2023 in partnership with the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) , New Delhi, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. A special program of the Common Yoga Protocol was led by Dr Ishwar Basavaraddiji, Director of Morariji Desai, in the divine presence of Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji, President of Parmarth Niketan and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, Director of International Yoga Festival.
The commemoration took place on the sacred Aarti Ghat of Parmarth Niketan where the divine Ganga Aarti takes place each evening. As the sun rose above the Himalayas, at the feet of Shankar Bhagawan, on the banks of Mother Ganga, and Mother Ganga, at 7AM Pujya Swamiji and Sadhviji gathered with Yogis from around the world as well as with the Rishikumars of the Parmarth Gurukul, a school for Young boys offering Vedic Knowledge and other practical subjects needed for today’s world. The aim of this was to raise awareness about the holistic benefits to health and well-being of Yoga for people from every walk of life and every culture. With the ease of technology, the extended Parmarth Niketan Family from across the globe also joined this wonderful celebration through livestreams.
Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President of Parmarth Niketan shared “It is a matter of great pride that our nation and the world has leaders like our Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modiji who with his visionary leadership achieved the unanimous support of the United Nations to declare the International Day of Yoga. This has exponentially increased the awareness and enthusiasm for Yoga worldwide. Today as we mark the 100 day countdown to the International Day of Yoga it is wonderful to have Parmarth Niketan lead the 96th day of this countdown from the holy banks of Mother Ganga.
The message to all yogis joining us today from across the world is to be the light of Yoga and oneness and to bring that light to their communities and countries. The mantras, traditions and heritage of Sanatana Dharma have never been only for India, they are for all. We celebrate India’s presidency for G20 and the mantra, the vision and the culture of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and ‘One Earth. One Family. One Future’ because this perspective is only possible because of Yoga.”
Sadhvi Bhagwati Saraswatiji, Director of the International Yoga Festival and President, Divine Shakti Foundation, said “Yoga is more than what we practice on our mats. It is a way of life that infuses every minute and moment and every action. As we perform yoga together today, at this sacred ghat, we vow to live in Yoga every day! Internally, within ourselves we will live in peace and balance and in union with the Divine and with all. Externally as we move through the world, we vow to live in service of all and in a spirit of true yogic union and oneness as “Vasudeva Kutumbakam” The whole world is One Family.
