Rishikesh: The International Yoga Festival 2026 has officially commenced at the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) complex in Muni Ki Reti, Tehri—located near the pilgrimage city of Rishikesh. The festival is scheduled to run until March 22nd. Yoga practitioners have arrived not only from across the country but also from abroad to participate in the event. During the festival, participants will be introduced to the rich culture of Uttarakhand and will also have the opportunity to sample local products from the state.
Notably, the International Yoga Festival 2026 was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who attended as the Chief Guest. Speaking on the occasion, CM Dhami remarked that this region is steadily gaining renown as the “International Capital of Yoga.” Thanks to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yoga has carved out a distinct global identity for itself. Muni Ki Reti, in particular, is emerging as a prominent destination on the world map. Work Underway for Ganga Corridor: CM Dhami noted that, alongside yoga sessions, artists from various states have arrived at the festival to present cultural performances. He assured that every effort would be made to encourage and support these artists. He further informed that the government is actively working on the development of a “Ganga Corridor” and an “Economic City” in Rishikesh and its surrounding areas.
Increasing the Number of Sewage Treatment Plants: Additionally, to ensure the cleanliness and purity of the River Ganga, the number of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in the region is being increased. He extended his congratulations to the residents of the state, as well as to the participating yoga practitioners and masters, on the commencement of this International Yoga Festival on the banks of the Ganga. He expressed confidence that this festival is set to become a truly memorable event.
What Did Cabinet Ministers Subodh Uniyal and Satpal Maharaj Say? Meanwhile, Cabinet Ministers Subodh Uniyal and Satpal Maharaj stated that the primary objective behind organizing the Yoga Festival annually is to encourage people to incorporate yoga into their daily routines and lead healthier lives. They highlighted that while adopting yoga keeps the body free from ailments, it also creates excellent employment opportunities abroad for Indian yoga masters.
