International Yoga Week

Introduction:

Yoga literally means "union". It is a union of breath and the body, the mind and muscles and most importantly union of the self to the divine. What better place to become "united" than on the sacred banks of Mother Ganga, in a land to which sages have flocked for millennia? To promote the ancient science of Yoga, a weeklong event is organised by the State Tourism Department in Rishikesh (Himalayan Foothills) during the first week of February.

Detailed lectures, demonstrations of various asanas by prominent exponents of Yoga are the major highlights of the Yoga Week.

A week-long event to promote Yoga is held in Rishikesh, a picturesque town in the foothills of the Himalayas. Detailed lectures and demonstration of various asanas by prominent exponents of Yoga are the major highlights of the Yoga Week.

Yoga sessions are held along the banks of the Ganga at Rishikesh. Organised by U.P. Tourism, lectures and demonstrations a re held by prominent exponents of yoga throughout the week.
The carnival is meant to be a feasting-drinking-merrymaking orgy just before the austere 40 days of Lent. Huge parades are organized throughout the state with bands, dances and floats out all night on the streets, and grand balls held in the evenings. The carnival concludes with the famous red-and-black dance held by the Club National in Panajim on the final day.

Among the many and various colourful feasts and festivals that are celebrated in Goa, the Goa Carnival is the most eagerly awaited event.

The word Carnival (Carnival in Portuguese) is derived from a Latin word meaning ‘to take away meat’ and is an expression of the 40-day period of fasting of Lent, during which abstinence from meat is a rule.

The carnival is not celebrated anywhere else in India and was in decline even in Goa in the last few years of Portuguese rule. Its revival with the Liberation of Goa, and a boost to its tourism was therefore welcome. From being almost on the brink of decline, this three day festival of gay abandon and riotous revelry now attracts thousands of tourists to Goa from all over India every year!

The origins and nature of the carnival can be traced to the hedonistic feasts of ancient Rome and Greece. These carnivals started in the Spanish and Portuguese colonies, and gradually became known for their singing, dancing and drinking. The carnival is presided over by King Momo, who on the opening day orders his subjects to party. Hotel bookings must be done in advance for carnival as the festival attracts thousands of tourists.

Time to celebrate

To promote the ancient science of Yoga, a weeklong event is organised by the State Tourism Department in Rishikesh (Himalayan Foothills) during the first week of February.

How to reach

The holy city, Rishikesh is a famous Hindu pilgrimage destination and is a gateway to other holy destinations– Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamnotri.

By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun. The airport is around 35kms away from Rishikesh.

By Road
Wide network of roads connects Rishikesh to the other cities in Uttaranchal and India.

By Rail
The nearest railway station from Rishikesh is Haridwar. Many express, mail and tourist trains link Haridwar to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Allahabad and other major cities of the country.