Uttarakhand CM Dhami Attends 38th International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh

Rishikesh, March 13: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the 38th International Yoga Festival held at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh on Friday.

The event welcomed yoga practitioners, spiritual leaders, and international guests who arrived in Uttarakhand to celebrate yoga and spirituality in the globally renowned yoga destination.

CM Dhami Welcomes Global Yoga Community

During the event, Chief Minister Dhami greeted yoga gurus, trainers, and practitioners from India and around the world. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in such a prestigious international gathering dedicated to yoga and wellness.

Later, the Chief Minister also took part in the sacred Ganga Aarti ceremony in Rishikesh, offering prayers and participating in a yajna organised for the welfare of humanity.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participates in 38th International Yoga Festival

Yoga: India’s Ancient Gift to the World

Addressing the gathering, Dhami highlighted that yoga is an ancient discipline that originated in India and has now become a global practice. According to him, yoga is not just a physical exercise but a science that connects the mind, body, and soul.

He added that yoga plays a vital role in improving mental peace and physical health. In today’s fast-paced world, many people suffer from stress, depression, and lifestyle diseases. However, yoga offers a natural solution to achieve balance and well-being.

Through practices such as yogasanas and pranayama, individuals can reduce stress, boost immunity, and improve concentration.

Yoga Promotes Global Unity

The Chief Minister also said that yoga has crossed boundaries of religion, language, and geography. It has united people around the world with the message of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family).

He also recalled that Narendra Modi proposed celebrating International Day of Yoga at the United Nations. Today, yoga is practiced in more than 180 countries worldwide.

Uttarakhand’s Vision: Global Yoga Capital

Dhami emphasized that Uttarakhand, often called Devbhoomi, is also emerging as a global centre for yoga and spirituality. The state’s natural environment and peaceful surroundings make it ideal for yoga practice.

To promote yoga tourism and wellness, the Uttarakhand government has introduced the Yoga Policy 2025. Under this policy:

Subsidy of up to ₹20 lakh will be provided to develop yoga and meditation centres
Grants of up to ₹10 lakh will support yoga-related research
Five new yoga hubs will be established in the state
Yoga services will be available at all AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres

Expansion of AYUSH and Wellness Infrastructure

The Chief Minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to promote AYUSH and naturopathy centres across the state.

Currently, more than 300 Ayushman Arogya Centres operate in Uttarakhand. Additionally, AYUSH hospitals with 50-bed and 10-bed capacities are being established in every district.

People can also access expert AYUSH consultations through the e-Sanjeevani portal, which provides digital healthcare services.

Spiritual Economy and Yoga Tourism

The government is also promoting wellness, research, education, and the cultivation of medicinal plants under the Uttarakhand AYUSH Policy.

Furthermore, a budget of ₹10 crore has been allocated to establish Spiritual Economic Zones in both the Garhwal and Kumaon regions to strengthen spiritual tourism and wellness industries.

International Participation at Yoga Festival

The International Yoga Festival witnessed participation from yoga experts and spiritual leaders from across the globe. Various sessions on Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, meditation, pranayama, and naturopathy are being organised during the event.

The programme was attended by Swami Chidanand Saraswati, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, and renowned singer Kailash Kher, along with yoga trainers, spiritual seekers, and tourists from many countries.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the festival would inspire people around the world to embrace yoga and spirituality for peace, harmony, and global well-being.