It was June 21^st, 2017 and, unlike another work day full of back breaking stressful timelines, this day was unique, this day promised a feeling that was opposite of stress. The day was anti-restlessness and anti-sickness. On the day of 21^st June 2017, the wave of yoga had splashed upon the entire nation and the globe. This day is not just the longest day of the year anymore – it is much more than that. It is the most glorious day of the year in India where health and life is celebrated and worship all over the globe – it is the day of Yoga, also known as, the International Yoga Day.

Each year on this auspicious day, yogis, spiritualists from all over the globe join in harmony – to celebrate health and life as a whole. We decided to be a part of this wave too and join its cause. Which could be a better place than the very birth place of Yoga to celebrate this day? And, so we headed to the yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh and braced ourselves with eventful celebration of this great day.

The beautiful town of Rishikesh welcomed us with the music of temple bells clanking together in melodious harmony and fresh morning dew of the early morning drizzle. Nestled in the beauty of Himalayas, the entire town and its people were clad in shades of white, yellow and green strolling towards Yoga Ashrams. International Yoga Day 2017 celebration graciously commenced in the town of Rishikesh with the AYUSH (Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) protocol as yogis, people from all over the globe gathered here to spread the message of Yoga for health and overall well-being.

Every Yoga School and Yoga Ashram in Rishikesh hosted yoga practice and training in their vicinity in honor of 3^rd International Yoga Day. Rishikul Foundation, in association with Rishikul Yogshala and GMV Yoga Pvt. Ltd., took a step further in spreading the message of Yoga and became the first every Yoga foundation to organize the first ever International Yoga Awards. The International Yoga Day 2017 celebration by Rishikul Foundation commenced with the Common Yoga Protocol and concluded with paying homage to the Ganga Aarti with several workshops, exclusive yoga and Ayurveda sessions, cultural performances, Yoga Championship, Yoga Scholarship Awards and International Yoga Awards in between through the entire day. With exclusive sessions and highly educational workshops on Hath Yoga, Adjustment and alignment during Asanas, Tantra Meditation, Third Eye Opening Technique, Hip Opening Asanas, Yogic Cooking, etc. the event became a truly yogic day.

With the Yoga Championship, the foundation awarded 100% scholarships to the winners of this dignified yogic competition. The event was graced by eminent yoga gurus and great personalities from all over the country as a token of participation in spreading the divine message of yoga for health to the entire nation. It was a truly glorious evening to witness – definitely one of its kinds.

Almost every yoga ashram and school in the town contributed to the International Yoga Day Celebration by planting trees in the town. Rishikul Foundation organized for 108 plants to be planted on this day as a promising symbol of better, healthier and peaceful future.

The day went on with Satsang and Meditation sessions, yoga practice, cultural performances, yoga dance, Acro-yoga demonstrations that lasted till late night. The 3^rd International Yoga Day concluded in Rishikesh with the Ganga Aarti and with the yogis, travelers, spiritualists, descending back to their respective abodes and peaceful spirits.

As the town bid goodbye to the International Yoga Day 2017, the glimmering diyas, the peaceful spirits promised a new beginning along with a hope for healthier and a more fulfilled future. The day and its events were locked into our memories as an inspiration to live a better, healthier and a more peaceful life.