Rishikesh, often referred to as the spiritual capital of India, was the first Indian town I explored following my TTC program in February 2012. It is a place of great cultural and spiritual importance for many. The town is characterized by bridges spanning the sacred Ganga river, holy hills and mountains inhabited by wild monkeys. The individuals and locations I encountered there instilled in me a sense that there was much more for me to discover.
While I was still a student, I experimented with various classes under different teachers. One standout individual was Yogi Kamal Singh, who operates his own Sattva yoga studio in Rishikesh. Specializing in Ashtanga yoga, he emphasizes the fundamental role of Surrya Namaskar A & B in this practice. Through Kamal's guidance, a renowned Ashtanga Yoga Teacher in the region, I grasped the significance of synchronizing breath with movement to transcend into a different realm, and I became completely captivated.
For a period of two weeks, I resided in Rishikesh, where I participated in an Ayurvedic cooking and massage program. This location offers an ideal environment for contemplative walks and meditation, as well as being an excellent backdrop for practicing yoga.
Rishikesh is known for hosting various celebrations, including the renowned International Yoga Festival that I had the privilege to attend. This festival, one of the largest of its kind, attracts numerous participants from all over the world. Attendees have the opportunity to engage in yoga sessions featuring different styles such as Bhakti yoga, Vinyasa yoga, Bharat yoga, Reiki, Raja yoga, and Ashtanga yoga. Additionally, activities like meditation, Sanskrit chanting, and discussions on Indian philosophy are offered. The event concluded with a Ganga aarti ceremony and a concert by Kher, a former ashram student. Swami Shidanada Saraswati's ''The Book of Peace'' was also unveiled during the festival.
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