Tracing The Roots Of Yoga! Where It All Began And Why Rishikesh Is Known As The Yoga Capital Of The World News24 –

International Yoga Day 2025: June 21 is celebrated as International Yoga Day. It celebrates an ancient Indian tradition that promotes physical health, mental well-being, and inner peace. The United Nations officially recognised the day in 2014, following a proposal by India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. And when it comes to yoga, no place captures its spirit quite like Rishikesh- the serene town on the banks of the Ganges, which is also known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Why is Rishikesh known as the yoga capital of the world?

Yoga And Meditation

People’s lives have become like machines- running from one point to another, daily, in the same routine. This constant cycle often takes a toll on their mental peace and affects their overall well-being. Here is where the importance of Yoga and meditation comes. Meditation and yoga help people take a break from their busy lives and spend time with themselves. They bring a sense of peace and balance in life. Yoga helps in controlling the mind, body, and soul. It teaches a person to stay calm and patient, even in difficult situations. Regular practice also improves concentration. Besides mental benefits, yoga also makes the body stronger, improves muscle strength, and helps in staying fit and healthy.

Origin Of Yoga

The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word yuj, which means to unite. Yoga is believed to have begun in ancient times in Rishikesh. Yoga has been highlighted in the old scriptures of Hindu mythology- the Vedas and Puranas. Many Indians believe that Lord Shiva was the first yogi. Shiva is considered to be the first who understood and lived the true spirit of yoga. Back around 300 BC, people never spoke about yoga openly. Yoga was kept within small groups. The reason for this was its power- yoga is something that could lead us to deep wisdom and spiritual awakening. Hence, people feared this power might be misused, so it was quietly kept and practised. Over time, the idea of secrecy faded. Rishikesh and its culture became known to the world, and people from many countries started coming here to learn and practice yoga.

Why Rishikesh Is Known As The Yoga Capital Of The World?

Rishikesh is known as the yoga capital of the world primarily because it has been a central place for yogis, sadhus, and rishis for decades. It is also known as the “Gateway to the Himalayas.” This ancient practice has continued here for generations. Yoga needs a peaceful and natural environment, and Rishikesh offers just that. Surrounded by the tall Himalayan mountains and the pure waters of the Ganges, the city remains clean and free from pollution. All of this makes Rishikesh the perfect place for meditation and finding inner peace.

Yoga Birthplace

Famous yoga masters like Swami Sivananda and Paramahansa Yogananda shared their teachings in Rishikesh and helped spread yoga across the world. The city became even more well-known in 1968 when the Beatles visited to learn meditation and yoga. Their visit brought global attention to Rishikesh and made it a popular place for people from all over the world who were interested in yoga and spiritual learning.

World Class Yoga Schools

Rishikesh became popular when the Beatles visited and experienced its peaceful and beautiful surroundings. They practised yoga near the Ganges with spiritual teachers and stayed at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram for three months. During their stay, they created the White Album, inspired by the calm and culture of Rishikesh. Their visit helped make Rishikesh famous and led to the growth of top yoga schools in the city. There are hundreds of yoga schools offering authentic courses in Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Kundalini yoga, attracting thousands of students globally each year.

Spirituality And Warmth

The city stays spiritually active all through the year. This feeling becomes even more special during events like International Yoga Day, the Ganga Aarti ceremonies, and other cultural festivals. These occasions bring people together and fill the city with a deeper sense of peace and devotion.

With the 2025 International Yoga Day theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” the focus on mindfulness and harmony between human wellbeing and nature resonates deeply in Rishikesh’s ethos, making it the perfect place to honour this practice.