In present times when popularity of yoga has increased by leaps and bounds, it has also created a lot of confusion for a layman as to What style is better or suitable? What is authentic and what is not? What are the Dos and Don'ts of Yoga? Is yoga just asanas and Therapies or there is anything more? There are many such questions that keep on haunting a sincere seeker, so, we would like to bring some clarity about it through this symposium. We would like to invite yogis/yoginis from around the world who are well versed with the core yogic texts such as Hath yog Pradipika, Gherand Samhita, Patanjali Yog Sutra, Goraksh Paddhati, Shrimad Bhagawat Geeta and are putting sincere efforts to bring the wisdom of these texts into their practice. They may send us a brief abstract on any of the topics listed below along with their profile. We shall soon announce the procedure and the date for abstract submission...

• The Yogic way of life
• Yoga for women, beyond asana
• Traditional vs. contemporary Yoga
• Yoga before and beyond the asanas
• The goal and the foundations of Yoga
• An integrated (body-mind-soul) approach to Yoga
• Significance of the Shatkarma in Yogic advancements
• Frontiers of Yoga as per the ancient texts & their attainability
• Yoga for me vs. I’m for Yoga (How to get out of our comfort zone& recognise the goal of Yoga)

The common culture for any yoga aspirant is love and harmony within (Body-Mind-Soul) and with all others. Bhakti is the way where this culture can reach its height and so, this year in place of cultural programs, we have decided to have a Bhakti Fest. You must be curious to know about who is going to run this show, well, all we can say for now is that it going to be a surprise worth waiting for.

In past years, we have seen that all the participants of IYF are already involved with yoga in some or the other way and they come here to explore the further possibilities. And so, we have opened this platform of IYF for them where they can share their expertise and inspire others and even challenge them to try something on stage, impromptu. We would appreciate if our participants could share something exceptional and inspirational. However, to keep the schedule on track, we request you to mention your wish in your registration form itself, so that we can schedule it in advance.

In such a program where on one side we have so many experts sincerely willing to share their knowledge and wisdom, and on the other side we have so many genuine aspirants who are craving to learn more and more. We have decided to not restrict them within the short limits of our tight schedule. We plan to have a session where both the sides can meet each other in an open atmosphere without any kind of restriction. Up for it?? Just wait for March 1^st.

We shall hold separate classes in Hindi and English. Besides, we’ll divide the one-week program in four main themes:

Theme 1: Traditional Yoga

The first two days of the festival will be dedicated to Traditional Yoga in which we plan to invite renowned Yogacharya from great Yoga Lineages who are still upholding the essential yoga practices described in ancient Yoga texts and practiced by adepts in old times. Under this category, we plan to bring practices related to all the eight limbs of ashtanga on stage. Moreover, we would invite mystics and seers to share other ancient traditions as well.

Theme 2: Contemporary Yoga

Days 3 & 4 will be dedicated to Contemporary Yoga Styles because with passing times and changing circumstances, modern yogis have applied many modifications and adjustments to ancient styles just to meet the need of modern man. Obviously, we cannot ignore the very role and effect of them and hence we want to bring the well-established experimental yoga on stage and let everyone benefit from them.

Theme 3: Celebrating “Shakti – the power of creation”

These days, yoga is equally popular among men and women, however, we cannot ignore the fact that the physiology and psychology of men and women is quite different. There are very few who notice this difference and address it accordingly. Women are blessed with power of creation and that gives them a unique place on the path of evolution. There are instructions and commandments in ancient texts, specific to women. Therefore, during the last three days of the festival, we will be celebrating Shakti – the power of creation. Under this theme, we plan to invite renowned female yoga instructors and spiritual teachers to share their journey and knowledge to inspire and guide the women. Besides, we would want them to focus on specific yoga needs of women.

Theme 4: Therapeutic Yoga

Apart from the above-mentioned themes, we plan to have specific classes for Therapeutic yoga because majority of people in modern times are facing great challenges regarding their physical and mental health all with thanks to the chaotic changes in the modern life style. There will be dedicated classes of Therapeutic Yoga for Cardiac Problem / Diabetes / Hypertension / Obesity / Rheumatic pain and joint problems / Stress relief and much more, all by renowned and well-experienced yoga teachers.