The International Yoga Festival, organized by the Department of Tourism of the Government of Puducherry, was a notable event that showcased the rich heritage of yogic traditions both in India and globally. The event was inaugurated by the esteemed Chief Minister of Puducherry, Shri N. Rangasamy ji, along with Speaker Shri R. Selvam, Minister for Public Works and Tourism Shri K. Lakshminarayanan, D. Manikandan, Secretary (Tourism), Vishnutharan Kalimuthu, representative from the Malaysian Embassy, and M. Mathew Francis, the Director (in-charge) of Tourism.
On January 5th, 2026, Dr. Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary of AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry, was invited by the Department of Tourism, Government of Puducherry to deliver a lecture on “Integral Yoga: A Method for Self Development and Transformation” at Mudra Hall, MICE Pavilion, Puducherry.
In his presentation, Dr. Tripathy described Integral Yoga as a holistic and pragmatic approach to human evolution, developed by the eminent Yogi Sri Aurobindo and further developed by The Mother, encompassing physical, vital, mental, psychical, and spiritual growth.
Dr. Tripathy expounded on the significance of physical discipline for health and equilibrium, essential purification for emotional balance, mental lucidity through conscious awareness, the awakening of the inner self, and spiritual growth directed towards elevated consciousness. By emphasizing the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, Dr. Tripathy underscored Integral Yoga as a transformative journey for comprehensive development, inner cohesion, and enduring well-being in modern life.
The festival began on January 4th, 2026, at the Convention Centre, Old Port Premises, Puducherry, followed by an official opening and a cultural program. This program featured discourses and workshops on various Yoga subjects, Yogasana competitions for different age categories for both genders, lecture demonstrations, and cultural performances from January 5th to 7th January in Puducherry. The inaugural event showcased a drone display, folk music, and a variety of cultural performances. More than 1,200 participants from various states across India and abroad took part in the festival.
Since 1993, the Government of Puducherry has been hosting the International Yoga Festival. In response to the enthusiastic participation from individuals worldwide and from India, the Government has committed to holding the festival annually from January 4th to 7th. The Yoga Festival in 2026 marks its 31st Edition and was held at Puducherry from January 4th to January 7th, 2026.
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