Rishikesh, the spiritual and adventure capital of India is not only famous for its calm atmosphere but also stunning scenery as well as amazing events, which attract tourists worldwide. This town hosts many occasions annually that cater to different wants ranging from cultural festivals to adventure sports competitions. Let’s explore upcoming events in Rishikesh that provide insights into the diverse culture, spirituality, and adventure.
International Yoga Festival
Date: Month of March
The International Yoga Festival brings yoga enthusiasts all over the world together to celebrate health, wellness, and spirituality. The festival will take place against the backdrop of majestic Himalayas and sacred waters of river Ganges thereby providing a unique opportunity to learn from renowned yoga masters and spiritual gurus. Here participants can attend yoga classes, and meditation sessions, listen to spiritual discourses, and watch cultural performances there by immersing themselves in ancient wisdoms of yogic science and Ayurveda.
Where to Stay
During the International Yoga Festival, participants are offered special packages with a variety of accommodations ranging from low-priced guesthouses to high-end resorts. In addition, most ashrams and yoga in Rishikesh centers offer lodging for those who want to make the most of the yogic experience.
There are different options for camping in Rishikesh are available. There are several options available for best camping in Rishikesh which include tents, cottages, and eco-lodges. Moreover, these campgrounds have basic amenities such as clean toilets, food services, and recreational areas that provide a comfortable and memorable stay amongst nature.
Nearby Places
Besides visiting places such as Beatles Ashram, Neer Garh Waterfall, or Kunjapuri Temple, there are some famous activities or experiences that can be done during International Yoga Day.
- Adventure Sports: Rishikesh is a city of adventure activities. The city offers a variety of activities as white-water rafting, kayaking, and trekking.
- Ayurvedic Treatments: Improve your health by trying out different types of Ayurvedic therapies and massages during the yoga festival at wellness centers or spas in Rishikesh.
- Meditation Retreats: The ashrams as well as spiritual leaders organize meditation sessions and retreats which you can take part in.
- Ganga Aarti: Experience the most popular and auspicious aarti ritual at the bank of the River Ganges. Here, priests perform various rituals and prayers along with devotional songs. Witness lighting oil lamps. The entire atmosphere created is so mesmerizing.
Ganga Dussehra
Date: Month of May/June
Ganga Dussehra is a popular and very auspicious Hindu festival celebrated to mark the descent of the river Ganges to Earth. It holds immense significance for devotees who throng to the ghats of Rishikesh to take part in rituals and ceremonies.
Where to Stay
There are several guest houses available in Rishikesh. Depending on your budget preference, you may choose your accommodation. You can also choose the location depending on how close you want the stay to the Ghats where all the events are happening. Camping in Rishikesh is also very popular for staying during the Ganga Dussehra festival. Riverside camping in Rishikesh offers an opportunity to connect with nature firsthand and see the captivating beauty of the Himalayas from nearby. If you wish to camp in well-wooded forests, by riverside, or within isolated mountainous regions, Rishikesh is ready to provide the best riverside camping experience.
Nearby Places and Experiences
Apart from taking part in the celebrations, tourists can visit other temples that are not far off such as Triveni Ghat – a place where three sacred rivers meet or engage in such activities as river rafting and staying on the banks of the Ganges.
- Aarti at Ganga: Experience the most popular and auspicious Ganga aarti ritual at Triveni Ghat. Here, priests perform various rituals and prayers along with devotional songs. Witness lighting oil lamps. The entire atmosphere created is so mesmerizing.
- Holy Dips: Taking a dip in the auspicious and sacred waters of river Ganga is very popular in Hindu religion. It is believed that taking a dip in Ganges water during Ganga Dussehra purifies the soul and grants blessings. This is a pious ritual.
- Boat Rides: Take boat rides along the Ganges to enjoy the tranquil environment as well as see beautiful riverside temples, ashrams, and natural scenery of Rishikesh.
- Visit to Hindu Temples: Visit the most popular Hindu temples in Rishikesh. The architecture of these temples are simply fascinating.
Rishikesh Adventure Summit
Date: Month of September or October
Rishikesh Adventure Summit is an annual event that celebrates adventure and outdoor sports. Bungee jumping, white-water rafting, trekking, mountain biking are among some of the activities that will be showcased at this summit, as they are some of what popularizes Rishikesh in terms of adventure= tourism. There are seminars, workshops, and interactive session among the experts during Rishikesh Adventure Summit. This would provide an invaluable insight into the spiritual, adventurous, and sustainable tourism.
Where to Stay
There are several places to stay in Rishikesh that cater visitors attending the Rishikesh Adventure Summit, starting from the range of budget to the luxurious accommodation.
Besides this, Riverside camps in Rishikesh are also very popular during Rishikesh Adventure Summit. These camps offer riverside camping sites with tents, bonfire pits, and basic amenities such as clean washrooms and meals. A variety of accommodations ranging from budget-friendly alternatives to luxurious glamping experiences will certainly meet your expectations. Shivpuri, Marine Drive, and Brahmpuri are some popular campsites with unique ambiance and stunning views around them.
During the Rishikesh Adventure Summit, nearby places to visit
- Jumpin Heights: Visitors can experience the thrill of bungee jumping, giant swing and flying fox at one window stop.
- Shivpuri: Undertake the water adventure in Shivpuri. The latter offers sports such as rafting, kayaking, and cliff jumping.
- Rajaji National Park: Undertake the wildlife adventure safari at Rajaji National Park.
- Phool Chatti Waterfall: About 6 kilometers away from Rishikesh, visit the Phool Chatti Waterfall.
Rishikesh Riverside Festival
Date: Dates may vary
Music, culture, and community spirit are celebrated at the Rishikesh Riverside Festival. The festival hosts live performances by local and international artists with various genres such as folk, rock, fusion, and devotional music. In order to promote a sense of belongingness amidst the natural beauty of Rishikesh, the event features music concerts, dance performances, art exhibitions, and cultural workshops.
Where to stay
- Riverside Camps: Get comfortable in tents that look like nature’s embrace on the banks of Ganges.
- Guesthouses and Hotels: There are a variety of alternatives for different tastes and budgets.
- Ashrams and Yoga Retreats: Bask in serene surroundings as you revel in spiritual tranquility.
- Homestays: You can get an authentic cultural experience by accepting local hospitality.
Nearby places to explore during the Rishikesh Riverside Festival
- Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia): It was at this ashram that The Beatles stayed back in the 1960s which is now decorated with magnificent graffiti offering a glimpse into their own spiritual journey.
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: It is time to reveal this ancient temple of Lord Shiva, tucked inside lush forests, surrounded by pretty sceneries.
- Rajaji National Park: Involves wildlife adventure in a national park that has many different kinds of plants and animals. Also, you will find time for safaris, bird watching and also nature walks.
- Triveni Ghat: Here, witness the spiritual atmosphere at the sacred bathing ghat where people congregate for rituals and conduct evening aarti ceremonies along the banks of the Ganga River.
- Shivpuri: There are water sports like river rafting and kayaking or treks – whatever takes your fancy – amongst rolling landscapes in the nearby adventure hub.
Rishikesh Literature Festival
Rishikesh Literature Festival is a meeting point for literary savants, poets, authors, and scholars who come to celebrate the written word. It features panel discussions, book launches, poetry recitals, storytelling sessions as well as interactive workshops on various literary subjects. At Rishikesh, the serene environment gives participants intellectual stimulation and the opportunity to explore India’s rich writing heritage.
Rishikesh Literature Festival
- Riverside Camping in Rishikesh: Nature can be enjoyed while riverside camping and these sites have beautiful scenarios of the River Ganges.
- Luxury Camping in Rishikesh: These are luxury campsites situated within the tranquility of nature with such options as plush tents that come with warm bedding and modern amenities.
- Adventure Camps in Rishikesh: For an adventurous camping experience that includes rafting, trekking, bonfires, etc. try out adventure camps in Rishikesh
Nearby Plac
- Gita Bhavan: This incredibly beautiful temple is dedicated to the auspicious book, Bhagavad Gita. This Bhawan consists of an extensive collection of religious books and paintings.
- Triveni Ghat: People go there to take part in spiritual baths where they are purified by divine water. Here, witness the mesmerizing evening aarti ceremonies.
- Rishikesh Yog Peeth: Receive teachings from experienced gurus on traditional methods of teaching yoga at one of the famous yoga centers which are found here for example workshops and yoga classes
- Neer Garh Waterfall: Plunge into this picturesque waterfall found deep inside the forest, after a trek through lush forests.
How to reach Rishikesh
- From Airport: Fly to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, then take a taxi or bus for an hour to Rishikesh.
- From Train: Take a train to Haridwar Railway Station, which is about 25 kilometers away from Rishikesh, and then travel by taxi or bus to reach your destination.
- From Road: There are direct buses from major cities like Delhi to Rishikesh. Rishikesh is accessible by road from nearby towns and cities too. To reach the festival venue you can either hire a taxi or drive yourself there.
- Local Transport: For convenient local travel, auto-rickshaws, taxis, or rented vehicles are available for use.
All in all, Rishikesh is a destination full of events and activities. Experience the rich culture and history in this spiritual city of Rishikesh. Hence, set your dates for your next sojourn to Rishikesh adventure.
