"Communion of the soul with the universal soul of God"

Described by the ancient Indian scriptures as the communion of the individual soul (Jivatman) the Universal soul or God (Parmatma), Yoga the ancient Indian discipline is highly relevant to the modern day context. Today, as we enter the 21st Century, the outside world is becoming more restless and life is full of strife and tensions. Yoga provides the perfect panacea.

The secrets of the ancient science of Yoga were passed down from the rishis (ascetics), saints and sages who came to these very Himalayas for divine inspiration. Through their meditation, austerities and prayers, a treasure-chest of wisdom was bestowed upon them for the benefit of humanity. Yoga literally means "Union"; it is union of breath to the body, of the mind to the muscles, and most importantly of the self to the divine.

Yoga is not a religion. It does not require you to believe in a certain God or to chant certain hymns. It is an ancient science, which leads to health in the body, peace in the mind, joy in the heart and liberation of the soul. It is the most secular and universal system for human salvation. Self-realisation being the ultimate goal of human existence, yoga is the perfect medium to achieve it.

Different forms of yoga - Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Mantra Yoga and Laya Yoga - provide a complete system of self transformation and self realization which are the ultimate goals of human existence. Yoga has been proven as a scientific method for curing and preventing common as well as rare, acute diseases.

Asanas (yogic exercises) are not merely physical, contortionist exercises. They provide us with a healthy body, which in turn acts as a perfect medium. Specific asanas act as a bridge that unites the ephemeral and limited human body with the divine, eternal, infinite soul.

Yoga is highly relevant in the modern day context. With tension and stress becoming a part of our daily life 'Yoga' enables us to achieve self-realisation in a systematic manner. By helping the union of the body with the mind and the mind with the soul, it creates the ultimate symphony of life.

To master all the intricacies of this system, requires years of specialized training, but a 'crash course' is offered as part of the services of many health clubs and specific institutions. In these, certain simple exercises are taught, which when carried out regularly, tone up the system, correct posture and cure minor ailments.

International Yoga Weeks

For centuries the State of Uttar Pradesh (including the present Uttaranchal) has been the land of Yoga and a spiritual center for learning

With a view to promote Yoga worldwide, the State Tourism Department of Uttar Pradesh has been organizing the International Yoga Festival - a week long event at various venues like Rishikesh, Haridwar, Varanasi, Agra, Lucknow and Allahabad in the month of February. This provides the participants an opportunity to learn, discuss, absorb and practice Yoga on the banks of holy rivers like the Ganges and the Yamuna. Special sessions may be held on curative aspects of Yoga for participants suffering from specific diseases.