The International Yoga Festival 2025 commenced on Sunday (9) at Parmarth Niketan with a sacred Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the holy Ganges. Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the event, which also featured soulful kirtan performances and inspiring talks by spiritual leaders.
Inaugration Ceremony of International Yoga Day 2025Parmarth Niketan
The week-long festival, attended by participants from over 100 countries, focuses on yoga, meditation, and holistic well-being. This year’s edition emphasises mindfulness, global harmony, and the transformative power of yoga. The opening day set a serene tone for the event, which includes a diverse lineup of yoga sessions, workshops, and cultural programmes.
“This festival is a testament to India’s spiritual heritage and its role in promoting global unity,” said Chief Minister Dhami during his inaugural address.
Sacred Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the holy GangesParmarth Niketan
Held annually in Rishikesh, often referred to as the yoga capital of the world, the event brings together renowned yoga masters, spiritual guides, and wellness practitioners. Parmarth Niketan, with its tranquil setting by the Ganges, provides an ideal venue for this global gathering.
The festival will run until 15 March 2025, offering attendees an opportunity to deepen their practice, connect with like-minded individuals, and experience India’s rich spiritual traditions.
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)