Rishikesh, March 10 -- The Yoga Festival, which is being held at Parmarth Niketan Ashram from March 9 to 15, began on Monday with traditional prayers and rituals.

Yoga practitioners from India and abroad have arrived at Parmarth Niketan Ashram to participate in the event.

At the Ganga Ghat of Parmarth Niketan, the chief guest, Acharya Balkrishna of Patanjali Yog Peeth, was present along with the drummer Shivamani. The President of Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Swami Chidanand Saraswati Maharaj, performed the Ganga Aarti and special prayers, seeking the blessings of Mother Ganga.

Speaking to ANI, he said, "When Respected Acharya Balkrishna Ji gave his message, along with Yoga, people became interested in Ayurveda, along with Yoga, and starte...