200hrs Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh

It all began amidst the challenges of my broken marriage in 2021 October when I sought a strategy not only to cope but also to cultivate discipline and self-control. As the realization dawned that departing from my current environment when I literally got physically and mentally stressed with my life. I eagerly need a break but not the usual one. I felt alone and didn't want to enjoy myself. I sought advice from trusted friends. Recognizing my affinity for fitness and prior interest in yoga, they proposed I spend a month in yoga school to have deeper into this practice. Prompted by their suggestion, I started on an extensive search for reputable yoga institutes, expanding my quest nationwide. It was during this exploration that the thought struck me—why not Rishikesh, renowned as the 'International Capital of Yoga'?

I packed my bags, got a short haircut—an impulse I typically do during life's thunderous phases. Boarding a flight from North Bengal to Bangalore, I set the wheels in motion for a significant solo journey. In Bangalore, I rented out my apartment and completed all my pending task, embarked on what would become the adventure of a lifetime. I express gratitude to my office for granting me the opportunity to work remotely during this period. Following the initial plan, I headed to Jaipur, where my closest friend welcomed me warmly. Over a comforting meal of poha (Flattened rice), he arranged my accommodation in a girls' PG owned by a remarkable lady who turned out to be nothing short of an angel.

She cared for me as a sister, providing three square meals a day infused with authentic Jaipur flavors. Exploring the city of Rajasthan was an experience beyond the descriptions in books. The minute detailed architectural was filled with royal legacy, left me awestruck, and the hospitality of the locals was simply incredible.

Continuing my journey, I visited Haridwar, where my school friend Mayanath Mishra graciously welcomed me into his home. He insisted I stay with them instead of opting for a hotel or PG. His wife treated me with flavors of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, offering exceptionally delicious meals that left me thoroughly satisfied. Having experienced chilly temperatures of around 7 °C in Jaipur, Haridwar proved even colder at 3-4 °C, almost bone-chilling. He took me to Ganga ghat of Har ki Pauri in the midnight and I took dip in the holy river Ganges He took me to temples such as Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi, where we reached by taking a ropeway—an experience complemented by breathtaking scenic beauty. Later, I continued my journey to Rishikesh for the Yoga course.

I opted for the Himalayan Yoga Association School in Rishikesh for my yoga course. This school is registered with Yoga Alliance, ensuring high standards. The program I chose was the 200 Hours Yoga Teacher Training, spanning approximately one month in duration.

Absolutely, it takes a lot of courage and adaptability to pause your current routine and immerse yourself in an entirely new environment for an extended period. It means embracing the unknown, living among strangers, and embracing a lifestyle that might be vastly different—from food preferences to physical exercises and learning techniques that might be entirely unfamiliar. It's a bold step into the unknown, demanding openness and resilience to absorb and integrate these new experiences.

Arriving at the "Himalayan Yoga Association School" on the 1st of January 2022, I stepped in with no clear expectations. To my delight, the school greeted me with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Then they briefly describe my upcoming 25 days.

On the evening of January 1st, we participated in a welcome ceremony featuring a "Havan," a Vedic ritual that signifies the commencement of new ventures in Indian tradition. Over the following two days, I gradually opened up to the individuals around me, including teachers, staff, and fellow yoga students. Among us were many who, like myself, sought to break away from their everyday routine. Some aimed to embark on a professional yoga career. Throughout my journey, I immersed myself in the rich spirituality and diverse customs that India is renowned for, offering me a multitude of unique experiences.

The inaugural day of the course, marked by the Opening Ceremony, commenced with the Hawan Ritual, an experience I found truly enjoyable. We were all encouraged to dress in white and modest attire for the occasion. Following the ceremony, the priest, referred to as "Pandit Ji," applied the "Tilaka" on our foreheads. This Tilaka serves as a spiritual mark, symbolizing our sectarian affiliations.

The Hawan set the stage for our yoga teacher training course. I was assigned a shared room furnished with a thick comforter, and I made sure to bring along a hotbag to stay warm during the cold nights. This helped me get restful sleep, but being away from family and amidst strangers, I sometimes felt a sense of loneliness. Soon, we fell into a routine. Our mornings began sharply at 5:00 am when a staff member rang the alarm bell. We hurried to freshen up and assembled on the ground for Shatkarma practice led by Sourav ji. This session included practices like Jal Neti, Rubber Neti, and eye cleansing, lasting about 30 minutes. Following this, we transitioned to the Pranayama class at 6 am again taken by Sourav ji—a breathing exercise vital for strengthening our respiratory system. This practice involved rhythmic inhalation and exhalation and was conducted indoors due to the chilly outdoor temperatures. We brought our thick comforters to stay cozy during these sessions.

At 7am, we had our second class, Vinyasa Yoga Flow with Rahul ji. He initiated us into the principles and approaches of Vinyasa flow and led us through a practical session. The initial day was challenging as it was my first encounter with these stretches and asanas. However, with time, I gradually gained the ability to execute them with greater ease as the days progressed.

Our breakfast time was set from 8:30 to 9:30am. Between breakfast and lunch, we engaged in three more classes: yoga philosophy, and alignment, adjustment, and methodology. Following this, we had Meditation session then two-hour break from 1pm to 3 PM. The different types of meditation sessions offered by Soumya ji provided mental rejuvenation and empowerment. Afternoon sessions were held from 3PM to 4 PM with yoga anatomy. most of the folks used to bunk this session as it was mostly boring and complex.

In the evening, we delved into Ashtanga Yoga. Post that, our day concluded with dinner served at 7 PM. Following dinner, we often engaged in light conversations before retiring for the night. The dining area became a delightful place for us, offering delicious meals where we meet, eat and chatter! Our food primarily comprised plant-based, healthy, and Sattvic cuisine, adhering to Ayurvedic principles. Sattvic food, a part of Ayurvedic cuisine, excludes onions and garlic and is prepared with minimal oil. I found the meals quite enjoyable, often consisting of chapati, raw vegetables, rice, lentils, and salad. For breakfast, we typically had toast, porridge, tea, and black tea.

Practicing yoga at various locations like the Ganga Ghats, beaches, and waterfalls was a unique experience. Dedicated teacher accompanied us, providing guidance to ensure we practiced yoga correctly. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with nature while deepening our yoga practice.

Fun moments with the team

Our program incorporated weekly outings to various stunning locales within the city. One memorable morning, we visited the Surkunda Devi Temple to witness a breathtaking sunrise. From this vantage point, we were treated to a panoramic view of Rishikesh—a truly awe-inspiring experience. It was my first encounter with snow-covered hills, and I relished playing in the snow.

Another excursion took us to Beatles Ashram, a site featuring numerous small huts. We also explored the majestic Neergarh Waterfall, where we had a delightful time. The waterfall boasted two pools where we refreshed ourselves and embraced the weather.

In the evening, we attended the Triveni Ghat Ganga Aarti—an incredibly spiritual and majestic experience. As the sun set, the ghats of Rishikesh came alive with the repeated chants of mantras and the shimmer of Diyas. Prayers were offered to Goddess Ganga, filling the atmosphere with positivity and vibrant energy.

The experiences that weighed on me before joining the school began to fade away gradually. Participating in this teacher training program was a chance I'm grateful I gave myself—it started bringing positive changes from day one. Moreover, I discovered a potential interest in Yoga which I will continue to practice.

As the final day approached, we were a mix of happiness and sadness. Happy to have gained invaluable wisdom yet sad to bid farewell to the friends, teachers, and the entire team. Each of us received certificates, granting us the title of RYT-200, marking our accomplishment of completing the 200 Hours Registered Yoga Teacher program.

Absolutely, Rishikesh indeed stands out as an ideal destination for those eager to learn yoga. While numerous schools exist in Rishikesh with similar locations, schedules, and curricula, the distinguishing factors lie in the teaching approach and the safety of the environment. From my experience, Himalayan Yoga Association stands out as the top choice among these schools in Rishikesh.