About us

Shri Sankat Mochan Yoga Research Institute (S. M. Yoga)

Is an Indian non-profit organization based in the holy city of Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh (INDIA). Our mission is to spread peace, health and joy through Yoga and its spirituality for well-being and holistic healthy living, which is disappearing in the hectic modern world.

Founded in 1976, our Institute specializes in Yoga, Ayurveda, and Naturopathy under the guidance of Master Acharya Dharmnath Shastri Ji. It has always worked to spread the ancient knowledge of Yoga drawn from the most important Indian texts and traditions. Today, the Institute is led by Shastri Ji’s two sons, Dr. Balmukund Shastri Ji and Dr. Balkrishan Shastri Ji, both Yoga masters and Naturopathy/Ayurvedic experts with immense experience.

We are the only Yoga Institute certified by the Indian government in the city of Vrindavan, thanks to our long history and tradition. We have always worked to spread Yoga and its fundamental principles, respecting ancient traditions and enlightened teachings of the great Masters of the past.

www.smyogstation.org

Activities

S M Yoga Research Institute is actively engaged in preserving and sharing traditional yogic knowledge through educational, experiential, and community-based initiatives in Vrindavan, across India, and internationally.

The Institute regularly conducts retreats, seminars, workshops, and immersive programs in Vrindavan, focused on classical Yoga, meditation, mantra practice, and scriptural study, welcoming participants from India and abroad. In addition, it organizes weekend and multi-day retreats across India and Europe, extending its international outreach and sharing authentic yogic practices with global communities.

A central focus of the Institute’s work is its Yoga Teacher Training Programs. Multiple batches of 200-hour and 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training, and Yoga Therapy courses have been successfully conducted, integrating traditional Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga principles, philosophy, anatomy, and teaching methodology. These programs are offered in Vrindavan and at partner centers across India, supporting the growth of a well-trained international yoga teaching community.

Alongside this, ongoing research and educational outreach through seminars and scriptural studies support the Institute’s mission to preserve and disseminate traditional yogic wisdom worldwide.

who we are

We are a collective of yogis, spiritual teachers, artists, and wellness leaders, brought together by the shared belief that true yoga is service, self-discovery, and unity. Backed by local communities and global partners, the festival is rooted in Indian spiritual tradition while embracing universal human values.

**Dr. Balmukund Shastri**
*Vrindavan, INDIA*

**Organizer**
Secretary at S M Yoga,
International Yoga Guru
& Naturopathy Doctor
(DNYS, BNYS, ERYT, MSc Yoga)

**Dr. Balkrishan Shastri**
*Vrindavan, INDIA*

**Organizer**
Yoga Guru
& Naturopathy Doctor
(BNYS, DNYS, IYTTC-500,
MD Naturopathy)

**Giulia Borioli**
*Milan, ITALY*

**Consultant at large**
President at YogaFestival IT
Founder of Cultural Association T.A.O.
(YTTC)

**Venu Gopal Das**
*Milan, ITALY*

**Consultant**
Community Manager
at ISKCON Italy

**Radha Kinkari**
*Milan, ITALY*

**Assistant & Facilitator**
(IYTTC-200, 500)

**Patrizia Tesser**
*Biella, ITALY*

**Event promoter**
Founder of Yoga Kurma
(YTTC)

Festival mission

Our mission is to promote holistic well-being through yoga, fostering a community of harmony, peace, and self-awareness while honoring the cultural significance of Holi as a celebration of life and renewal.

Celebration highlights

Experience a variety of yoga styles, from traditional asanas to contemporary practices, complemented by inspiring workshops, live music, spiritual talks, and colorful Holi festivities that illuminate the spirit of unity and joy.

Join us now

Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a curious newcomer, our festival offers an inclusive space for learning, sharing, and celebrating the transformative power of yoga intertwined with Holi’s vibrant colors and cultural traditions.