The People Behind the Experience
Every meaningful festival begins with a vision, grows from aplace of purpose, and comes to life through the dedication of
people who believe in it.
Behind the International Yoga Festival Vrindavan is a community
committed to creating an authentic experience where yoga, culture, learning, and human connection come together in one of
India’s most sacred destinations.
The People Behind the Experience
Every meaningful festival begins with a vision, grows from a place of purpose, and comes to life through the dedication of people who believe in it.
Behind the International Yoga Festival Vrindavan is a community committed to creating an authentic experience where yoga, culture, learning, and human connection come together in one of India’s most sacred destinations.
Rooted in Vrindavan
Every meaningful journey has roots.
The International Yoga Festival Vrindavan is proudly inspired by the values and spirit of S M Yoga Research Institute & Naturopathy Hospital, a place dedicated to yoga, education, spiritual growth, and selfless service.
For years, the Ashram has welcomed students, practitioners, pilgrims, and visitors from across India and around the world, offering a peaceful environment for learning, reflection, and personal development
Its philosophy is simple: Learning with humility. Living with purpose. Serving with compassion.
Those same values continue to shape the festival today. Rather than simply organising an annual event, we aim to create an experience that reflects the hospitality, authenticity, and spirit of service that have long been part of the Ashram’s daily life.
The festival is, in many ways, an extension of that vision: opening its doors to a wider community while remaining deeply connected to the traditions and culture of Vrindavan.
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.
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.
“Our roots are in Vrindavan. Our vision is for the world.”
Meet the Organising Team
Every unforgettable experience depends on people who care deeply about what they do.
Our organising team brings together professionals, educators, yoga practitioners, volunteers, and community leaders with diverse backgrounds but one shared commitment:
To create an inspiring, welcoming, and professionally organised festival for everyone.
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.
While participants enjoy classes, workshops, performances, and celebrations, our team works throughout the year, and behind the scenes during the festival, to ensure every detail contributes to a meaningful experience.
Meet the people who turn a shared vision into reality.
Acharya Dharmnath Shastri
Vrindavan, INDIA
Festival Patron
Founder & Director at S M Yoga,
(N.D. Naturopathy, Yogacharya, Rituals & Astrology Specialist)
Dr. Balmukund Shastri
Vrindavan, INDIA
Festival Director
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)
Adv. Haridutt Mishra
Noida, INDIA
Legal Adviser & Co-Manager
Yoga Faculty Sri Sri School of Yoga, Voice Chairperson Indian Yoga Association UP State Chapter
(RYT-500 Yoga Alliance)
Venu Gopal Das
Milan, ITALY
Consultant
Community Manager
at ISKCON Italy
Radha Gopaul
Milan, ITALY
Assistant & Facilitator
(IYTTC-200, 500)
Our Guiding Values
Authenticity
We honour India’s living yogic traditions with respect, openness, and integrity.
Community
We believe the most meaningful experiences are shared with others.
Service
Every participant deserves to feel welcomed, supported, and cared for.
Learning
Yoga is a lifelong journey, and every edition of the festival is an opportunity to grow together.
Inclusivity
Everyone is welcome, regardless of age, background, nationality, or experience.
Improvement
We listen, learn, and evolve so that each edition offers an even richer experience than the last.
Open Letter from the Festival Director
“A festival is never built by one person: it is created by a community.”
Become Part of Our Story
The International Yoga Festival Vrindavan continues to grow because people believe in its vision.
Whether you join us as a participant, volunteer, teacher, partner, sponsor, or supporter, you become part of a community dedicated to sharing the transformative power of yoga, culture, and human connection.
We invite you to help shape the next chapter of this journey.