A Journey of Yoga, Sadhana and Self-Discovery: Yoga Shiksha Shivir – May 2026

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari conducts the residential camp Yoga Shiksha Shivir twice every year. This camp offers an introduction to yogasanas and pranayama, and is designed to help participants begin their journey into yogic living. The May 2026 batch of Yoga Shiksha Shivir was held at Training Center, Vivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari, from 1st to 15th May 2026. A total of 33 participants attended the Shivir, representing various states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. One participant from Germany also took part in the programme.

Registration and reporting formalities commenced on 30th April 2026, followed by an introductory session in the evening after Bhajan Sandhya and supper. During this session, participants were oriented to the objectives, schedule, and discipline of the Shivir. The camp was conducted in both Hindi and English, and participants were organized into four groups for effective interaction and learning.

The daily schedule included Pratah Smaran, Yoga Asana Abhyas, Pranayama, Shrama Sanskar, theory lectures, group discussions (Manthan), chanting practice, Bhajan Sandhya, and Prerana Se Punrutthan sessions. The practical yoga sessions covered loosening exercises, Surya Namaskar, and various yogasanas. Participants were systematically trained in the practice of different pranayamas and were introduced to shuddhi kriyas such as Jal Neti, Sutra Neti, and Vamana Dhauti, which were practiced twice during the Shivir. Special sessions on Trataka, Omkar Dhyana, Cyclic Meditation, and Yoga Nidra were also conducted.

The theory sessions covered a wide range of topics including the Concept of Yoga, Yama and Niyama, Asana and Pranayama, Antaranga Yoga, Kriyas, Bandhas and Mudras, Bhagavad Gita, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Anand Mimansa, Pranava Mantra, Sadhana, Yoga and Health, and Indian Culture. Participants also attended lectures on the life and message of Swami Vivekananda, the contributions of Mananeeya Eknathji Ranade, the Vivekananda Kendra Thought Movement, Kendra activities, Kendra Prarthana, and the theme “Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah.” Each lecture was followed by Manthan sessions, enabling participants to discuss and deepen their understanding of the subjects.

Geet Abhyas sessions included the learning of various prayers, chants, and songs such as Shanti Mantra, Aikya Mantra, Pratah Smaran Prayer, Bhagavad Gita Karma Yoga Shloka Sangraha, Shivir Geet, and other devotional compositions. Daily Bhajan Sandhya sessions helped nurture emotional refinement and devotion through collective singing. Participants were provided with pure and sattvic food throughout the Shivir to support their yoga sadhana. Shrama Sanskar sessions encouraged discipline, teamwork, and a spirit of service through campus cleanliness activities.

The Prerana Se Punrutthan sessions included games, information about Kendra activities, chanting, introspection, and interactive question-and-answer sessions. As part of the experiential learning component, participants visited the Vivekananda Rock Memorial on 8th May and had darshan of the Kanyakumari Devi Temple and nearby places. On 10th May, they participated in the Deepa Puja at the Kanyakumari Temple. A trek to Marunthuvazh Malai (hill) was organized on 11th May, and on 13th May participants visited the campus exhibitions, including Sri Ramayana Darshanam, Gangotri, and the Vivekananda Pictorial Exhibition.

The Shivir was conducted in a congenial, spiritual, and disciplined atmosphere that fostered learning, self-development, and inner growth. Many participants expressed their willingness to dedicate their time and energy towards societal service through the various activities of Vivekananda Kendra, reflecting the positive impact of the programme.