Rishikesh, does not have a swinging lifestyle, as a pilgrimage centre, its entire life revolves around prayers and festivals. Being the gateway to the Char Dhams or the four famous pilgrims centres of Garhwal - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamnotri, it is the destination for the young and the restless seeking renewal and cleansing of the mind and the soul. Being a major centre, where the wise ones spent time in devotion, meditation and yoga, its ashrams or religious retreat centres offer lessons in meditation and treatment for a variety of stress induced ailments, using the ancient medical techniques. It is also the home to the annual International Yoga Festival held in early February
