The first European Yoga Award ceremony takes place at the Yoga Festival in Bad Meinberg on 20 November 2026 at 12:30.
Five individuals will be honoured for their contribution to the philosophical, spiritual and social dimensions of yoga in Europe. The recipients will be selected by an international jury.
Honouring people who bring yoga to life in Europe.
Yoga is a path of inner development that extends far beyond physical practice. The European Yoga Award honours people who share this depth and bring it to life through their work in society.
The first five recipients will be honoured on 20 November 2026 at 12:30 during the Yoga Festival in Bad Meinberg.
Shri Prataprao Jadhav (Honourable Minister of State, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India) has received our invitation to grace the European Yoga Awards Ceremony as the Chief Guest. A formal response from his office is expected shortly.
Applications and nominations close on 18 October 2026
The idea behind the award
The European Yoga Award was initiated by Gopi Venkateswara Prasad together with Yoga Vidya. It is jointly organised by Yoga Vidya e.V. and Gita Vidya Peetham e.V.
The initiative recognises people who share yogic knowledge and help others discover yoga as a holistic path.
It strengthens the exchange between yoga’s Indian roots and its practice in Europe today.
Five awards are planned each year. The initiative is intended to continue for at least ten years.
The award recognises individuals who make a lasting contribution to yoga in Europe, particularly through yoga philosophy and spirituality, education and teaching, or service to society.
Scientific contributions to yoga and Ayurveda may also play a role.
The jury brings together Indian yoga traditions, scientific expertise and European networks:
- A representative of S-VYASA University, Bengaluru
- Swami Suryananda, European Yoga Federation
- Dr. Ramesh Bijlani, Sri Aurobindo Ashram Delhi, physician and yoga researcher
Key dates for 2026
- 18 October: Applications and nominations close
- 25 October: Deadline for the validation questionnaire
- Final week of October: Video interviews and final jury decision
- Early November: Planned announcement of award recipients
- 20 November, 12:30: Award ceremony at the Yoga Festival in Bad Meinberg
Applications and participation
You can apply yourself or nominate someone else. Suitable candidates may also be invited to participate. In the form, describe how the nominee contributes to yoga in Europe and what makes their work significant.
Following an initial review, candidates will be asked to complete a ten-question validation questionnaire. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a video interview with the jury.
Personal attendance in Bad Meinberg on 20 November 2026 is required to receive the award. Recipients are normally responsible for their own travel costs.
The first award ceremony
Shri Prataprao Jadhav, India’s Minister of State for AYUSH, is expected to attend as Guest of Honour and present the awards.
Official confirmation of his travel is still pending. A European Yoga Award Journal is planned to introduce the recipients and their work.
Do you share yoga with particular dedication, or know someone whose work deserves recognition? We look forward to your application or nomination.