By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 21 Jun: Uttarakhand celebrated the 12th International Yoga Day with great enthusiasm and participation as the spirit of yoga swept across the state from the plains to the high Himalayas. From the sacred Char Dham shrines to the snow-clad heights of Auli and in the plains of Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, thousands of people took part in yoga sessions, reinforcing the message of “Do Yoga, Stay Healthy”.
People from all walks of life joined the collective yoga programmes organised across the state, reflecting the growing acceptance of yoga as a way of life. The participants on this occasion also pledged to adopt yoga as part of their daily routine and embrace a healthier lifestyle. During the programmes, awareness was also created about the benefits of yoga in maintaining physical fitness, improving mental well-being and reducing stress.
A state level event was led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in Banbasa whereas, in Dehradun, the main event was led by Health Minister Subodh Uniyal. Dhami extended his greetings to the people of the state on International Yoga Day and described yoga as an invaluable heritage that continues to guide humanity towards holistic wellness.
In Rishikesh, known globally as the Yoga Capital of the World, mass yoga sessions were organised at several locations including in Ashrams such as Shivananda Divine Life Society, and Parmarth Niketan. The officials and employees practiced yoga at the park located within the Yog Nagari Railway Station complex and resolved to make regular yoga an integral part of their lives. At Parmarth Niketan, yoga, meditation and pranayama sessions were conducted throughout the day. Swami Chidanand said the grand celebration once again demonstrated that India is not only the birthplace of yoga but also a nation that connects the world through peace, harmony, spiritual consciousness and the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
At Gangotri Dham, yoga practitioners from Sivananda Ashram organised a yoga camp in which personnel from the police, ITBP, SDRF, PAC and pilgrims participated.
At Badrinath Dham, a yoga programme was organised by the ITBP’s 23rd Battalion under the supervision of Deputy Commandant Mahavir Singh at Mana. In another unique initiative, yoga guru Swami Ramdas led a yoga session at Charanpaduka-Neelkanth Base where foreign visitors from ten countries participated.
Across Chamoli district, various programmes were organised under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”. The main district-level event was held at the Police Ground in Gopeshwar, where thousands of people performed yoga together and pledged to lead healthier lives. Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Bhatt attended the programme as the chief guest.
However, a contrasting picture emerged from the confluence town of Devprayag. The Sangam Ghat, which usually witnesses participation from public representatives, government officials and employees on Yoga Day, remained largely deserted. This year, the observance appeared to be limited to nine National Cadet Corps cadets and their instructor, raising questions about local participation.
One of the most remarkable celebrations took place in Auli, where personnel of the ITBP Skiing Institute performed yoga at an altitude of 13,780 feet amid snow-covered peaks, setting a unique example of fitness and discipline while undergoing skiing training.
The Ayush Department organised a yoga camp at the internationally renowned tourist destination of Chaukori in Pithoragarh district. The programme was inaugurated by MLA Fakir Ram Tamta and Block Pramukh Sangeeta Chanyal. Speakers highlighted the importance of yoga and Ayurveda, stating that regular yoga practice and an Ayurvedic lifestyle help individuals remain physically, mentally and spiritually healthy. Schoolchildren, government employees, police personnel and local residents participated in large numbers. Fruit-bearing and shade-giving saplings were also planted at the Tourist Rest House premises. SDM Ankit Raj, Municipal Chairperson Hema Pant and several other dignitaries attended the event.
Dhami participated in a mass yoga session at Banbasa in Champawat district, his Assembly constituency. Addressing participants, he said yoga is not merely a form of exercise but a way of life that establishes harmony between the mind, body and soul. He stated that the state government is working with a commitment to establish Uttarakhand as a global capital of yoga and wellness. In this direction, the state has implemented the country’s first Yoga Policy, under which subsidies of up to Rs 20 lakh are being provided for the development of yoga and meditation centres, while grants of up to Rs 10 lakh have been earmarked to promote research and academic studies in yoga. He added that five new yoga hubs are being established across the state and yoga services are being ensured at all Ayush Health and Wellness Centres.
In Mussoorie, a large-scale yoga programme was organised by the Municipal Council at the Town Hall premises. Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi attended the event as chief guest, while ITBP personnel enthusiastically participated and conveyed a message of fitness and discipline. Residents from different age groups joined the session and took a pledge to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Yoga instructors guided participants through various asanas and pranayama exercises and explained the physical and mental benefits of regular yoga practice.
In Haridwar, Yoga Day celebrations were organised at the Rishikul Ayurvedic College campus, where cultural programmes based on Uttarakhand’s folk traditions were also presented. Several yoga sessions were conducted across the city, including major events at Har Ki Pauri and the grounds of Rishikul Ayurvedic College. Ayush Minister Madan Kaushik, Mayor Kiran Jaisal, District Magistrate Mayur Dixit, Chief Development Officer Lalit Narayan Mishra, government officials and hundreds of students participated in the programmes. Experienced trainers conducted yoga sessions, while several saints and seers also marked their presence. Madan Kaushik said yoga has received worldwide recognition due to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that the entire world is now celebrating International Yoga Day. He emphasised that yoga should not remain confined to a single day but must become a part of everyday life to ensure physical and mental well-being.
A grand celebration was also organised at Shaheed Rifleman Jaswant Singh Stadium in Pauri. Cabinet Minister Dhan Singh Rawat, District Magistrate Swati S Bhadauria and other dignitaries inaugurated the programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
In Nainital, a massive yoga session was held at the Flats Ground. MP Ajay Bhatt, MLA Sarita Arya, public representatives, officials, social organisations and local residents participated in large numbers. Participants practised various yoga postures and breathing exercises and resolved to incorporate yoga into their daily lives. Addressing the gathering, Ajay Bhatt said yoga is essential for modern life as it not only keeps the body healthy but also promotes mental peace and positive energy. He said regular yoga practice helps people remain stress-free and reduces the risk of lifestyle-related diseases.
In Udham Singh Nagar district, the Education Department organised a grand yoga event at Manoj Sarkar Sports Stadium in Rudrapur under the theme, “Yoga is the One Mantra for Healthy Ageing; Yoga for Healthy Ageing in Every Heart and Every Moment”. Public representatives, administrative officials, doctors, police personnel and members of the public participated in large numbers and pledged to adopt a healthy lifestyle through yoga. The programme aimed to spread awareness about the importance of yoga and encourage people to embrace healthier living. MLA Shiv Arora, Chief Development Officer Divesh Shahni, SDM Manish Bisht, Chief Medical Officer Dr K.K. Agrawal and officials from various departments were present on the occasion. In addition, reports came in from across the state regarding the celebration of the Yoga Day today.
