Lucknow: The 12th International Yoga Day was celebrated with remarkable enthusiasm and grandeur across Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, with thousands of people participating in mass yoga sessions organized in cities, towns, and villages throughout the state. From the state capital Lucknow to districts such as Varanasi, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Mathura, Kanpur, Agra, Meerut, Gorakhpur, Bareilly, Aligarh, Lakhimpur Kheri, Basti, Deoria, Mirzapur, and Sonbhadra, citizens gathered early in the morning to practice yoga and promote healthy living.
A wide range of yoga camps and awareness programmes were held in schools, colleges, government offices, police lines, prisons, stadiums, public parks, and community centers. The state government conducted an extensive campaign this year under the theme “Health Through Yoga, Prosperity Through Health.”
Women’s voluntary organizations, along with NSS and NCC volunteers, organized special camps in rural areas to educate people about the physical and mental health benefits of yoga. The celebrations witnessed participation from public representatives, ministers, administrative officials, students, farmers, traders, and citizens from all walks of life.
In the Moradabad division, members of 36 communities joined hands to take a collective pledge for a “Healthy India.” Mass yoga sessions were organized across Moradabad, Bijnor, Rampur, Amroha, and Sambhal under the “12-12-12” theme, drawing participation from over 1,200 people. Speaking on the occasion, BJP MLA Rajeev Tarara said that the dream of a healthy India could be realized through widespread yoga awareness and practice.
Several programmes were organized in schools, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, stadiums, government offices, and along the banks of the Ganga. Participants also paid tribute to renowned yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar, often regarded as one of the pioneers of modern yoga. At the Moradabad Sports Stadium, Cabinet Minister Bhupendra Singh, District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya, and other officials joined the mass yoga session and encouraged people to adopt healthier lifestyles.
In Lucknow, Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Dinesh Sharma participated in yoga activities and highlighted that, due to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, International Yoga Day is now observed in more than 170 countries worldwide. He emphasized that yoga is not merely a one-day event but a global movement promoting holistic well-being.
In Mainpuri, Minister Jaiveer Singh thanked Prime Minister Modi for helping bring India’s ancient yogic heritage to the global stage. Similarly, in Badaun, Minister Arun Kumar Saxena praised the Prime Minister’s role in popularizing yoga internationally and wished him good health and longevity.
A unique attraction in Prayagraj was a sand art installation created on the banks of the Sangam, depicting people of different age groups practicing yoga. The artist said the artwork symbolized the timeless tradition of yoga being passed from one generation to another.
In Mirzapur, Minister Ashish Singh Patel focused on this year’s theme of “Healthy Ageing,” emphasizing that yoga helps individuals maintain physical fitness and mental well-being even in old age. BJP State President Pankaj Chaudhary, participating in celebrations in Maharajganj, also acknowledged the Prime Minister’s contribution in securing global recognition for yoga. Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister Sunil Kumar Sharma in Ghaziabad described yoga as a powerful tool for achieving balance, discipline, and wellness in life.
In Kaushambi, a large-scale yoga programme was organized at the DIET ground, inaugurated by District Panchayat Chairperson Kalpana Sonkar and Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission member Pratibha Kushwaha. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from public representatives, administrative officials, and local residents. District Magistrate Dr. Amit Pal, Superintendent of Police Satyanarayan, Chief Development Officer Vinod Ram Tripathi, and several other dignitaries attended the programme. Addressing participants, Kalpana Sonkar said yoga is an integral part of India’s cultural heritage and represents a practical lifestyle for achieving physical, mental, and emotional balance.
In Varanasi, International Yoga Day celebrations extended from the iconic Ganga ghats to university campuses and sports complexes. A grand mass yoga session was held at the Dr. Sampurnanand Sports Stadium in Sigra, where hundreds of citizens, elected representatives, and officials performed various yoga practices under the guidance of Ayush Ministry chief instructor Idal Prasad. The programme began with traditional chants and followed the official yoga protocol, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
Across Uttar Pradesh, the celebrations concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to adopting a healthy, disciplined, and balanced lifestyle through the regular practice of yoga, reflecting the growing acceptance of yoga as a cornerstone of physical and mental well-being.
