Lucknow: As dawn breaks over the City of Nawabs on June 21, Lucknow will join millions around the globe in celebrating the 12th International Day of Yoga. This year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” resonates deeply with a city that has long embraced the ancient practice as a pathway to holistic well-being, longevity, and community harmony.
Across parks, educational institutions, residential colonies, cultural centres, and public spaces, preparations are in full swing. The celebrations reflect not only a commitment to physical fitness but also a growing recognition of yoga as a powerful tool for preventive healthcare and healthy living.
The momentum has been strongly supported by the Uttar Pradesh government. During a review meeting held earlier this year, Uttar Pradesh Ayush Minister Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’ urged officials to intensify outreach efforts ahead of Yoga Day.
“Publicity and outreach activities for International Yoga Day on June 21 should be made more effective so that more people can connect with yoga,” he emphasized while addressing Ayush department officials, doctors, and principals of Ayush colleges through a virtual meeting.
Highlighting yoga’s role in preventive healthcare, the minister stressed that traditional systems of medicine and yoga help strengthen immunity and encourage healthier lifestyles. He also advocated the promotion of medicinal plant cultivation for both health and economic benefits.
One of the major attractions will be the programme at the Regional Science City, Lucknow, organized by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) under the Ministry of Culture. Scheduled to begin at 6:30 a.m., the event will feature a live yoga session led by Hina Hidayat Khan, Yoga Expert from Government Ayurvedic College, Lucknow, followed by an engaging lecture on “Pranayama & Yogasanas.”
“Yoga is not merely exercise; it is a way of life that nurtures the body as we age, calms the mind, and connects us to our inner strength,” says Khan. “At Regional Science City, we aim to make yoga accessible and scientifically grounded, encouraging families, seniors, and youth to adopt it daily.”
The citywide celebrations extend far beyond formal venues. District administrations and Ayush departments are coordinating mass yoga sessions in schools, colleges, parks, and community centres. NCC and NSS volunteers have been mobilized, while local instructors and wellness groups are conducting Common Yoga Protocol training programmes in the lead-up to the event.
A notable initiative is the RiverYoga2026 campaign at Kudiya Ghat, which combines yoga practice with awareness about the Gomti River and environmental conservation. The initiative has attracted students, families, and local residents eager to connect wellness with civic responsibility.
“It feels good to start the day with yoga by the river—it’s not just for the body but for our city too,” remarked one participant involved in the campaign.
Community organizations and resident welfare associations have also become active contributors. Anju Varshney, nodal officer associated with Lucknow Development Authority community initiatives, noted that residents in areas such as Nehru Enclave have been gathering regularly in parks for yoga sessions and are planning millet-based refreshments following meditation and pranayama.
In Thakurganj, yoga instructor Vineet Yadav observed, “People have been performing yoga for the last one week and more enthusiasts would turn up on Yoga Day.”
Similar enthusiasm is visible in Gomtinagar, where Raghuvendra Shukla, president of Gomtinagar Jan Kalyan Samiti, reported regular group practice sessions. Rupali Pandey of Saraswati Apartment, Gomtinagar Extension, added, “Many participants are getting benefits from yoga.”
The theme of healthy ageing has struck a special chord with senior citizens. One elderly participant from a Gomtinagar resident welfare association summed up the sentiment succinctly: “Yoga helps me stay flexible and peaceful. At my age, it’s the best medicine.”
Schools, corporate offices, temples, and ashrams are equally engaged. Inter-house yoga competitions, awareness talks, sunrise sessions, and spiritual wellness programmes are planned across the city. A representative from Gurukul Academy said the institution is “all set to celebrate” the day while promoting physical fitness and mental well-being. Echoing youthful enthusiasm, a student participant remarked, “Yoga Day makes us realize how strong and calm we can be—it’s motivating for exams and daily life too.”
