Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: The spiritual city of Varanasi is gearing up for a week-long celebration of yoga as preparations intensify for the 12th International Yoga Day. From June 15 to June 21, a grand Yoga Week will be observed across the city, transforming Kashi’s iconic 84 ghats, educational institutions, public spaces, and rural communities into vibrant centers of wellness and mindfulness.
This year’s International Yoga Day theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” will guide a series of large-scale activities aimed at promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being, particularly among senior citizens.
According to district officials, the Yoga Week will formally begin on June 15 at the popular Namo Ghat. The inaugural event is expected to witness participation from public representatives, government officials, yoga practitioners, and citizens from across the district.
Yoga Across the Sacred Ghats
Throughout the week, collective yoga sessions will be organized daily at different ghats along the banks of the Ganga. The initiative will culminate on June 21, when thousands of participants are expected to perform yoga simultaneously at major ghats, including Assi Ghat, creating a spectacular display of unity, health, and spiritual harmony.
The yoga sessions will be spread across the city’s renowned crescent-shaped riverfront, bringing together residents, visitors, students, and yoga enthusiasts in one of the world’s most iconic spiritual settings.
Major Religious and Educational Institutions to Participate
Special yoga events will also be held at prominent locations including Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Sarnath, Girija Devi Cultural Complex, municipal parks, AYUSH healthcare centers, universities, colleges, schools, and panchayat buildings across the district.
Officials say the objective is to make yoga accessible to people from all walks of life while reinforcing its role in preventive healthcare and holistic wellness.
Rural Outreach at the Core of the Campaign
A major focus of this year’s celebrations is expanding yoga awareness in rural areas. Under a special outreach initiative, one male representative from each Youth Welfare Group and one female representative from each Women’s Group in village panchayats are being trained under the Common Yoga Protocol.
These trained volunteers will act as community yoga facilitators, encouraging regular yoga practice and spreading awareness about healthy living within their villages.
Training Camps Across Eight Development Blocks
To strengthen grassroots participation, three-day yoga training camps are being organized from June 12 to June 14 across all eight development blocks of Varanasi district—Harahua, Kashi Vidyapeeth, Arajiline, Chiraigaon, Baragaon, Cholapur, Sevapuri, and Pindra.
Each block has been assigned trained male and female instructors who will provide practical guidance on yoga techniques and the Common Yoga Protocol. Daily sessions begin at 7 a.m. and are designed to equip participants with the skills needed to lead yoga activities in their respective communities.
Promoting Healthy and Active Living
District authorities believe the campaign will play an important role in encouraging healthy lifestyles, particularly among the elderly. By engaging youth, women, and rural communities, the initiative seeks to build greater awareness about the benefits of regular yoga practice in maintaining physical fitness, mental well-being, and active ageing.
As the birthplace of countless spiritual traditions and the legendary abode of Lord Shiva, Varanasi is expected to offer a unique blend of spirituality, culture, and wellness during the Yoga Week celebrations. Against the backdrop of the sacred Ganga, thousands of participants will come together to showcase India’s ancient yoga heritage and its enduring relevance in promoting a healthier society.
