Akhilesh Chandra Saxena
Bareilly: Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University (MJPRU) celebrated the third day of its Yoga Week with a unique event called “Damru Yoga” held at the iconic Adinath Square, also known as Damru Chauraha in the heart of the city.
The Damru Yoga event held on June 18, 2024 was an enthralling blend of yoga, dance and the rich cultural heritage of Bareilly, “Nath Nagri”. The event was designed to highlight the significance of the Damru, a percussion instrument that has become synonymous with the city’s identity and its deep connection with Lord Shiva.
The event began with a yoga session led by experienced practitioners, where participants were guided through a series of asanas and pranayama. The focus was on establishing a harmonious coordination between the body, mind and the rhythmic beats of the Damru.
After the yoga session, the students of the University Cultural Centre enthralled the audience with a spectacular Damru Dance performance. They gracefully portrayed the reverence and worship of Lord Shiva, the divine patron of Yoga, through their dance and the rhythmic beats of the Damru. The fascinating display of Yogasanas interspersed with the Damru Dance continued to emphasize the synergy between the ancient practice of Yoga and the cultural heritage of Bareilly.
The event was attended by distinguished guests including Chief Proctor Prof. AK Singh. Cultural Coordinator Dr. Jyoti Pandey, Deputy Registrar Sunita Yadav, Prof. S.K. Pandey, Prof. J.N. Maurya, Tapan Verma, Sudhanshu Sharma and Dharmendra Sharma were present.
In his address, Chief Proctor Prof. Underlining the significance of the Damru Yoga event, AK Singh said, “The Damru is not just a musical instrument; it is a symbol of Bareilly’s identity and its deep connection with Lord Shiva. By integrating the Damru into our Yoga Week celebrations, we aim to showcase the harmony between our cultural heritage and the transformative power of yoga. The Damru Yoga event was a grand success, enthralling the audience with its blend of tradition and modernity. The University’s dedication to preserving Bareilly’s cultural richness and promoting the holistic benefits of yoga was evident in the enthusiastic participation of students, faculty and the local community.
The event is another milestone in MJPRU’s efforts to foster appreciation for the city’s heritage while empowering individuals through the practice of yoga. The Damru Yoga Festival has truly become a testimony to Bareilly’s vibrant cultural identity and the University’s commitment to holistic education and community engagement.
