Varanasi: The spirit of yoga flowed along the banks of the Ganga at Namo Ghat on Monday as Varanasi officially launched its Yoga Week celebrations ahead of the 12th International Day of Yoga. More than 350 participants gathered for a mass yoga session, promoting the message of health, wellness, and holistic living.
The week-long campaign, being observed from June 15 to 21, aims to spread awareness about the benefits of yoga and encourage regular practice among people across urban and rural areas. This year’s International Day of Yoga theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” highlights the role of yoga in promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and a better quality of life.
The inaugural event was attended by Uttar Pradesh Minister Dr. Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’ as the chief guest and Minister of State Hansraj Vishwakarma as the guest of honour. Public representatives, administrative officials, yoga practitioners, and local residents participated enthusiastically in the programme.
Chief Development Officer Prakhar Kumar Singh said the state government is conducting a special campaign to take yoga from cities to villages and make it a part of everyday life. Alongside the gathering at Namo Ghat, residents in rural areas also performed yoga according to the prescribed Common Yoga Protocol.
Regional Ayurvedic and Unani Officer Dr. Arvind Kumar said yoga instructors are conducting daily sessions at parks, ghats, and public spaces across the city. These activities will continue until June 20, culminating in a grand celebration on June 21, the International Day of Yoga.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mishra and Hansraj Vishwakarma described yoga as a foundation for healthy living, mental balance, and positive thinking. They urged citizens to incorporate yoga into their daily routines, calling it one of India’s most valuable cultural gifts to the world.
The leaders noted that yoga has gained global recognition under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with countries around the world enthusiastically observing International Yoga Day. They also highlighted the efforts of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in promoting yoga, AYUSH, and healthy lifestyles across Uttar Pradesh.
Yoga sessions are being organised at several locations across Varanasi, including Ratnakar Park, Munshi Premchand Udyan, Kabir Nagar Udyan, Tilbhandeshwar Udyan, Nati Imli Udyan, Azad Park, Ashok Vihar Colony Park, Shivpur Colony Park, Company Bagh Park, Anand Bagh Park, and Shaheed Udyan, among others.
With enthusiastic participation from citizens and support from the administration, Yoga Week is expected to further strengthen awareness about wellness and healthy living throughout the district.
