New Delhi, June 21 (IANS) India marked the 12th International Day of Yoga with large-scale celebrations held across the country, bringing together citizens, government institutions, armed forces, schools, and community organisations in mass yoga demonstrations.

On the occasion, Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal extended greetings through a post on social media platform X. He wrote: “Heartfelt wishes on International Yoga Day. We should feel proud that our country has given the world an invaluable gift like yoga. Yoga is a symbol of our country’s great culture and knowledge.

“People from abroad come to India to learn yoga, but many of us living in India still can’t find time for yoga. In today’s fast-paced and stress-filled life, yoga is essential for keeping ourselves healthy,” he said.

Kejriwal’s message highlighted India’s cultural contribution to global wellness while also stressing the need for greater personal adoption of yoga in daily life.

From iconic public spaces to rural centres, thousands of events were organised as part of nationwide observance, reflecting yoga’s growing role in public health and wellness culture.

According to reports, the Ministry of AYUSH and partner institutions organised special programmes at multiple locations as part of a nationwide campaign, with structured Common Yoga Protocol sessions, awareness drives, and community participation events conducted across states.

The Indian Army also held yoga sessions as part of the celebrations, with large participation from personnel and families, highlighting the armed forces’ focus on fitness and mental well-being.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the main national celebration from Kolkata, describing the occasion as the “world’s largest collective celebration” as thousands participated in mass yoga sessions across the country. The nationwide observance also saw participation from ministers and chief ministers in various states, reinforcing yoga’s status as a unifying national practice.

Across India, schools, offices, and public institutions organised morning yoga sessions, while wellness experts emphasised the importance of integrating yoga into daily routines for both physical fitness and mental balance.

This year’s celebrations also placed renewed focus on preventive healthcare, mindfulness, and stress management, reflecting the evolving global perception of yoga beyond physical exercise.

The day was marked by mass participation events nationwide, reinforcing yoga’s role as a global wellness practice rooted in Indian tradition.

–IANS

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