Ahmedabad, June 21 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated in a yoga session at Prahlad Nagar Garden in Ahmedabad on Sunday as part of the nationwide celebrations marking the 12th International Yoga Day.

HM Shah joined citizens and yoga practitioners for the mass yoga programme organised in the city, adding to the series of events held across Gujarat and the country to commemorate the annual observance.

“Yoga is India’s invaluable gift to humankind which nourishes holistic well-being through energising mind, body and soul. Joined millions across the world in Yoga Day celebration by participating in a public yoga session in Ahmedabad,” he posted on his X handle.

The participation of the Union Home Minister came as lakhs of people took part in yoga sessions at public venues, educational institutions, parks and community spaces across India.

The International Day of Yoga this year is being observed under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, highlighting the role of yoga in promoting physical fitness, mental well-being and healthy lifestyles throughout life.

Across Gujarat, large-scale programmes were organised at designated venues in urban and rural areas, drawing participation from people of different age groups.

Ahmedabad hosted several yoga events on the occasion, with Prahlad Nagar Garden serving as one of the key venues in the city.

Participants gathered in the early hours of the morning to perform various yoga asanas and breathing exercises as part of the coordinated observance.

The celebrations coincided with the state-level International Yoga Day programme in Mansa of Gandhinagar district, attended by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national observance from Kolkata and addressed the nation.

This day has been observed annually since 2015 following the adoption of a United Nations resolution proposed by India.

The event aims to promote awareness of yoga as a holistic approach to health and well-being.

This year’s observance saw widespread participation across Gujarat, with government agencies, local bodies and community organisations coordinating programmes at hundreds of locations throughout the state.

–IANS

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