In a nationwide grand celebration of International Day For Yoga, 81 heritage sites under the aegis of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) hosted vibrant yoga sessions, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush on Saturday.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi led the 11^th International Day For Yoga from Andhra Pradesh’s Vishakhapatnam. Emphasizing yoga’s inclusive nature, He stated that “Yoga is for everyone, beyond boundaries, backgrounds, age or ability”. He further added that “Let this Yoga Day mark the beginning of Yoga for humanity 2.0, where inner peace becomes global policy.”

The theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, furthers India’s vision in leading the world in connecting physical fitness with mindful living, thus promoting holistic health globally.

From Adalaj Ki Vav in Gujarat to the Sun Temple in Konark, these architectural wonders served as backdrops for mass yoga participation by people of all ages. These sites witnessed the grand festival of yoga—an ancient wellness tradition—being embraced today by people from all walks of life.

As part of the celebrations, several Union Ministers joined yoga sessions at iconic ASI-protected monuments, reinforcing the significance of yoga as a national movement.

Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Culture and Tourism embraced yoga at Mehrangarh Fort in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur; Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, participated at Jantar Mantar in Delhi; Shri Pralhad Joshi at Pattadakal Group of Monuments along with other key dignitaries at various locations across the country. Their participation served as a powerful message of unity and cultural pride, inspiring citizens across the country to embrace yoga as a way of life.

The main event in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was live-streamed across all 81 ASI sites, where participants followed along in unison.

Yoga is a priceless gift from India to the world, offering holistic benefits for all of humanity.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com