Thousands of enthusiasts across Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday joined vibrant celebrations marking the 12th International Day of Yoga, taking part in mass yoga sessions held at iconic locations, educational institutions, public parks, tourist spots, and government offices throughout the Union Territory.
The main event was organised at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) on the picturesque banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar, where Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha led the yoga session amid enthusiastic participation from students, government employees, healthcare workers, security personnel, and members of civil society. The serene morning atmosphere, with participants performing asanas against the backdrop of the lake and houseboats, symbolised the deep integration of yoga into the daily lives of Kashmiris.
Across the Kashmir Valley, district administrations organised well-coordinated programmes in all district headquarters, schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, sports complexes, and prominent public spaces. In north Kashmir’s districts like Baramulla and Kupwara, large gatherings took place at historic grounds and riverfronts, drawing people from all age groups, including senior citizens and women. Similar energetic sessions were witnessed in south Kashmir’s Anantnag and Pulwama, as well as central Kashmir areas, where hundreds gathered at dawn for collective yoga practice followed by awareness talks. In the Jammu division, major events were held at the MA Stadium in Jammu, Bhagwati Nagar, and various educational campuses, reflecting the UT-wide enthusiasm. Security forces and police personnel also conducted dedicated sessions at their establishments, integrating yoga into their wellness programmes.
Healthcare professionals and experts used the occasion to spread awareness about yoga’s scientifically proven benefits in preventing and managing non-communicable diseases. Doctors emphasised its effectiveness in reducing stress, anxiety, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity — issues that have been on the rise in modern lifestyles. “Regular practice of yoga improves immunity, enhances respiratory health, and promotes emotional balance, which is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced world,” said a senior physician participating in one of the Srinagar hospital events. Officials said that special outreach programmes were organised in remote and far-flung areas, including border villages and hilly terrains, to ensure wider accessibility.
Many events incorporated traditional elements, blending yoga with local Sufi breathing techniques and mindfulness practices rooted in Kashmir’s spiritual heritage.
Participants expressed joy at the growing popularity of yoga. “Yoga helps us remain physically active and mentally calm. Events like this not only motivate us but also bring communities together,” said Ayesha Jan, a college student who participated in the SKICC event. The International Day of Yoga, first proposed by India and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, has grown into one of the world’s largest wellness movements. In J&K, participation has steadily increased over the years, moving beyond wellness enthusiasts to become a mainstream activity in schools, colleges, government offices, and civil society groups.
The Lieutenant Governor’s administration has been actively promoting yoga through various initiatives, including training programmes for teachers, integration into school curricula, and wellness camps in rural areas. This year’s celebrations also aligned with broader goals of preventive healthcare and mental well-being, especially in the post-pandemic era.
The large-scale and peaceful participation on Sunday not only highlighted the growing acceptance of yoga across diverse sections of Kashmiri society but also reaffirmed its value as a powerful tool for physical health, mental resilience, and social harmony. As the sun rose over Dal Lake, the collective practice of asanas and pranayama sent a powerful message of wellness, unity, and harmony from the Valley.
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