Srinagar, June 21: Despite the incessant morning rain, thousands of people across Kashmir Valley joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually to celebrate International Yoga Day 2024.
From students to volunteers and people from various walks of life, the spirit of unity and wellness was evident across all districts.
Marking its 10th anniversary, International Yoga Day aims to raise global awareness of the many benefits of practicing yoga. Even with challenging weather, the celebrations across Kashmir were vibrant and filled with energy, highlighting the valley’s commitment to promote health and wellness through yoga.
In Baramulla, the International Yoga Day was celebrated with remarkable energy. The main event was held at Showkat Ali Sports Stadium, where hundreds of youth, students, and elderly participants gathered. The enthusiasm was palpable as attendees performed yoga asanas under the guidance of trained instructors, demonstrating the valley’s growing embrace of yoga as a means to achieve physical and mental well-being.
Similarly, in Anantnag, the day was marked with great fervor. A grand event organized at Shaheed Himayun Muzzamil Government Degree College for Boys saw active participation led by Deputy Commissioner Dr. SF Hamid.
In Bandipora, the celebrations were held at S.K. Stadium, with Deputy Commissioner Shakeel ul Rehman and Senior Superintendent of Police Lakshay Sharma leading the event. Officers from the civil administration and police, along with many, participated in the yoga sessions, highlighting the widespread appeal of yoga across different sectors of society.
Shopian witnessed a grand function at the Mini-Secretariat, where hundreds of participants enthusiastically joined Deputy Commissioner Faz Lul Haseeb in the district’s celebration.
In Ganderbal, the main event took place at the Government College of Physical Education (GCoPE), Gadoora, with a significant turnout from various departments, college students and staff, and school students.
In Kulgam, the celebrations were centered at the lawns of the mini-secretariat, with a large number of locals, officers, officials from various departments, and students participating in the yoga sessions.
Similar celebrations were held in Budgam, Pulwama, and Kupwara, each district showcasing its unique enthusiasm for the ancient practice. The widespread participation across the valley emphasized the unifying power of yoga and its growing importance in promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Meanwhile the participants who joined PM Modi virtually from their respective districts were filled with enthusiasm to perform Yoga with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Aisha, a student from Bandipora said that despite the rain, the energy and spirit was incredible and participating in International Yoga Day with so many people from across the valley has been an unforgettable experience. “Yoga brings us together and helps us focus on our health and well-being”, she said.
Another participant said that joining Prime Minister Modi virtually for International Yoga Day was truly inspiring. “It is amazing to see so many people across Kashmir embracing yoga. It has become an essential part of our lives, promoting both physical and mental health.”
Despite the weather, the enthusiasm was high, and it was wonderful to be part of a global celebration of health and wellness, he added.
