Citywide Celebrations Mark 11th International Day of Yoga in Chandigarh
The Voice of Chandigarh News:
Chandigarh | June 21, 2025: The citizens of Chandigarh joyfully celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga amidst the breath-taking ambience of the Tiranga Urban Park Sector 17 Chandigarh.
The event was graced by the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of UT Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering of yoga enthusiasts from all age groups, Kataria extended warm greetings and underscored the significance of yoga as a holistic way of life. He remarked, “Yoga is no longer just a form of exercise—it is now a people’s movement in Chandigarh and across India. It empowers the individual, strengthens communities, and offers a timeless solution to modern challenges.”The Governor spoke eloquently on the spiritual, philosophical, and scientific depth of yoga, tracing its roots from the ancient Indus-Saraswati civilization to its presence in the Rigveda, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita. He highlighted how yoga fosters inner balance, mindfulness, and harmony with nature.
Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary appeal at the United Nations in 2014, which led to the global declaration of International Day of Yoga, Kataria noted:“Today, Yoga is a global spirit—a symbol of wellness and unity that transcends cultures and borders.”
This year’s theme, “Yoga for Self and Society” and “One Earth, One Health,” resonated deeply as the Governor emphasized the interconnection between personal wellbeing and planetary health.
“When we care for our mind and body, we also nurture a healthier, more conscious planet. This is the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family,” he added.
During the celebrations, the Governor led the entire gathering in taking a solemn pledge for a ‘Nasha Mukt Chandigarh’. With hands raised and voices united, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria administered the pledge to all participants, reaffirming the city’s collective commitment to eliminating substance abuse and nurturing a healthier, addiction-free society.
The enthralled audience also had the privilege of witnessing the live streaming of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s address from the from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. The main event took place along the 26-kilometre stretch from Ramakrishna Beach to Bhogapuram, with an estimated 3 lakh participants joining the mass yoga session.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that yoga has become an integral part of life for crores of people around the world, transcending boundaries and evolving into a global movement for health, peace, and harmony.
Harpreet Kaur Babla, Mayor Chandigarh, Mandeep Singh Brar, Home Secretary, Chandigarh Administration; Diprava Lakra, Finance Secretary, Chandigarh Administration; Nishant Yadav, Deputy Commissioner, Chandigarh Administration Amit Kumar Commissioner Municipal Corporation Ajay Chagti, Secretary Health, and other eminent officers of the Chandigarh Administration actively participated in the Yoga Programme on this momentous occasion.
A vibrant assembly of approximately 2000 participants from various walks of life gracefully engaged in a myriad of yoga postures, bringing life to the grand event.
Yoga enthusiasts from the Directorate of AYUSH, Department of Tourism, Central Government departments, Govt. College of Yoga Education & Health (Sector 23), and teachers and students of government colleges, joined hands with various organizations and NGOs such as Art of Living, Patanjali, Bhartiya Yog Sansthan, GRIID, Khelshala, Brahma Kumaris, Bihar School of Yoga, Nirankari, Institute for the Blind, Brahmrishi Yoga Training College, Yoga Federation of India, Chandigarh Yoga Association, and Chandigarh Yoga Sabha to perform an array of invigorating yoga asanas.
The International Day of Yoga was also celebrated at Rock Garden, Chandigarh, with over 1500 participants including Anganwadi and Creche workers, children from CCIs, and Social Welfare officials. Chief Guest Anuradha Chagti, along with Shipra Bansal and Dr. Palika Arora, emphasized yoga as a holistic lifestyle. A guided session by AYUSH instructors was followed by a tree plantation drive under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,” highlighting yoga’s message of inner peace and harmony with nature.
The celebration was held at about 100 different locations throughout the city different Dispenseries and parks ,people of all ages and from different backgrounds came together to embrace the holistic practice of yoga. Directorate of AYUSH, UT Chandigarh facilitated these locations with Yoga instructors.
This widespread participation highlighted the collective enthusiasm and commitment of the Chandigarh community towards incorporating yoga into their daily lives. The city truly resonated with the spirit of unity and well-being, making the 11th International Yoga Day a resounding success.
