Bend it like Bengaluru: City celebrates yoga in style

International Yoga Day saw the city come alive with vibrant celebrations organised by various institutions and organisations. From mass yoga sessions to unique masterclasses, the events attracted people of all ages and backgrounds, including diplomats, wellness enthusiasts, and senior citizens. With a focus on health, community, and harmony, the day featured activities ranging from traditional yoga practices to innovative initiatives like yoga on engineering marvels and musical tributes. These gatherings highlighted yoga’s universal appeal and its role in promoting physical, mental, and social well-being.

Diplomats flex their zen

Over 1,500 practitioners participated in the Yoga Arambha special masterclass organised by MP Tejasvi Surya and Atha Yog Living at the Kittur Rani Chennamma Stadium on Saturday. The event welcomed wellness enthusiasts, foreign diplomats, expatriates, and citizens from all walks of life. Dignitaries included Hilary McGeachy, Consul General of Australia in Bengaluru; Edgar Pang, Consul General of Singapore in Chennai; Karthik Tallam, Honorary Consul of Cambodia in India; and N S Srinivasa Murthy, Honorary Consul General of Vietnam for Karnataka. Live painting and tabla recitals enriched the spiritual atmosphere.

Yoga in motion

The 11th International Day of Yoga was celebrated at the Headquarters Training Command campus under the theme, ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health.’ The session began with basic kriyas, progressing through asanas and pranayama techniques, and ended with sankalp. Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, IAF, was present.

Wellness rides the rails

Indian Railways observed ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ across its zones and stations nationwide. Unique sessions were held atop iconic engineering feats, including the Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir, the world’s highest railway arch bridge. The Howrah Division operated a special Electric Multiple Unit (EMU)\ train featuring illustrations of various yoga mudras and their health benefits.

Seniors stretch it out

The Department of Integrative Medicine at NIMHANS organised a mass yoga session for over 150 senior citizens. The one-hour session was designed to address their specific mental and physical health needs, focusing on safety, comfort and therapeutic value.

Global harmony

Sahaja Yoga received a Certificate of Excellence from the World Book of Records – London for organising the world’s largest musical and meditation tribute to the Indian Armed Forces. Held at Tripuravasini, Palace Grounds, the event featured over 200 artistes from 20 countries playing more than 100 musical instruments in a fusion of yoga, music and meditation.