Ahead of the International Day of Yoga, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to reaffirm their commitment to making yoga an integral part of their lives.

Several events are being held across India ahead of the International Yoga Day on June 21.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organised Yoga Mahotsav 2024 at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Thursday.

In Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant discussed preparations for the International Yoga Day centered around the theme of “Yoga for Self and Society.”.

“We are celebrating International Yoga Day on 21st June…This year, from primary schools to high schools, from village panchayat to every village – we are celebrating International Yoga Day across Goa. The Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Directorate of AYUSH, and Directorate of Education are coming together for Yoga Day. Preparations are good. Patanjali Yoga Samiti, Brahmeshanand Swami Yoga Samiti, Prajapati Brahma Kumaris Yoga Samiti, Art of Living – all such organizations have been giving Yoga training for the last 8-10 days,” he said on Thursday.

“The government will provide Yoga teachers free of cost wherever required. We are also having programs across the state to promote Year of Millets. The Directorate of Sports will also provide support to those who want to conduct Yoga sessions even after Yoga Day…We are celebrating Yoga Day in Goa on the theme of ‘Yoga for Self and Society’,” he added.

In Gujarat, Minister Rushikesh Patel spoke about Yoga Day celebrations in all government offices at all levels.

“The world is celebrating Yoga Day on June 21 and it is celebrated across the country also… CM Bhupendra Patel will celebrate Yoga Day from Kutch’s Nadabet. Yoga Day will be celebrated in all government offices at all levels,” said the Gujarat Minister.

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.

Since 2015, the International Day of Yoga has been celebrated across the world annually on June 21, following its adoption by the United Nations in 2014.

Yoga events are being organized not only in India but also in other countries.

The Indian Embassy in the US organized a Yoga session in Washington, DC ahead of International Day of Yoga. A large number of people participated in the Yoga session at The Wharf in Washington, DC.

The Indian Embassy in Nepal also organized a Yoga demonstration on the banks of Phewa Lake in Pokhara to celebrate the 10th edition of the International Day of Yoga.

(ANI)