The Uttar Pradesh government is preparing extensively for International Yoga Day on June 21. A series of special events will mark the occasion with cultural and spiritual enthusiasm. As in past years, large yoga sessions will be held at famous historical and religious sites. These events aim to connect yoga practice with the state’s rich heritage and spiritual traditions, a government spokesperson said.
Mass yoga demonstrations will take place at key locations such as the Gorakhdham Temple in Gorakhpur, the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Chakratirth in Naimisharanya (Sitapur), and Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi. Grand celebrations are also planned at the Raj Bhavan in Lucknow and Prem Mandir in Mathura. Additionally, yoga sessions will be held at historical landmarks across various gram panchayats, blocks, tehsils, and districts.
Yoga Week began officially on June 15, with several district and state-level programs already in progress. Participants have pledged to make yoga a regular part of their lives, according to a press release.
The weeklong celebration will include special activities aimed at different groups:
On June 16, schools and colleges will hold competitions in yogasana, poster-making, speeches, essays, quizzes, and rangoli art.
On June 17, ‘Ayush Gram Yoga Day’ will see yoga sessions and health check-up camps in gram panchayats.
On June 18, yoga programs will be organised for people with special needs, prisoners, orphanage residents, and those living in slums.
On June 19, mass yoga practices will take place in government offices and corporate workplaces.
On June 20, dedicated yoga sessions will focus on women’s health. These will include girl students, pregnant women, adults, and working women.
On June 21, International Yoga Day, large yoga demonstrations will be held at the Raj Bhavan Lawn, Residency, and all district headquarters. Winners of the district and state-level competitions will be honoured on this day.
Competitions in essay writing, slogan creation, painting, and yogasana are being organised at the state and district levels.
Prizes at the state level include ₹21,000 for first place, ₹11,000 for second, ₹5,100 for third, ₹2,100 for fourth, and ₹1,100 for fifth.
To support these activities, the government has allocated over ₹2.63 crore for all 75 districts in Uttar Pradesh.
