Braving the mild drizzle, several yoga enthusiasts pulled out their yoga mats and participated in various events organised to mark the second International Day of Yoga, here in Bengaluru.
This year, the state government had invited Bipasha Basu to participate in the Yoga Day celebrations. Flanked by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Union Minister H.N. Ananth Kumar and D.V. Sadananda Gowda, Ms. Basu and others performed several asanas at the event at Kanteerava Stadium here.
While all the major Yoga Day events in the city were hosted amidst much fan fare, some that were scheduled in neighbourhood parks and playgrounds were cancelled due to the steady drizzle. However, in a few centres, the events were shifted indoors. It is said that many events also reported thin attendance due to rain.
Mysuru
The heritage city put its best foot forward to reinforce its reputation as the “Yoga Capital” as thousands spread out their mats to perform various asanas to mark the International Day of Yoga on Tuesday.
Backed by the Department of Ayush and the district administration, scores of yoga institutions doubled up as a team to ensure that the event held on the Mysuru Palace premises was well attended by enthusiastic practitioners.
Though the palace was the focal point and saw the single largest gathering of yoga practitioners in the city, the event was also observed by scores of institutions spread across Mysuru and will continue through the day.
At the Mysuru Palace premises, yoga gurus drawn from established institutions including the Sri Pathanjali Yoga Shikshana Samithi, Mysuru Yoga Okkuta, JSS Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital took the lead in guiding the participants in performing various asanas.
While a majority of the participants were drawn from yoga institutes, school students and NCC cadets too were present in large numbers, underlining how the new generation has taken to yoga in a spirited way. Joining the locals were a few foreigners too.
Having emerged as a major yoga hub in recent decades, Mysuru has more than 200 schools and has spanned a veritable industry besides propagating different forms of this ancient discipline of which Ashtanga and Vinyasa are popular.
Bidar
International Day of Yoga began early on Tuesday in Bidar with a performance of yoga asanas and breathing exercises at the walking path beside the Baridshahi gardens here.
Yoga instructor Dhondiram Chandiwale performed asanas and coached the participants in pranayama (breathing exercises).
Nagesh Reddy social activist, spoke on the importance of Yoga. Gurunath Rajgira of Matrubhumi Seva Pratishtana, and others were present. Over 200 men, women and children participated in the event.
Belagavi
The International Day of Yoga event in Belagavi evoked a huge response from various institutions and social organisations. Yoga experts performed difficult asanas, some combining art with the yogic postures to demonstrate control over body and mind at a function organised by the district administration.
MP Suresh C. Angadi inaugurated the event in presence of Regional Commissioner N. Jayaram and subsequently, participated in the yoga session conducted experts.
The Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre (MLIRC) also conducted yoga session for both army personnel and civilians of Belgaum Cantonment Board. Around 1,520 army persons, cantonment board members and their families participated.
Yoga sessions were also organised at Hire Bagewadi Primary Health Centre and other health centres across the district. Several educational and health institutions also celebrated the day by organising special yoga sessions for students, faculty and patients.
