MoS Ayush Inaugurates Yoga Mahotsav 2025 in Puducherry

MoS Ayush Inaugurates Yoga Mahotsav 2025 in Puducherry

Why in the News?

The 25-day countdown to the 11th International Day of Yoga began with the inauguration of Yoga Mahotsav 2025, a grand yoga celebration and global festival, in Puducherry by MoS for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav. This global yoga event promotes Yoga’s universal importance and health benefits, emphasizing yoga for health and wellness, including aspects of yoga therapy and yoga philosophy.

Inauguration of Yoga Mahotsav 2025:

  • The Yoga Mahotsav 2025, a significant yoga celebration, was inaugurated in Puducherry by Union Minister of State for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav.
  • The event marks the 25-day countdown to the 11th International Day of Yoga, highlighting the growing global interest in Indian yoga traditions and the increasing popularity of yoga retreats and yoga teacher training programs worldwide, including in cities like Nashik.
  • It is organized by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, under the Ministry of Ayush, as part of the Government of India’s efforts to promote yoga for health worldwide through various initiatives, including the Yoga Sangam program.

Key Highlights from the Inaugural Address

  • MoS Jadhav emphasized Yoga as a critical need for present and future health, highlighting its role in promoting spiritual wellness, mind-body balance, and environmental sustainability.
  • He highlighted Yoga’s ability to transcend age, gender, and act as a universal language of peace and harmony, underlining its effectiveness in stress reduction through yoga and meditation techniques like Pranayama and Dhyana.
  • The event underlined Yoga’s role in promoting holistic wellness and harmony, showcasing various yoga postures and yogic breathing exercises for overall well-being, including improved strength and flexibility.

Dignitaries and Event Activities

  • Present at the event were Puducherry Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, Legislative Assembly Speaker R. Selvam, and other key officials from the Ministry of Ayush.
  • The Mahotsav featured a mass demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol, which included a variety of yoga postures and yogic breathing exercises, attracting numerous yoga enthusiasts. This live demonstration served as one of the Signature Events of the festival.
  • The initiative reflects India’s ongoing commitment to popularizing Yoga globally through government-backed programs, including the Yoga Sangam initiative and the Government of India’s Yoga Portal for online engagement and digital platform access.

As part of the Yoga Mahotsav 2025 and the upcoming International Day of Yoga, the Ministry of Ayush is organizing a series of events across India. These include Yoga Sangam sessions in various cities like Bhubaneswar, Nashik, and at venues such as Kalinga Stadium and Vigyan Bhawan, promoting yoga for mental health and overall well-being. The celebration will culminate in a synchronized nationwide celebration and mass Yoga performance on the International Day of Yoga, reinforcing India’s position as a leader in promoting this ancient yoga tradition for global health and harmony.

The Ministry of Ayush has also introduced online registration for these events, making it easier for participants to join from different locations, including Nashik. This digital platform approach aims to increase accessibility and engagement with yoga practices across the country.

In addition to the main event in Puducherry, satellite events are being organized in other cities. For instance, Nashik will host a special yoga retreat focusing on advanced meditation techniques and yoga therapy, showcasing the city’s commitment to yoga for health. Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium will be the venue for a large-scale yoga demonstration, emphasizing the physical benefits of yoga, such as increased strength and flexibility.

The Yoga Mahotsav 2025 not only celebrates the rich yoga tradition of India but also highlights its relevance in addressing modern health challenges. By incorporating elements of yoga philosophy and holistic health approaches, the event aims to showcase yoga as a comprehensive system for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga plays a crucial role in organizing these events and promoting yoga for health across the country.

As the countdown to the International Day of Yoga continues, the Ministry of Ayush encourages people from all walks of life to participate in these events, either in person or through the digital platforms provided. This inclusive approach ensures that the benefits of yoga reach a wider audience, promoting a healthier and more harmonious society. Participants from Nashik and other cities are expected to join in large numbers, further solidifying India’s position as the global hub for yoga and wellness practices.