Pune Celebrates Yoga Mahotsav Ahead of International Yoga Day (GS Paper 1, Art & Culture)
Context
- The ‘Yoga Mahotsav’ was held in Pune, Maharashtra, to mark the 75-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga.
- Organized by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga and the National Institute of Naturopathy, Ministry of Ayush, the event witnessed the overwhelming participation of thousands of people.
- The participants engaged in the practice of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) starting at 6.00 AM on April 7th, showcasing the growing popularity of Yoga.
Esteemed Guests and Dignitaries
- The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Shri Satyajit Paul, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Ayush; Shri Vishwas Mandalik, President, Yoga Vidya Gurukul, Nashik; Smt. Vijayalakshmi Bharadwaj, Director, Ministry of Ayush; Dr. Satya Lakshmi, Director, National Institute of Naturopathy, Pune; and Vaidya Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, Director of MDNIY.
- Their participation underscored the collective commitment towards promoting Yoga and advancing the cause of personal and societal betterment.
Promoting Yoga as a Global Movement
- Shri Satyajit Paul, in his address, expressed his delight at Pune hosting the ‘Yoga Mahotsav’ and highlighted Yoga as a global movement towards a healthier and better tomorrow.
- He appreciated the huge gathering and congratulated the participants for their enthusiasm in embracing Yoga.
Emphasis on Common Yoga Protocol
- The Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) was given significant importance during the event, with a live demonstration performed by the experts from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga.
- More than 5,000 Yoga practitioners participated in the CYP demonstration, which was streamed through various social media platforms of the Ministry of Ayush, MDNIY, and other Yoga institutions.
Collaborative Efforts
- The Indian Yoga Association’s Maharashtra State Chapter also supported the 75th day IDY-2024 celebration, further reinforcing the collective efforts to promote Yoga worldwide.
Conclusion
- The Yoga Mahotsav in Pune served as a testament to the growing popularity and importance of Yoga in fostering personal and societal well-being, as the nation prepares to celebrate the International Day of Yoga.