The historic Purana Qila in the national capital witnessed a grand celebration of the 11th International Day of Yoga on Saturday, in a joint initiative by the Ministry of Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The event was attended by Member of Parliament Bansuri Swaraj, ASI Director-General Yadubir Singh Rawat, and other senior officials of the ASI. Yoga enthusiasts and members of the public gathered at the iconic monument to participate in the event, which underscored the deep cultural and historical roots of yoga in India.
Participants also witnessed a live telecast of the main national event held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a record-breaking yoga session and addressed the nation. In his speech, the Prime Minister emphasized yoga’s universal appeal, its transformative power, and its relevance to global well-being.
The 11th International Day of Yoga is being observed worldwide under the theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, reflecting yoga’s holistic approach to physical, mental, and planetary health.
As part of the nationwide celebrations, the Archaeological Survey of India organized yoga sessions at 81 centrally protected monuments across the country. The initiative aimed to reinforce the connection between India’s cultural heritage and the ancient practice of yoga.
The International Day of Yoga was first proposed by Prime Minister Modi during his address at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. The proposal received overwhelming support, and in December of that year, the UN declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, recognizing it as an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition to the world.
Saturday’s event at Purana Qila was one of many across the country celebrating yoga as a tool for unity, well-being, and cultural pride.