Hyderabad, May 2: A grand celebration of yoga took place in Hyderabad as part of the ‘Yoga Mahotsav’ ahead of International Yoga Day 2026. Thousands of yoga enthusiasts gathered for this event.
Organized by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga under the Ministry of AYUSH, the event was held at Kanha Shanti Vanam. Here, over 6,000 participants practiced ‘Bhujangasana’ simultaneously, setting a new record that has been officially recognized in the Asia Book of Records. This achievement is significant as it marks the largest gathering of individuals performing the same pose at the same time.
The event was graced by the presence of Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy. He remarked that yoga is not only an ancient heritage of India but also a priceless gift to humanity. Today, leaders, officials, and common people from many countries are practicing yoga and reaping its benefits.
Reddy further emphasized that to create a developed India by 2047, we must build a healthy, peaceful, and disciplined society. He noted that yoga offers an affordable and effective solution to modern issues like stress, unhealthy lifestyles, and pollution. He stated that Hyderabad is not just a hub for IT and innovation but is also becoming a global center for yoga and holistic health.
Prataprao Jadhav, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership during his address. He mentioned that due to Modi’s efforts, yoga has become a symbol of health and wellness worldwide, providing not only physical health but also mental peace and emotional balance.
Jadhav introduced the ‘Yoga 365’ campaign, which encourages daily yoga practice among people. A free yoga training program lasting 100 days is currently underway, aiming to involve over 100,000 participants and issue ‘Yoga Friend’ certificates by June 21.
He announced that the next yoga festival, marking the 25-day countdown to International Yoga Day 2026, will be held in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. He also commended the Heartfulness Institute and the Yoga Certification Board for their yoga sessions held for six months at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
Monalisa Das, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of AYUSH, stated that Kanha Shanti Vanam exemplifies the peace and balance that yoga teaches. The event aims to initiate a health and unity movement across the country.
Notable attendees included Kamlesh Patel (Daaji), President of the Heartfulness Institute, MP D.K. Aruna, and Secretary of AYUSH Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha.
The yoga festival featured a collective practice of the Common Yoga Protocol, a performance of Natyayoga, and a yoga fusion presented by a Korean team, attracting significant attention. Diplomats from over 20 countries also participated, highlighting the growing global influence of yoga.
This yoga festival has proven to be a significant step in preparation for International Yoga Day 2026, reaffirming the Indian government’s commitment to promoting a healthy, positive, and balanced lifestyle through yoga.
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