Srinagar, June 21: In a vibrant display of unity, wellness, and collective participation, the 12th International Day of Yoga was celebrated across Kashmir on Saturday with thousands of people taking part in yoga sessions organised at district headquarters, educational institutions, government offices, public parks, courts, sports stadiums and tourist destinations.

Observed under the global theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” the celebrations transformed into a valley-wide movement promoting physical fitness, mental well-being and a healthier lifestyle. From the plains of South Kashmir to the scenic landscapes of North Kashmir, citizens from all walks of life joined hands in embracing the ancient practice of yoga.
Government officials, students, security personnel, judicial officers, healthcare workers, sportspersons, volunteers and members of civil society participated enthusiastically, reflecting the growing awareness about yoga's role in building a healthier and stress-free society.
The largest gatherings were witnessed at district-level functions organised jointly by the AYUSH Department and district administrations.
In Anantnag, a mega event at the Sports Stadium witnessed massive participation under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat. Similar enthusiasm marked celebrations at Pahalgam, Kokernag and Verinag, where participants performed yoga asanas and breathing exercises aimed at improving physical and mental health.
In Ganderbal, the main programme was held at Government College of Physical Education (GCoPE), Gadoora, where Deputy Commissioner Jatin Kishore led the celebrations. Participants also watched the live telecast of the Prime Minister’s address before joining the Common Yoga Protocol session.
Baramulla witnessed a large gathering at Showkat Ali Sports Stadium, where senior civil and police officers joined youth and local residents in celebrating the occasion. The event highlighted yoga's growing popularity among younger generations.
At Galizaoo Stadium Kupwara, hundreds of students, officials, health workers and residents participated in the district-level event, while similar programmes were organised across Handwara and other parts of the district.
The celebrations at Mini Secretariat Kulgam and Mini Secretariat Shopian also drew large crowds, with simultaneous yoga sessions organised at colleges, schools, government offices and AYUSH wellness centres throughout the districts.
In Bandipora, major yoga sessions were organised at S.K. Sports Stadium, Wullar Vantage Park and Tulail, alongside programmes in Gurez and Sumbal. Participants also watched the national celebrations through live telecast from Kolkata.
The spirit of yoga extended beyond administrative institutions as judicial officers, legal professionals and court staff joined special sessions organised by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA) across Kashmir.
In Budgam, a yoga session was organised at the District Court Complex, where judicial officers and legal professionals performed yoga exercises under expert guidance. Similar programmes were conducted at the District Court Complex in Anantnag, reinforcing the message of holistic health and wellness.
The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) organised a special yoga session at SK Park, Lal Chowk, where officials and employees participated in various yoga exercises and meditation practices aimed at promoting healthy living.
Security forces and defence establishments also marked the occasion with enthusiasm. Army formations and security personnel across Kashmir organised yoga sessions involving troops and local residents, highlighting yoga's importance in enhancing physical endurance, mental resilience and emotional stability.
The celebrations witnessed active participation from students, NCC cadets, volunteers, teachers and citizens, reflecting yoga's acceptance as a universal practice transcending age, profession and social background.
Speakers at various events highlighted yoga as a powerful tool for maintaining physical fitness, reducing stress, improving concentration and promoting emotional well-being. Officials called upon citizens, particularly youth, to adopt yoga as a daily practice and make it an integral part of their lifestyles.
The theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” resonated strongly across the Valley, with participants emphasizing the importance of preventive healthcare, active living and mental wellness in today's fast-paced world.
The celebrations concluded with participants taking pledges to incorporate yoga into their daily routines and spread awareness about its benefits within their communities.
With thousands joining hands in a common pursuit of health and harmony, International Yoga Day 2026 emerged as a true "whole-of-society movement" across Kashmir, reaffirming the timeless relevance of yoga as a pathway to physical vitality, inner peace and social well-being.