Yoga sessions hosted at 81 ASI sites across country, Union ministers join in celebration

New Delhi, Jun 19 (PTI) The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) marked the International Day of Yoga on Wednesday by organising yoga sessions at 81 historic monuments across the country, including the Adalaj Ki Vav in Gujarat, Konark Sun Temple in Odisha, and Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat attended a yoga session at the Mehrangarh Fort in Rajasthan's Jodhpur, while Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar graced a programme at the Jantar Mantar monument in Delhi.

"On the occasion of International Day Of Yoga, 81 ASI monuments across India turned into vibrant spaces of wellness and unity. From Purana Qila in Delhi to Adalaj Ki Vav in Gujarat to Konark Sun Temple in Odisha each site echoed with the theme '“ 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health'," the ASI posted on X while sharing photos.

Officials had earlier said that the Ministry of Culture will mark International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21 by organising sessions at 100 iconic destinations and 50 other cultural sites across the country, including some of the UNESCO heritage sites.

The main event was held in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the R K Beach in the coastal city, with the this year's theme of 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health'.

The ASI, which functions under the Culture Ministry, protects 3,698 monuments and sites across India.

In another post, the ASI said, "Hon'ble Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, graced the IDY celebrations at Mehrangarh Fort. Amidst the grandeur of this architectural marvel, participants gathered to honour the ancient practice of yoga - a tradition that harmonises body, mind, and spirit.” The Ministry of Tourism had earlier said in a statement that it will organise a "mass yoga session" on June 21, from 6 to 8 am, at the Sun Dial Lawns of the Qutub Minar complex to mark the occasion.

The United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014, and the event has now completed 10 years, celebrated globally. PTI KND OZ OZ