Mysuru Celebrates International Yoga Day 2023

Enthusiastic Participation and Diverse Yoga Practitioners

Mysuru Palace witnessed an extraordinary turnout for the ninth International Yoga Day celebration on Wednesday, gathering over 10,000 individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Participants ranged from 5-year-old Avanija Pattanshetty to 75-year-old Thammaiah, demonstrating the universal appeal of yoga. Despite their age and physical differences, they enthusiastically performed yoga on their own mats.

Among the participants were a group of over 50 individuals from Kempisiddanahundi, led by instructors Dr. Sujatha, S. H. Asha, and H. N. Nanjundegowda. These individuals have been practicing yoga under their guidance at the Ayush Yoga and Wellness Centre in their village.

Rajamma, a 55-year-old woman from the same village, joined the celebration with her entire family, including her daughter Jaya, brother Ravi, and sister Prema. She attributed her improved health, including the management of blood pressure, diabetes, and knee pain, to the consistent practice of yoga for the past three years.

Yoga Training and Expertise

Mysuru has emerged as a renowned center for yoga training, attracting practitioners from around the world. One such individual is Estevan Acevedo (now known as Ekanatha) from Columbia, who has practiced yoga in Mysuru for over a decade.

As a certified trainer, Ekanatha demonstrates his proficiency in yoga by performing complex asanas, including those traditionally practiced in dhoti style. He brings his expertise from the Ayur Yoga Ashram in Hullahalli, Nanjangud taluk.

Official Dignitaries and Support

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Mysuru Kodagu MP Pratap Simha, Krishna Raja Constituency MLA T. S. Srivatsa, JD(S) MLC C. N. Manjegowda, Deputy Commissioner Dr. K. V. Rajendra, Mysuru district SP Seema Latkar, ZP CEO K. M. Gayathri, and other officials.

In his address, MP Pratap Simha acknowledged the historical patronage of yoga by the Wadiyars of Mysuru and highlighted the global recognition of yoga masters from the region, such as Krishnamacharya and B. K. S. Iyengar.

Mysuru DC Dr. Rajendra emphasized the role of yoga in managing stress and promoting overall well-being in today’s competitive world. He expressed plans for a potential Guinness record-breaking yoga event and the establishment of a Yoga University in Mysuru.

Community Participation and Expansion

Over 40,000 individuals joined the celebration virtually or in designated yoga institutes across Mysuru, adhering to this year’s theme of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: Har ghar har aangan.”

Participants included students from various educational institutions, social welfare organizations, and minority hostels. Over 100 Anganwadi and Asha workers also demonstrated their dedication to yoga.

Ayush officer Dr. Pushpa reported that over 500 individuals from the district’s six Ayush Yoga and wellness centers participated in the event.

Noteworthy Absences and Recognition

Apesar the widespread participation, it was observed that Congress MLAs and ministers from the Mysuru district did not attend the event.

Mysuru holds a pivotal place in the history of yoga, having successfully set the Guinness World Record for the largest yoga lesson in 2017 with 55,506 participants. Prime Minister Narendra Modi graced the previous year’s yoga day event in Mysuru, further solidifying its status as a center of yoga excellence.

Additional Information

• The event was organized in accordance with the latest guidelines and protocols issued by the Indian government.
• All attendees were requested to bring their own yoga mats.
• Credit and rights belong to OMG I Yoga.