Hundreds of enthusiasts and practitioners of yoga, the ancient Indian tradition of physical and mental exercise, participated in the International Yoga Day on Sunday.
Though held across Mysuru, Amba Vilas Palace was the centre where people gathered in large numbers, including NCC cadets drawn from five districts. They assembled early during the day, braving overcast skies and drizzle to perform yoga asanas, pranayama and other exercises under the supervision of yoga gurus and teachers from local institutions.
Organised by the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH), the demonstration and performance were held from 7 a.m. to 7.30 a.m. Some people did not participate but rather took in the action from the sidelines. Under the aegis of the NCC Group, Mysuru, 8,526 cadets participated at the mass yoga demonstrations held at Mysuru and Hassan. Yoga training for them began on April 1 and culminated in a synchronised display of various yoga postures.
Apart from NCC cadets, students of various yoga schools of Mysuru and individuals who converged at the palace premises with their yoga mats also took part .
There was demonstration of various postures by the more advanced practitioners and teachers who were seated on a pedestal with the participants following them. The Department of AYUSH was supported by Mysuru Yoga Federation comprising Sri Pathanjali Yoga Shikshana Samithi, Vivekananda Yoga Balaga, Mysuru Yoga Association among others. Similarly, the University of Mysore also celebrated Yoga Day which was inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor K.S. Rangappa at the Sports Pavilion. National Institute of Engineering, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, College of Horticulture conducted yoga day celebrations.
