Surat Radiates Blissful Vibes During Yoga Mahotsav: A Prelude to International Day of Yoga 2024

Surat, known for its vibrant culture and bustling energy, was transformed into a haven of tranquility as it hosted the ‘Yoga Mahotsav,’ a grand celebration leading up to the International Day of Yoga 2024. The Police Parade Ground in Athwalines became the epicenter of this monumental event, drawing a massive crowd of over seven thousand eager participants. From 7.00 AM on May 02, 2024, enthusiasts from all walks of life came together to immerse themselves in the practice of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), showcasing their overwhelming enthusiasm and active engagement.

The event received distinguished guests, including Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush; Shri Satyajit Paul, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Ayush; Prof. Avinash Chandra Pandey, Director of the Inter-University Accelerator Centre, New Delhi, and Inter-University Centre for Yogic Sciences, Bengaluru; and Vaidya Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, Director of Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY). Their presence lent profound significance to the occasion, symbolizing a shared dedication to promoting Yoga and advancing personal and societal well-being.

Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, expressed delight at the gathering in Surat, commending the city for its significant contributions to the nation’s development. He highlighted Surat’s distinction as the cleanest city in India, a source of pride for all. Emphasizing the global appeal of Yoga, he noted the increasing participation in International Day of Yoga events worldwide, with expectations of even greater engagement in 2024.

Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, Director of MDNIY, inaugurated the event with a warm welcome address, acknowledging the participants’ contributions to its success. He underscored the role of the Yoga Mahotsav as a crucial step towards IDY-2024, highlighting its importance in promoting the universal practice of Yoga. The event featured a live demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol by skilled practitioners from MDNIY, engaging over 5000 Yoga enthusiasts in the prescribed practices.

The presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Ayush, Gujarat Yog Board, and representatives from the state government added further prestige to the occasion. Messages from revered Yoga masters and gurus enriched the event, emphasizing the profound impact of Yoga on personal and societal well-being.

As part of the preparations for IDY-2024, the Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with MDNIY, is organizing a series of Mass Yoga Demonstrations and sessions under the ‘100 Days, 100 Cities, and 100 Organizations’ campaign. This initiative aims to engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including schools, universities, institutes, colleges, corporate bodies, and all states and union territories, in promoting the universal practice of Yoga.

The ‘Yoga Mahotsav’ in Surat serves as a testament to the city’s embrace of Yoga’s transformative power and its commitment to fostering holistic well-being. As the world eagerly anticipates the 10th edition of International Day of Yoga, Surat’s vibrant celebration sets the stage for a global movement towards health, harmony, and happiness through Yoga.