Bhubaneswar- In a vibrant display of unity, wellness, and cultural pride, the Government of Odisha celebrated International Yoga Day with grandeur and public enthusiasm at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. The state-level event, organized by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, witnessed an overwhelming turnout of approximately 15,000 participants, including Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, MLAs, bureaucrats, and citizens from various walks of life.
The event began with synchronized yoga demonstrations and guided sessions led by experienced instructors. Participants, including top leaders and citizens alike, performed a range of yogic postures, breathing techniques, and meditation practices in a coordinated manner, creating an atmosphere of peace, discipline, and inner strength.
Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, who personally took part in the yoga session along with other dignitaries, described the occasion as a proud moment that reflects India’s contribution to global wellness. In his address, he hailed yoga as “India’s priceless gift to the global human society”and emphasized that its value extends far beyond physical fitness.
“Yoga’s place is far above ordinary physical activities. It is a harmonious union of the body, mind, and soul,” CM Majhi said. “Originating from India’s ancient culture and yogic traditions, yoga is a universal practice, not confined to any religion or region, and is now embraced by people all over the world.”
He noted that the modern lifestyle has led to rising stress, sedentary habits, and lifestyle-related diseases, and yoga offers a time-tested solution to many of these challenges. “Whether it’s physical vitality, mental clarity, emotional resilience, or spiritual awareness—yoga delivers it all,” he added.
The celebration was in tune with national-level observances, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the nation via video conferencing from Visakhapatnam. In his message, PM Modi expressed pride in India’s soft power and its global role in spreading the message of peace and holistic health through yoga. He appreciated the efforts of various states, including Odisha, for taking yoga to every citizen and making it a community movement.
This year’s official theme—“Yoga for One Earth, One Health”—brought focus to the integral relationship between human health and the health of the planet. It emphasized the philosophy that individual wellness cannot be achieved in isolation from environmental well-being.
Chief Minister Majhi, reflecting on the theme, remarked that yoga encourages harmony not only within the self but also with nature and fellow beings. “Yoga inspires a lifestyle that respects nature, promotes sustainability, and builds balance—qualities we need urgently in today’s world”, he said.
He further explained that the philosophy behind yoga is inherently inclusive and compassionate, fostering kindness toward all living beings and inspiring us to be more mindful in our interactions with the environment.
The Chief Minister also underscored the steps being taken by the Odisha government to popularize yoga at the grassroots level. He said that the government has already begun incorporating yoga into school programs, youth hostels, colleges, and sports centers, and will soon roll out initiatives to integrate yoga into the public health system.
“We are committed to making yoga accessible to everyone, from school children to elderly citizens. By embedding yoga into our education and healthcare frameworks, we aim to create a healthy, self-reliant, and empowered Odisha,” he stated.
Since the declaration of June 21 as International Yoga Day by the United Nations in 2014, following India’s proposal under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, yoga has gained remarkable global momentum. CM Majhi acknowledged this milestone and pointed out that Odisha has also witnessed a significant surge in yoga awareness and participation.
“From cities to tribal villages, yoga has reached every part of Odisha. The enthusiasm shown today is proof that our people are not only embracing it as a practice but also as a philosophy of life,” he said.
He announced plans to establish district-level yoga centers and to conduct regular training camps and awareness drives in both rural and urban settings. He also called upon civil society organizations, educational institutions, and community leaders to collaborate with the government in this mission.
In his remarks, CM Majhi also emphasized that yoga is not tied to any particular religious identity. “It is a science of self-realization, accessible and relevant to all. In today’s divided world, yoga is a tool for unity,” he said.
The day’s event was not just about yoga postures—it was a celebration of India’s cultural depth and heritage. A special performance of “Gotipua”, a traditional dance form from Odisha known for its spiritual themes and acrobatic finesse, was presented by the Department of Culture.
This fusion of culture and wellness was welcomed warmly by the audience and served as a reminder of how India’s performing arts and spiritual traditions are deeply intertwined. The performance added a unique dimension to the event, making it both a cultural experience and a health initiative.
As the yoga session progressed, the sight of 15,000 people stretching, meditating, and breathing in unison was truly awe-inspiring. It symbolized not just physical synchronization, but also spiritual unity and societal harmony.
Across the state, similar yoga sessions were conducted in all 30 districts, involving lakhs of people from urban and rural areas alike. Government schools, community halls, parks, and open grounds turned into temporary yoga spaces, with participants ranging from school children to senior citizens.
District Collectors, Panchayat officials, volunteers, health workers, and students all played a role in making the day a grand success. The wide participation indicated that yoga is no longer viewed as an elite or urban trend but is now being owned by the masses as part of their lifestyle.
Officials from the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs stated that this year’s celebration witnessed a record number of participants and active coordination from local authorities, making it one of the most successful Yoga Day events in the state’s history.
As the event concluded, CM Mohan Majhi laid out his vision for Odisha’s future. He said that the state’s development agenda is rooted not only in economic progress but also in the holistic well-being of its people.
“We want to build an Odisha that is physically fit, mentally strong, spiritually grounded, and globally respected. Yoga will be a key enabler in this mission,” he declared.
He urged citizens to carry forward the momentum beyond Yoga Day and practice it regularly for a healthier and more balanced life. “Let yoga not be just an annual event. Let it be a daily practice that transforms our lives and our society,” he said.
This year’s International Yoga Day celebration at Kalinga Stadium was a powerful statement of Odisha’s commitment to wellness, culture, and social cohesion. It demonstrated how ancient traditions, when blended with modern governance and public participation, can create a movement that uplifts both individuals and communities.
As yoga continues to inspire people across the world, Odisha is showing how this timeless discipline can be rooted deeply in local life, nurturing not only health but also harmony and hope.
