International Yoga Day 2026 was celebrated across Chhattisgarh with mass yoga sessions led by Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, and several ministers, as leaders called for integrating yoga into daily life to build a healthy, disciplined, and empowered society.
TFP Bureau, Raipur, June 21, 2026: The 12th International Yoga Day was observed with widespread participation across Chhattisgarh on Sunday, with Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, ministers, legislators, officials, students, and citizens joining mass yoga sessions at multiple locations and collectively emphasising the importance of adopting yoga as a daily practice.
At Indira Gandhi Agricultural University in Raipur, Governor Ramen Deka attended the state-level yoga camp as chief guest, read out Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message for the occasion, and participated in collective yoga exercises along with participants. He extended greetings on the 12th International Yoga Day and expressed satisfaction that the state was promoting health, balance, and positivity through large-scale public participation.
Calling yoga a vital component of holistic development, the Governor urged citizens to make it a part of their daily routine and encourage children to follow the practice. He said yoga strengthens not only the body but also mental and emotional well-being, helping shape responsible and disciplined citizens. On the occasion, he also planted a sapling on the university campus, highlighting environmental conservation.
The event saw participation from MLAs Purandar Mishra, Anuj Sharma, and Sunil Soni, Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel, Director General of Police Arun Dev Gautam, senior administrative officials, police and civic authorities, university representatives, as well as students, senior citizens, differently-abled participants, women, and large numbers of citizens.
Meanwhile, at the state-level celebration in Ambikapur, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai joined thousands of participants at PG College Ground for a mass yoga session. Extending greetings, he described yoga as India’s timeless gift to the world, promoting harmony between body, mind, and soul.
Highlighting this year’s theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” the Chief Minister said yoga has become an effective tool for maintaining physical, mental, and emotional well-being amid modern lifestyle challenges. He urged people to integrate yoga into their daily lives, stating that a healthy individual forms the foundation of a strong family, society, and nation.
Sai said yoga gained global recognition following India’s initiative at the United Nations in 2014 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflecting worldwide acceptance of India’s ancient knowledge systems. He also noted yoga’s role in preventing lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, stress, obesity, and insomnia, and said it is increasingly recognised by modern medical science.
Referring to India’s spiritual heritage, the Chief Minister said yoga was systematised by Maharishi Patanjali and has long been reflected in the teachings of Adiyogi Shiva and the Bhagavad Gita as a path to balanced living. He also announced that the state government has approved shifting yoga administration from the Social Welfare Department to the Medical Education Department to strengthen training, research, and outreach.
Sai paid tribute to late yoga leader Rupnarayan Sinha and highlighted progress in tribal welfare, including an increase in seats at the Tribal Youth Hostel in Delhi from 50 to 200, with 13 students recently clearing the UPSC preliminary examination.
Across other districts, ministers including Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma, Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary, and Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Rajwade led large gatherings, where citizens from all walks of life—including students, NSS volunteers, Scouts and Guides, self-help groups, and senior citizens—practised yoga collectively.
In Narayanpur, Kedar Kashyap participated in a mass yoga session at Kotmahar Garden, urging regular practice for physical and mental well-being. In Sarangarh, Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma led a district-level event that included a signature campaign and cultural yoga demonstrations by children.
In Balrampur, Minister Lakshmi Rajwade emphasised yoga for healthy living, environmental protection, and a drug-free society, while administering a pledge to citizens. In Janjgir-Champa, Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary described yoga as the foundation of mental peace and preventive healthcare, and also announced financial assistance for a young Mallakhamb athlete along with the flagging off of ambulances for the district.
Officials said simultaneous yoga programmes were organised across schools, colleges, Anganwadi centres, panchayats, and public spaces throughout Chhattisgarh, reflecting strong public engagement. Leaders unanimously called for making yoga a permanent part of daily life rather than a one-day observance, linking it to the broader vision of a healthier, disciplined, and more prosperous society.
