For the first time ever, the historic Ghanta Ghar area of Lal Chowk witnessed a vibrant celebration of the 11th International Yoga Day today, drawing thousands of participants from across various districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The event highlighted the growing acceptance of yoga in the predominantly Muslim region, with a significant turnout from the local people and tourists visiting Valley.
As yoga enthusiasts gathered in Lal Chowk, the celebrations echoed throughout the valley, with events held in every district, primarily attended by students. The influx of participants marks a notable increase in yoga’s popularity in recent years, reflecting a shift towards healthier lifestyles in the region.
In a show of solidarity, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh joined the celebrations in Udhampur district, emphasizing the importance of yoga for promoting peace and well-being.
Sunil Sharma, BJP leader and LOP in JK, said, “The message is to spread peace. We are celebrating the 11th International Yoga Day under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. This place has a significant history in Kashmir, associated with turmoil and violence. Now, we aim for Lal Chowk to be known for peace.”
The BJP organized the event at Lal Chowk with the intent to promote tourism and showcase Kashmir as a peaceful destination. Altaf Thakur, BJP State Spokesperson, said, “The whole world is celebrating today, and now people in the Kashmir Valley have adopted yoga as well. We want to convey that Kashmir is peaceful, and we invite everyone to visit.”
Student participation was particularly notable across all celebrations, with many expressing the benefits of yoga for a healthy lifestyle. Fatima, a student participant, shared her experience: “I really enjoyed it here today during the International Yoga Day Celebration. I feel very relaxed after the yoga session. I want everyone to do yoga; it has many benefits and helps relieve stress.”
A group of tourists from Haryana was also seen performing yoga alongside the locals at Lal Chowk. Sunita, a tourist, said that it was truly an unbelievable and unforgettable moment for her to do yoga in the middle of Srinagar, especially at a historic location like the Clock Tower.
The increasing popularity of yoga in Jammu and Kashmir can be traced back to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative in 2014 to celebrate International Yoga Day, promoting wellness and harmony among communities.
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