Budgam, June 21, 2025 – The 11th International Yoga Day was marked with fervor in Budgam district as a vibrant mass yoga event brought together hundreds of residents, officials, and yoga enthusiasts under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat. The event, themed “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” highlighted the growing health awareness in Kashmir, with yoga emerging as a cornerstone of wellness and mindfulness.
The gathering, organised by the District Administration Budgam, featured a synchronized Common Yoga Protocol session, where participants practiced yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation. Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din led by example, joining the crowd in performing poses and emphasising yoga’s role in fostering physical fitness and mental peace. “Yoga unites us in the pursuit of a healthier, more balanced life,” he stated, encouraging daily practice to align with the global vision of sustainability and well-being.
Adding to the event’s significance, J&K Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo, who attended a parallel yoga session at SKICC Srinagar, praised the region’s increasing embrace of holistic living. “Yoga brings peace, relaxes the body, and balances the mind—everyone should devote 10–15 minutes daily,” she said, commending the Health Department for promoting yoga and Ayurveda. She noted that even women and elders in Kashmir are now incorporating walking and wellness practices into their routines, reflecting a broader cultural shift toward health consciousness.-
The Budgam event resonated with nationwide celebrations, including a grand gathering in Visakhapatnam led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who championed yoga’s global adoption since its recognition by the United Nations in 2014. The district’s Yoga Mahakumbh showcased community unity, with participants from schools, colleges, and local organizations joining in. Local resident Fatima Shah shared, “Practicing yoga today felt empowering. It’s inspiring to see our community come together for health and harmony.”
The Health Department’s efforts, as highlighted by Minister Itoo, have been instrumental in promoting yoga and Ayurveda across Kashmir, with initiatives encouraging daily wellness practices. The event underscored Budgam’s commitment to fostering a healthier society, aligning with the global message of “One Earth, One Health.”
