Srinagar, June 21, 2025: The 11th International Yoga Day transformed the historic Lal Chowk – Ghanta Ghar in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, into a hub of wellness and unity today, as hundreds gathered to celebrate yoga’s global resonance. Organized by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the event saw enthusiastic participation from locals, yoga practitioners, and community leaders, all embracing the 2025 theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” The iconic clock tower, a symbol of Srinagar’s heart, served as a fitting backdrop for a morning of synchronized yoga asanas, meditation, and mindfulness.
The Lal Chowk event follows the legacy of last year’s International Yoga Day, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a memorable celebration on June 21, 2024, at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) by the serene Dal Lake. Despite heavy rain forcing the 2024 event indoors, over 7,000 participants joined Modi for a powerful yoga session themed “Yoga for Self and Society.” The Prime Minister’s presence highlighted Jammu & Kashmir’s growing prominence as a yoga destination, with his post-event “yoga selfies” shared on X capturing the vibrant spirit of Dal Lake. Modi emphasised yoga’s role in uniting individuals and communities, a message that resonates in today’s Lal Chowk gathering.
Participants at Lal Chowk today echoed this sentiment. “I arrived at 5 am for the session,” said local resident Aisha Khan, a first-time participant. “Yoga is more than exercise; it’s a way to find peace and strength. I’m inspired to make it part of my life.” The event showcased a diverse crowd, from young students to seniors, practicing asanas like Surya Namaskar and Pranayama under the guidance of trained instructors. The atmosphere was one of collective harmony, reflecting the theme’s call for global wellness.
The choice of Lal Chowk, a place once synonymous with unrest, underscores the region’s transformation. Social media posts on X hailed the event as a symbol of peace and progress in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly following the abrogation of Article 370. “Yoga at Lal Chowk is a testament to how far we’ve come,” one user posted, capturing the sentiment of renewal.
Nationwide, International Yoga Day 2025 saw over one lakh locations hosting yoga sessions, with the Ministry of Culture organizing events at 100 iconic tourist spots and 50 cultural sites, including Srinagar’s scenic Pari Mahal. The Lal Chowk celebration, much like Modi’s Dal Lake event last year, reinforces Jammu & Kashmir’s role as a beacon of yoga’s unifying power.
As the sun rose over Srinagar, the sight of mats spread across Lal Chowk and the rhythmic chants of “Om” painted a picture of hope and health. The event not only honored yoga’s ancient roots but also its modern relevance, inspiring participants to carry its benefits into their daily lives.
