SRINAGAR: The 12th edition of International Day of Yoga 2026 was celebrated across Kashmir on Sunday with enthusiastic participation from government officials, security personnel, students, civil society members and the general public under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
In Anantnag, the main district-level event was held at the Sports Stadium and led by Deputy Commissioner Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat. Major programmes were also organised at Pahalgam, Kokernag and Verinag, while yoga sessions were conducted across educational institutions and public offices throughout the district.
At Kupwara, the main function was organised at Galizaoo Stadium under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Shrikant Suse. Similar events were held across tehsil headquarters, schools and health institutions, with widespread participation from students, officials and local residents.
In Kulgam, the district-level celebration was held at the Mini Secretariat and attended by Deputy Commissioner Shahzad Alam and SSP Anayat Ali Choudhary. Participants performed yoga asanas and breathing exercises aimed at promoting physical and mental well-being.
Ganderbal marked the occasion with a mega event at Government College of Physical Education, Gadoora, presided over by Deputy Commissioner Jatin Kishore. Similar sessions were also organised at Manasbal, Sonamarg and other public institutions across the district.
In Baramulla, hundreds of participants gathered at Showkat Ali Sports Stadium to observe the day. The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner S. F. Hamid, SSP Gurinderpal Singh and DIG North Kashmir Vinod Kumar.
In Shopian, the main programme was held at the Mini Secretariat under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Shishir Gupta, while additional sessions were organised at educational institutions and AYUSH centres across the district.
A large gathering also participated in yoga sessions at Municipal Committee Park in Handwara, where Additional Deputy Commissioner Javed Naseem Masoodi and senior officials joined the programme.
Similarly, Zainapora observed the day with a central event at Government Degree College, where SDM Bilal Ahmad highlighted yoga’s role in promoting healthy ageing and overall wellness.
The District Legal Services Authority Budgam and District Legal Services Authority Anantnag also organised yoga programmes in collaboration with the AYUSH Department, with judicial officers, lawyers and staff participating in the sessions.
In Bandipora, district-level celebrations were held at S.K. Sports Stadium, Wullar Vantage Park and Baduab Tulail. Participants also watched the live telecast of the national Yoga Day programme led by Narendra Modi.
Meanwhile, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation organised a yoga programme at SK Park, Lal Chowk, led by Joint Commissioner Nuzhat K. Qurashi, reaffirming the corporation’s commitment to promoting health, wellness and mindful living.
Across the Valley, participants performed yoga asanas, pranayama and meditation exercises while pledging to adopt yoga as a way of life and promote a healthier, drug-free and more harmonious society.