Varanasi: A grand yoga and public outreach programme was organised at Ravidas Ghat on Wednesday as part of the ‘Gangotri to Gangasagar’ Yoga Yatra being conducted by the Ministry of Ayush ahead of International Yoga Day 2026.The nationwide awareness campaign aims to promote yoga, health, environmental conservation and Indian cultural values by connecting major cities situated along the banks of the Ganga. The yatra began at Gangotri on June 13 and is travelling through key locations, including Rishikesh, Haridwar, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Patna and Hooghly before concluding at Gangasagar on June 20.Varanasi served as a major stop of the yatra, drawing large participation from yoga practitioners, students, social workers, representatives of voluntary organisations and local residents.UP minister of state (Independent Charge) for Ayush Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’ and director general of the Ministry of Ayush Dr Chitra B G attended the ebent and described yoga as the foundation of a healthy, balanced and active lifestyle and urged citizens to incorporate it into their daily routine. Referring to the International Yoga Day 2026 theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, they highlighted yoga’s role in promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, stress management and healthy ageing.Prof Rajaram Shukla, head of the faculty of Sanskrit Vidya Dharma Vigyan, BHU welcomed all the guests. On this occasion, Sanjay Singh ‘Bablu’, president of Indian Wrestling Federation, honoured the yoga instructors and appreciated their contribution.During the programme, collective yoga practice, public awareness activities, and dialogue sessions were organized. People also pledged to participate in greater numbers in the International Yoga Day programmes to be held on June 21.
