Thousands Participate in Mass Yoga Sessions Across Hanumangarh; Minister Sumit Godara Urges Commitment to Daily PracticeJaipur:
On the occasion of International Yoga Day 2025, thousands of yoga practitioners gathered across Hanumangarh district—from the main city to remote villages—promoting the message of “wellness” and the ancient Indian ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).
The district-level flagship event took place at the historic Bhatner Fort in Hanumangarh town, organized jointly by the District Administration, the Department of Ayurveda, and Patanjali Yogpeeth. The ceremony featured a live broadcast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address from Visakhapatnam. In his speech, the Prime Minister emphasized, “At a time when global unrest is rising, yoga provides a path toward peace.”
Prominent locations including the archaeological site at Kalibangan and the revered Gogaji Samadhi in Gogamedi also hosted special yoga events. Mass yoga sessions were held across schools, stadiums, and public parks, guided by trained yoga instructors at block and panchayat levels.
The main event began at 6:15 AM with a ceremonial lamp lighting led by Rajasthan’s Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, Shri Sumit Godara, alongside District In-charge Secretary Dr. Neeraj K. Pawan. The session commenced with chants of “Om” and yoga naad, followed by a series of asanas and pranayama practices.
Renowned instructors Mrs. Renu Chaudhary and Mrs. Achala Verma guided participants through standing, seated, supine, and prone yoga postures. The routine included techniques like Kapalbhati, Nadi Shodhana, Anulom-Vilom, Sheetali, and Bhramari Pranayama. Popular asanas such as Tadasana, Vrikshasana, Trikonasana, Bhujangasana, Pawanmuktasana, and Vajrasana were also performed. Additional instructors on stage included Chananram Chaudhary, Kuldeep Khilery, Ravi Chauhan, Shanu Meer, Sujata, Lakshita, Priyanka Sharma, and Shabnam, with event moderation by yoga trainer Vijay Kaushik.
During the event, Minister Godara led participants in pledging a commitment to regular yoga practice, stating, “A healthy body nurtures a healthy mind, and a healthy mind is the foundation of wellness.” He expressed pride in India’s leadership on the global stage, reminding the audience that in 2014, the United Nations had officially declared June 21 as International Yoga Day with support from 175 nations, following PM Modi’s proposal.
He also highlighted the unique approach this year by integrating yoga events with religious and heritage sites, a move aligned with the Chief Minister’s vision to promote both health and cultural identity. Following the event, the minister offered prayers at the Hanuman temple located within Bhatner Fort.
District Collector Shri Kana Ram underscored that yoga is not just a form of exercise but a holistic lifestyle. “It brings harmony between body, mind, and soul. In our fast-paced, stress-filled world, yoga is a vital tool for maintaining balance and well-being,” he said. He encouraged youth to embrace yoga as a way to resist addiction, mobile overuse, and mental health challenges.
Dr. Teerth Singh Sharma, Deputy Director of the Ayurveda Department and event nodal officer, extended a formal vote of thanks. Participants also received caps and T-shirts sponsored by the State Bank of India and the Department of Ayurveda.
The event saw the participation of a large number of dignitaries, including Police Superintendent Hari Shankar, Hanumangarh MLA Ganeshraj Bansal, BJP District President Pramod Delu, ADM Umedilal Meena, Zila Parishad CEO O.P. Bishnoi, DFO Suresh Kumar, municipal officials, youth leaders, students, women, and citizens from all walks of life.