Gujarat Yoga Day 2025: CM Bhupendra Patel leads mass session, 1.25 crore join
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday, 21 June led the state-level celebration of the 12th International Yoga Day at Mansa in Gandhinagar district, where thousands gathered for a coordinated mass yoga session under this year's theme, 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'. The event, held at Sheth L.S. Science College, served as the focal point of a statewide observance that drew participation from across Gujarat's cities, towns and villages.
Scale of Participation
According to figures shared by the Chief Minister, more than 1.25 crore people took part in Yoga Day events across the state. Sessions were held at more than 330 designated venues, drawing citizens of all age groups — from schoolchildren to senior residents — in a coordinated demonstration of yoga practice.
What CM Patel Said
After the session, CM Patel described the experience as 'highly energising' in a post on social media platform X. Quoting the Sanskrit prayer 'May all be happy, may all be free from illness', he underscored yoga's role in promoting lifelong health. 'This year's Yoga Day theme, Yoga for Healthy Ageing, conveys the message of lifelong well-being through yoga,' Patel wrote, adding that the discipline sustains physical, mental and emotional wellness across age groups.
National Context
The Gujarat celebrations coincided with nationwide observances led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who participated in a mass yoga programme in Kolkata, West Bengal, and addressed the country on the significance of integrating yoga into daily life. This is the 12th consecutive year that International Yoga Day has been observed globally on 21 June, following its adoption by the United Nations in 2015 on India's initiative.
Focus on Healthy Ageing
This year's theme drew attention to yoga as a preventive and holistic health tool, particularly relevant as India navigates a rapidly ageing demographic. Organisers emphasised that regular yoga practice can reduce the burden of lifestyle diseases and support active ageing — a message reinforced through the scale of participation at the Mansa event.
With Gujarat recording over 1.25 crore participants at more than 330 venues, the state's observance stands as one of the largest organised yoga gatherings in the country this year. The emphasis on community participation signals a continued push to institutionalise yoga as part of public health culture.