Yoga Day 2025: J&K L-G Sinha leads thousands at Dal Lake, Jammu events draw forces
Synopsis
From the banks of the Dal Lake to paramilitary bases across Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir marked International Yoga Day 2025 with one of its largest-ever turnouts — L-G Manoj Sinha leading the charge at SKICC while BSF and CRPF formations observed the day under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', signalling how the practice has embedded itself into both civilian and security culture in the region.
Key Takeaways
L-G Manoj Sinha led the main Yoga Day event at SKICC, Dal Lake, Srinagar on 21 June 2025 .
J&K Minister Sakeena Itoo participated and urged citizens of all ages to adopt yoga daily.
The BSF held sessions at Shaheed Veer Dev Stadium, Paloura, Jammu and at Humhama, Budgam under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' .
The CRPF conducted mass yoga sessions at RTC Srinagar and 115 Bn CRPF Zakura across the Kashmir Valley.
Yoga events were organised in all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir, covering schools, colleges, and public spaces.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday, 21 June 2025 led a large gathering of Yoga enthusiasts at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on the banks of the Dal Lake in Srinagar, marking the International Day of Yoga with thousands of participants drawn from across Jammu and Kashmir. The event brought together bureaucrats, police officers, academicians, and schoolchildren in one of the largest yoga observances the union territory has seen.
L-G Sinha's Message at Dal Lake
Posting on X, L-G Sinha said: 'Wonderful to see such incredible enthusiasm across Jammu Kashmir for International Day of Yoga. Yoga truly unites the world and guides us toward a healthier, happier future. Joined the citizens at the Dal Lake today to celebrate the auspicious occasion.'
He added: 'True health means balancing body, mind, and emotions. While modern life constantly pulls our attention outward to screens and stress, Yoga teaches us to turn inward. Proud to see this ancient Indian tradition become the cornerstone of global health.'
Key Participants and Organisers
The flagship event at SKICC was organised by the Directorate of AYUSH, J&K, in collaboration with the Health and line departments. J&K Minister of Health and Education Sakeena Itoo also took part in the celebrations. Speaking to reporters afterwards, she urged people of all ages and genders to incorporate yoga into their daily routines, citing its benefits for physical, mental, psychological, and emotional well-being.
Paramilitary and Security Forces Join In
The Border Security Force (BSF) organised a dedicated yoga session at Shaheed Veer Dev Stadium in Paloura, Jammu, under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'. A parallel function was held at Humhama in Budgam district of Kashmir, attended by scores of BSF officers and troopers.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) observed the day across formations in the Kashmir Valley, with centralised events at RTC Srinagar and 115 Bn CRPF Zakura. Personnel performed the Common Yoga Protocol, meditation techniques, and physical asanas — practices specifically designed to support physical fitness and mental resilience under demanding operational conditions.
District-Wide Celebrations Across J&K
Across all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir, thousands of yoga events were held at schools, colleges, and public institutions. Public parks, school grounds, and open spaces in both Jammu and Srinagar drew participants spanning generations — elders, women, men, and children alike. Several long-term practitioners noted they felt fresher, healthier, and more mentally alert as a result of sustained yoga practice. This comes amid a broader national push to mainstream yoga as a preventive health tool, with the International Day of Yoga now in its eleventh year since the United Nations adopted the observance in 2015 at India's initiative.
Point of View
Paramilitary forces, and schoolchildren — reflects how International Yoga Day has evolved from a symbolic gesture into a structured state-led mobilisation. What stands out in J&K specifically is the deliberate inclusion of security forces: the BSF and CRPF framing yoga as a tool for 'operational readiness' and 'mental resilience' is a notable institutional signal. At the same time, the event's optics serve a dual purpose — projecting normalcy and civic participation in a region where public gatherings carry political weight. The question worth asking is whether the enthusiasm translates into sustained health infrastructure investment, or remains an annual spectacle.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did J&K L-G Manoj Sinha observe International Yoga Day 2025?
L-G Manoj Sinha led the main event at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar on 21 June 2025. The event was organised by the Directorate of AYUSH, J&K, in collaboration with Health and line departments.
Which paramilitary forces participated in Yoga Day 2025 in J&K?
Both the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) observed International Yoga Day 2025 in Jammu and Kashmir. The BSF held sessions at Shaheed Veer Dev Stadium in Paloura, Jammu, and at Humhama in Budgam, while the CRPF conducted mass sessions at RTC Srinagar and 115 Bn CRPF Zakura.
What was the theme for BSF's Yoga Day 2025 event in Jammu?
The BSF organised its Yoga Day session under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' at Shaheed Veer Dev Stadium, Paloura, Jammu. The event highlighted yoga's role in physical fitness, mental resilience, stress management, and operational readiness.
How widespread were Yoga Day 2025 celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir?
Yoga events were held across all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including schools, colleges, public parks, and open spaces in both Jammu and Srinagar. Thousands of participants from civil society, security forces, and educational institutions took part.
What did J&K Health Minister Sakeena Itoo say about yoga?
Minister Sakeena Itoo, who participated in the SKICC event, urged people of all ages and genders to adopt yoga in their daily lives. She said regular practice supports physical, mental, psychological, and emotional well-being.
