A yoga awareness session was held at Ravidas Ghat in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday, 17 June, as part of the 'Gangotri to Gangasagar' campaign — a nationwide wellness drive jointly led by the Ministry of AYUSH and the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga ahead of the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on 21 June. The event is one of eight stops along the sacred 2,525 km course of the Ganga river, with each location hosting Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) sessions under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing.'

Campaign Structure and Reach

The eight-day initiative traces the Ganga from its glacial source at Gangotri to the river's confluence with the sea at Gangasagar, holding CYP sessions at iconic ghats and cities along the route. Varanasi — revered as Kashi — marks a key midpoint in this cultural and spiritual corridor. The campaign is expected to conclude at Gangasagar, with sessions continuing at major locations across the Ganga basin until then.

Students, yoga practitioners, and local residents have participated in large numbers at each venue, reflecting what organisers describe as growing public interest in yoga as a daily wellness practice.

What Officials Said

Uttar Pradesh Minister Dayashankar Mishra addressed the gathering and underlined the programme's significance. 'This initiative from Gangotri to Ganga Sagar, undertaken through the combined efforts of the Ministry of AYUSH, AYUSH Mission, and Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, has now reached its phase in Kashi and will continue up to Gangasagar. Today's program is especially significant as it is very close to International Yoga Day on 21st June,' he said.

AYUSH Department Director General Chaitra V also spoke at the event, contextualising the drive within the broader IDY calendar. 'On the occasion of the 12th International Yoga Day, this year's program is being organised by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. As part of this initiative, the Gangotri to Gangasagar campaign is also being conducted,' she said.

Significance of the Theme

This year's IDY theme — 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' — positions yoga as a preventive health tool for an increasingly ageing population. Officials noted that the campaign is designed to bridge India's cultural and spiritual heritage with contemporary wellness priorities, making yoga accessible beyond urban centres and gym culture.

Notably, the Ganga-route format gives the campaign a distinct geographic and symbolic identity, connecting communities across multiple states in the lead-up to the global observance.

What Comes Next

The 'Gangotri to Gangasagar' drive will continue across remaining locations along the Ganga corridor before culminating at Gangasagar. The 12th International Day of Yoga will be observed on 21 June 2025, with mass CYP sessions expected at venues across India and internationally.