More than 5,000 people assembled at the historic Ridge in Shimla on 21 June 2025 to mark the 12th International Yoga Day, in one of Himachal Pradesh's largest public wellness events of the year. The mass yoga session was organised by Himachal Pradesh Police in collaboration with the state's Department of AYUSH, under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'.

Governor Leads the Celebration

Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta served as the chief guest and participated directly in the mass yoga session alongside thousands of attendees. The Lady Governor also attended, urging citizens to integrate yoga into their daily routines for physical fitness, mental peace, and spiritual well-being.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Gupta said: 'Yoga is India's invaluable gift to humanity and a powerful medium to bring harmony between body, mind and soul.' He made a special appeal to the younger generation to adopt yoga as a daily practice and help build a healthier, more positive society.

Police and Security Forces Join In

Director General of Police Ashok Tewari, accompanied by senior police officers and personnel, took part in the yoga session. Tewari emphasised that yoga extends beyond physical exercise: 'Yoga is not merely a physical exercise; it is a discipline and a way of life. A healthy body, peaceful mind and positive approach are essential foundations for a strong society.'

The DGP added that Himachal Pradesh Police remains committed not only to public safety but also to promoting health, fitness, discipline, and a drug-free society. Personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) also participated alongside officers from various government departments.

Who Participated

The turnout reflected a broad cross-section of society — senior citizens, women, students, children, and both domestic and international tourists joined the event at the Ridge. The diversity of participants underscored the event's outreach beyond conventional fitness audiences.

Yoga Demonstrations and the Pledge

The Department of Yoga of Himachal Pradesh University in Shimla conducted a live demonstration from the main stage, guiding participants through various asanas, pranayama, and meditation practices. A special International Yoga Day Pledge was administered to all attendees, reinforcing the event's community commitment angle.

This comes amid a broader national push to position yoga as a public health tool, particularly for ageing populations — a theme that aligns with India's growing focus on preventive healthcare. With the 12th edition drawing thousands to an open public space, Himachal Pradesh's celebration stands as one of the more visible state-level observances this year.