Yoga is a complete way of life: Dhami

CM inaugurates International Yoga Festival in Muni Ki Reti
my uttarakhand news Bureau
Muni Ki Reti (Tehri), 16 Mar: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today inaugurated the International Yoga Festival 2026 at the Ganga Resort in Muni Ki Reti in Tehri Garhwal district. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the CM observed that yoga is not merely a form of physical exercise but a complete way of life that connects the human soul with the supreme consciousness.
Speaking at the event, Dhami appealed to the youth of the country and the state to make yoga an integral part of their daily lives. He observed that young people working in different professional fields often experience fatigue and stress. However, yoga can serve as their best companion in maintaining physical and mental well-being. He informed that the state government has formulated the Yoga Policy 2025 and is establishing Ayush hospitals with capacities of 50 and 10 beds in every district of the state. He added that a provision of Rs 10 crores has been made to promote yoga and spirituality in Uttarakhand.

The CM observed that the International Yoga Festival, being organised jointly by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) and the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDC), has been playing a significant role for the past 35 years in spreading the tradition of yoga to every corner of the world. The seven-day festival being held this year includes various sessions on yoga, pranayama, meditation, Ayurveda, naturopathy and spiritual discourses. In addition, special events such as Run for Yoga, Heritage Walk and an International Yoga Conference are also being organised as part of the festival. These activities, he said, will familiarise participants with the diverse dimensions of yoga and inspire them to adopt a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Dhami emphasised that yoga is an invaluable legacy of India’s ancient and profound spiritual tradition. Thousands of years ago, Indian sages and seers had shown the path of achieving harmony between the body, mind and soul through yoga. He added that, today, that wisdom has become a powerful foundation for healthy living, mental peace and spiritual advancement for people across the world.
Highlighting the global recognition of yoga, the CM reminded that in 2014 Prime Minister Narendra Modi had proposed at the United Nations that June 21 should be observed as International Day of Yoga for the welfare of humanity. As a result of that initiative, he said, millions of people in more than 180 countries are today practising yoga. He further remarked that Uttarakhand is not only Devbhoomi but also Yogbhoomi. The state’s sacred rivers, tranquil surroundings, clean climate and spiritual energy provide an ideal environment for yoga practice. Every year thousands of seekers from across the world visit Uttarakhand to practise yoga and meditation, and it is a matter of pride that Rishikesh has earned global recognition as the “Yoga Capital of the World”.
Dhami further stated that more than 300 Ayushman Arogya Centres based on Ayush systems are currently operational in the state. In addition, Ayush hospitals with capacities of 50 and 10 beds are being established in every district. Through the eSanjeevani portal, citizens are also receiving Ayush consultations from specialists. He added that, through the Uttarakhand Ayush Policy, the state government is promoting medicine manufacturing, wellness services, education, research and the cultivation of medicinal plants. To further encourage Ayurveda, naturopathy, yoga and spiritual tourism, the state government is also establishing one Spiritual Economic Zone each in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the Uttarakhand Khoj Yojana by pressing a remote button, an initiative aimed at connecting every village of the Garhwal region with tourism activities.
Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj said that yoga is an integral part of India’s ancient tradition and that sages in the past had attained several spiritual accomplishments through the power of yoga and penance. Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal observed that millions of people are today becoming free from ailments through the practice of yoga and added that yoga plays a major role in shaping the identity of the region.
Managing Director, Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Prateek Jain, stated that more than 2,500 registrations have been received for this year’s International Yoga Festival. He said the event is being organised with the cooperation of nearly 150 yoga institutions. During the programme, yoga practitioners from various institutions, including Gurukul Kangri University, also demonstrated yogic practices.
Among those present on the occasion were Muni Ki Reti Municipal Council Chairperson Neelam Bijalwan, Rishikesh Mayor Shambhu Paswan, Tapovan Nagar Panchayat Chairperson Vinita Bisht, District Magistrate, Tehri, Nitika Khandelwal, SSP, Tehri, Ayush Agarwal, Swami Chidanand Muni, Mahant Ravindra Puri, Bharat Bhushan and Yogacharya Usha Mata, along with thousands of yoga practitioners and participants.