Bengaluru to Host International Yoga Day Events at Vidhana Soudha and SMVIT

Bengaluru is preparing to host a series of massive public events to celebrate the 12th International Day of Yoga on June 21, with major public gatherings scheduled at Vidhana Soudha and the Sir M Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology (SMVIT) campus. Organized by state departments and local wellness groups, the events aim to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being under this year's central theme of "Yoga for Healthy Aging."

The official state-level celebration will be led by the Department of Ayush. The department is organizing the official government yoga day celebrations directly in front of the landmark Vidhana Soudha building.

In addition to the government event, several private and community organizations are holding special open events and cultural performances. On the SMVIT campus, Sahaja Yoga Karnataka is partnering with the institute to host a mass yoga session and cultural programmes from 6:30 am to 9:30 am. A key highlight of this gathering is an ensemble of 100 flautists who will perform in an attempt to set a new world record.

Another major world record attempt is being organized by the Akshar Yoga Kendraa. The group is bringing together 5,000 participants from various walks of life to attempt 21 world records in a single day. The diverse group of participants will include members of the armed forces, CRPF, CISF, BSF, and the police, alongside students, children, families, senior citizens, yoga practitioners, and international participants.

For those looking to focus on mindfulness, the Prajna Wisdom Centre is scheduled to hold its "Drop Everything and Recharge" (DEAR) programme. This session will feature meditation, pranayama, and other yoga-related activities designed to encourage citizens to take a break from their routines and focus on their personal health.

With the International Day of Yoga falling on a Sunday this year, organizers noted that local residents are showing strong interest in taking a break to rejuvenate themselves. This year's theme highlights how regular yoga practice can promote longevity, mobility, and preventive healthcare, particularly across aging populations.