Srinagar: Jammu & Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday reviewed the preparations being undertaken across the Union Territory for the celebration of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026, scheduled to be observed on June 21 under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
Chairing a high-level review meeting, the Chief Secretary assessed the arrangements being put in place across Jammu and Kashmir and directed officials to ensure seamless coordination for the successful conduct of the event at all levels.
Focus on Wellness and Tourism
During the meeting, Dulloo emphasized that the celebrations should not only promote the message of health and wellness but also showcase Jammu and Kashmir’s rich natural beauty and tourism potential.
He instructed the concerned authorities to organise yoga sessions at prominent tourist destinations and iconic locations across the Union Territory, enabling participants to experience yoga amid the region’s scenic landscapes.
The initiative is expected to promote both wellness and tourism while encouraging greater public participation in the annual global event.
Senior Officials Attend Review Meeting
The review meeting was attended by senior officers from various departments, including:
- Health and Medical Education Department
- Youth Services and Sports Department
- Social Welfare Department
- School Education Department
- Rural Development Department
- Ayush Department
- National Health Mission (NHM)
The Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) from all districts also participated through video conferencing.
Detailed Review of Arrangements
The Chief Secretary took a comprehensive review of:
- Identification of event venues
- Logistical preparations
- Security arrangements
- Mobilisation of participants
- Departmental coordination
- Public outreach activities
He stressed the importance of meticulous planning to ensure that yoga programmes are conducted smoothly across the Union Territory.
More Than 1,900 Yoga Events Already Conducted
Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education, M. Raju informed the meeting that an extensive series of awareness and outreach programmes had already been conducted ahead of International Day of Yoga.
According to officials, a total of 1,952 yoga-related events have been organised so far across Jammu and Kashmir.
These activities have witnessed participation from more than 1.31 lakh people, reflecting growing public enthusiasm towards yoga, fitness and healthy lifestyles.
Diverse Pre-Yoga Day Activities Organised
Officials informed the meeting that several innovative programmes have been conducted as part of the prelude activities.
These include:
Yoga Sessions Across Communities
Regular yoga camps and awareness sessions have been organised in urban and rural areas to encourage participation among all age groups.
Yoga at Iconic Locations
Special yoga events have been conducted at heritage sites, tourist destinations and prominent landmarks across the Union Territory.
Samyoga Programmes
The administration has also organised Samyoga initiatives integrating yoga with other healthcare systems to promote holistic well-being.
Youth-Focused Activities
Schools, colleges and educational institutions have been actively involved through youth-centric yoga programmes and awareness campaigns.
Harit Yoga Initiatives
Special “Harit Yoga” programmes have been organised to combine environmental awareness with wellness activities, encouraging citizens to adopt sustainable lifestyles.
Community Outreach Campaigns
Extensive awareness drives have been carried out to encourage wider public participation in the International Day of Yoga celebrations.
Directorate of Ayush Nodal Agency for IDY 2026
The meeting was informed that, following established practice, the Directorate of Ayush, Jammu & Kashmir has been designated as the nodal agency for organising and coordinating the International Day of Yoga 2026 celebrations.
The department is working closely with all line departments and stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of programmes at:
- Union Territory level
- District level
- Block level
- Village level
Mass Yoga Events Planned Across J&K
Officials informed the Chief Secretary that large-scale yoga events will be organised across a wide range of locations, including:
- District headquarters
- Schools and colleges
- Tourist destinations
- Healthcare institutions
- Anganwadi centres
- Village-level community spaces
The objective is to ensure maximum public participation and make yoga accessible to people across all sections of society.
Whole-of-Government Approach Emphasised
Highlighting the significance of the International Day of Yoga, Atal Dulloo directed all departments to work in close coordination and adopt a whole-of-government approach to ensure the success of the event.
He stressed that the celebrations should evolve into a mass movement promoting:
- Healthy lifestyles
- Physical fitness
- Mental well-being
- Preventive healthcare
- Community participation
The Chief Secretary urged all stakeholders to maximise public engagement and ensure that the message of wellness reaches every corner of Jammu and Kashmir.
Theme: “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”
This year’s International Day of Yoga will be celebrated globally under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,”highlighting the role of yoga in improving physical health, mental well-being and quality of life across all age groups.
Officials expressed confidence that the large-scale preparations underway would make the 2026 celebrations one of the most extensive yoga outreach campaigns ever organised in Jammu and Kashmir.
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