Mass yoga session held at popular ‘Thotlakonda’ Buddhist site

Over 1,000 participants gather for mass yoga session at Thotlakonda Buddhist site ahead of International Yoga Day.

Over 1,000 enthusiastic participants gathered for a mass yoga session atop the Thotlakonda Buddhist heritage site on Sunday, as part of the district administration’s ‘Yogandhra’ campaign. The month-long Yogandhra initiative is being held in the run-up to International Yoga Day on June 21, which Visakhapatnam will host this year. The event is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, the Chief Minister, Governor and other dignitaries.

The session began with prayers and yoga postures led by Buddhist monks Rajadhamma from Myanmar, Bummare from Cambodia and Dharmachari of the Visakhapatnam Buddhist Society. Personnel from the Indian Navy, yoga school representatives, Brahmakumaris and staff from the Tourism Department also participated in the session.

For the first time, a yoga programme was held atop the Thotlakonda Buddhist heritage site.

Speaking at the event, District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad highlighted that Visakhapatnam will host the prestigious International Yoga Day celebrations on June 21, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance. He said yoga sessions would be conducted across a wide stretch — from RK Beach to Bheemunipatnam — and efforts are under way to ensure the participation of nearly five lakh people. The event also aims to set a world record, he added.

To prepare for the occasion, yoga training sessions are being held at village and ward levels. The Collector noted that the public response has been overwhelming. In each secretariat jurisdiction, three training centres are being set up, with 100 participants being trained at each. He also assured that transport facilities will be arranged for attendees and that awareness campaigns are being run to promote the benefits of daily yoga practice.

Joint Collector Ashok Mayur was present.

Striking images of participants performing yoga asanas amid the ancient architecture and tranquil surroundings of Thotlakonda went viral on social media on Sunday.