Amaravati to host mega yoga event on June 21

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh govt is aiming to make yoga a mass movement by engaging one crore people in ‘Yogandhra-2026’, a 14-day statewide campaign from June 7 to 20 to mark the 12th International Day of Yoga. Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the initiative is designed not merely as an annual event but as a long-term public health movement that promotes fitness, mental well-being, and preventive healthcare across the state.“A mega yoga event involving 25,000 participants will be organised on the Krishna river west bypass bridge in Amaravati on June 21. Yoga should become a daily habit in every household and an integral part of life for people of all age groups. The govt is working to integrate yoga into educational institutions to help children develop healthy habits from an early age. If children adopt yoga at a young age, we can build a healthier and stronger generation for the future,” he said.Describing yoga as “India’s invaluable gift to the world”, the chief minister said it offers an effective solution to rising stress, anxiety, and lifestyle-related health problems. “Yoga promotes physical fitness, mental peace, and spiritual growth while contributing to overall wellness,” he added.Highlighting the success of last year’s programme, Naidu said ‘Yogandhra-2025’ earned national and international recognition after the mega event in Visakhapatnam, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The campaign recorded participation from 2.44 crore people, certificates were issued to 1.91 crore participants, and yoga sessions were conducted at 1.33 lakh venues with the support of 1.53 lakh trainers.The chief minister said district-specific themes have been designed for the upcoming event to encourage participation from all sections of the society. As part of 'Swarnandhra-2047’ vision, the state plans to train 10 lakh certified yoga practitioners and expand the trainer network to 2.5 lakh instructors. The govt has allocated Rs 10 crore for ‘Yogandhra-2026’, he added.