Celebrating International Yoga Day at Indrunag Temple in Khanyara

A Vibrant Celebration of Yoga

Pallavi Sharma

Khanyara: The celebration of International Yoga Day was marked by a lively event at the Indrunag Temple in Khanyara, Himachal Pradesh. This gathering attracted enthusiastic locals and esteemed spiritual figures, notably Swami Sankalp Dev Ji Maharaj, who traveled from Patanjali in Haridwar.

The yoga session coincided with the ongoing Shrimad Devi Bhagwat Katha, featuring spiritual teachings from Shri Chandan Ji. Swami Sankalp Dev Ji led participants through various yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation practices. He highlighted the importance of integrating yoga into everyday life, viewing it as a means to achieve holistic health and self-discipline.

During his speech, Swami Ji urged attendees to start their mornings with yoga and pranayama to invigorate both body and mind. He promoted a simple and mindful lifestyle, advising against junk food and tea, and instead recommending a diet based on wholesome, natural foods. He emphasized the need to introduce yoga to children early on, asserting that a child's environment significantly shapes their future—"A positive start builds a positive path."

Adding to the festive atmosphere of International Yoga Day at Indrunag Temple in Khanyara, participants were inspired by the uplifting message from Swami Sankalp Dev Ji Maharaj. He encapsulated the essence of wellness with the words:

“Live healthy, live free—freedom through disciplined yoga. One Earth, one health.”

Moreover, he recommended against resorting to immediate medication for minor health issues, suggesting that yoga can often provide effective self-healing. The ongoing eight-day yoga camp, which commenced on June 15 and will run until June 22, has attracted villagers of all ages—men, women, and children.

Swami Ji concluded by emphasizing yoga’s ability to connect individuals—not only the mind and body but also people with one another. He remarked that yoga promotes harmony, mutual understanding, and spiritual development. The day's activities also featured yagya rituals and special prayers to Indrunag Devta, enriching the spiritual atmosphere of the celebration.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from local community members, including District In-charge Santosh Kumari Thakur, retired principal Shri Narinder Thakur, and many women and children from surrounding villages. Their presence underscored the growing community spirit surrounding yoga as a shared tradition of health, peace, and unity.