Yoga Dasara was inaugurated at J.K. Grounds in Mysuru on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: M.A. Sriram
The four-day Yoga Dasara got under way at J.K. Grounds in Mysuru on Wednesday. The event, themed ‘Yoga for a healthy tomorrow’, was inaugurated by Gavi Mutt seer Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Mahaswami in the presence of yoga trainers, practitioners, enthusiasts, and officials.
Yoga Dasara highlighted the role of yoga in addressing risk factors of increasingly unhealthy lifestyle. Experts participating in the event on the inaugural day highlighted the benefits and scientific approach to yoga, emphasising that it should complement medical treatment rather than serve as an alternative to it.
Focusing on Ashtanga Yoga, Srivatsa, principal of Government Ayurveda College and Hospital, said yoga practice should not be limited to basic postures and pranayama. Personalised practise of yoga is mandatory to have efficacy, while stating that yoga should be practised consistently.
While referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recognition of Mysuru as a yoga hub, efforts should be made to reach out even to the last person of society through outreach programmes like ‘Mane Mane Yoga’ in the coming days, said Ganesh Kumar, principal of Swami Vivekananda Yoga and Anusandhana Samsthana.
Seminars by medical experts were held after the inaugural event. They were followed by an performance by an art troupe showcasing Yoga Nruthya Roopaka, blending of classical dance with yoga postures.
On October 16, a State-level yoga competition will be conducted at P. Kalingarao Auditorium, Karnataka Exhibition Authority, in 23 categories for different age groups, including senior citizens. Around 1,650 participants had registered online.
Pilot study under way
Nanjangud taluk had been identified for pilot study of yoga training for rural people under the National Ayush Mission, according to an official of the AYUSH Department.
From August 1, the 90-day yoga training programme has been under way in 45 gram panchayaths of Nanjangud taluk with 90 trainers. The participants of the pilot will take part in the Rural Yoga Dasara scheduled for October 18 at Government PU College Stadium, Nanjangud.
Based on feedback, the training programme will be implemented in the rest of Mysuru district, according to the official.
On October 19, between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., enthusiasts will participate in trekking in Chamundi Hills, marking the conclusion of Yoga Dasara.
The Yoga Dasara sub-committee felicitated 10 yoga experts and trainers from different taluks of Mysuru district.
Published - October 14, 2026 08:10 pm IST