June, 20, Lumbini: Hundreds of people gathered at Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, to mark the occasion of International Yoga Day through a large-scale yoga practice session organized jointly by the Lumbini Development Trust and the Embassy of India in Nepal.

The event was held on Saturday morning at Shanti Deep (Peace Flame) in Lumbini, where participants from diverse age groups and backgrounds came together to practice yoga in a peaceful and spiritually uplifting environment. The session witnessed the participation of approximately 300 people, including local residents, students, government officials, monks, and yoga enthusiasts.

Among the participants were Lumbini Province Chief Krishna Bahadur Ghartimagar and Narayan Singh, First Secretary of the Embassy of India in Nepal, who joined the collective yoga practice. The session lasted for around thirty minutes and included a series of yoga postures, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices aimed at promoting physical health and mental well-being.

Participants traveled from various districts, including Nawalparasi and Kapilavastu, to take part in the celebration. The event showcased the universal appeal of yoga, with participants ranging from children as young as five years old to senior citizens aged seventy-five. Despite the early morning hours, the gathering was marked by enthusiasm, discipline, and a shared commitment to healthy living.

Set against the tranquil surroundings of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the yoga session highlighted the close connection between yoga, mindfulness, and inner peace. The serene atmosphere of Lumbini provided an ideal setting for participants to experience the benefits of yoga while reflecting on the values of harmony and well-being.

Although International Yoga Day is observed globally on June 21 each year, the celebration in Lumbini was organized a day earlier. The event successfully brought together people of different ages and communities, reinforcing the growing popularity of yoga as a means of promoting health, balance, and holistic wellness.

The program concluded with participants expressing a sense of rejuvenation and unity, making the celebration a meaningful addition to Lumbini’s ongoing role as a center for peace, spirituality, and human well-being.