Gujarat to celebrate World Yoga Day at over 29,000 locations

Ahmedabad: The Gujarat government on Tuesday said the upcoming 'World Yoga Day' on June 21 will be celebrated at more than 29,000 locations across the state. State level event will be held at GMDC ground in Ahmedabad and will be attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel and Governor OP Kohli, Education minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama said.

"The state government will celebrate this event at more than 29,000 locations across the state," he told

reporters in Ahmedabad.

"Apart from this state level event here, each 33 district will organise one main event in their area. We have already designated places for each of these districts. Apart from these main events, Yoga Day will be celebrated in many other places, such as public gardens and school grounds" said Chudasama, who is the chairman of the organising committee for the event.

He further said it is not mandatory for anyone to participate in the event. He also clarified that participants need not follow any particular dress code to perform Yoga at these events.

"The participants will be mostly common citizens. There is no compulsion to take part in the event. We have also roped in government and private schools, colleges and universities along with several other religious and social organisations to maximise participation," the minister said.

As per the plan, Yoga, including prayer and meditation, will be performed at all these designated centres

across the state at 7 AM on June 21.

The total duration of the entire program is about 37 minutes and 'Surya Namaskar' will not be part of Yoga Day program, he added.

"Yoga will be performed as per the video CD given to us by AYUSH department. Participants will get guidance from 39,000 master trainers, who were already selected and trained by us between June 7 and 14," said Chudasama. According to him the state government has alloted Rs 5 lakh to each district to organize this event.

"As per the theme, we will put 500 decorative boats in Narmada river at Bharuch. There will be around 4 to 5 particiants on each boat. Spectators can watch them doing yoga from the bridge or from the river bank," said Chudasama.