Ministry of Tourism commemorates International Yoga Day at Historic Kanheri Caves

 Union Minister Piyush Goyal leads Yoga Day Celebrations at Mumbai’s Kanheri Caves

Mumbai, 21 June 2025 : The Regional Office of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Indiatourism Mumbai, in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Mumbai Circle and Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), successfully commemorated the 11th International Day of Yoga on Saturday, 21 June 2025, at the historic Kanheri Caves, Mumbai. Renowned for their ancient Buddhist sculptures, inscriptions, and intricate carvings, the Kanheri Caves provided a serene and inspiring backdrop for this significant event, held under the theme "Yoga for One Earth, One Health."

The event was graced by the august presence of Hon'ble Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal who participated in the mass yoga session, reinforcing the importance of yoga in promoting global health and unity. In his address, the Chief Guest, Shri Piyush Goyal, emphasized the importance of integrating yoga into daily life to foster holistic health and societal harmony. Speaking at the event, Shri Goyal said, “Many miraculous outcomes have come to light—how people have attained liberation through yoga, even from major diseases. The people of India have experienced this transformation. Today, the entire world is embracing the practice of yoga and moving towards traditional medicine.”

The program commenced at 05:30 AM with the arrival of participants, followed by a live telecast of the Hon'ble Prime Minister's address from 06:30 AM to 07:00 AM. Esteemed yoga instructors Smt. Sunita Deshmukh and Smt. Mrunal Kanetkar from Kaivalyadham led the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) from 07:00 AM to 07:45 AM, demonstrating yoga's transformative benefits for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the Regional Director, Indiatourism Mumbai, followed by a group photograph and distribution of refreshments.

Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Shri Suman Billa, Regional Director, Indiatourism Mumbai,  Shri Mohamed Farouk and other senior officials attended the event. Approximately 500 participants, including government officials, representatives from educational institutions, yoga enthusiasts, tourism stakeholders and members of the public united to celebrate India's rich cultural heritage. The International Day of Yoga at Kanheri Caves served as a distinguished platform to promote yoga's physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits.