New Delhi, Jun 21 (UNI) In order to ensure maximum participation of people on International Day of Yoga on June 21, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the Union Ministry of Culture has waived off the entry fee at all its centrally protected monuments across the country.
While the main event at Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh will be led by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet Ministers will join Yoga enthusiasts at various historical sites where the ASI in collaboration with Union Ministry of Ayush, has planned to host yoga sessions.
At least 81 centrally protected monuments have been identified for the session including historical sites such as Purana Qila (Delhi), Gol Gumbaz (Karnataka), Konark Sun Temple (Odisha), Chittorgarh Fort (Rajasthan), Elephanta Caves (Maharashtra) and 76 other historical places under ASI.
The celebrations will witness the presence of the Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah at Adalaj Vav, Ahmedabad; Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri at Safdarjung Tomb, Delhi; Union Minister of Commerce and Industries Piyush Goyal at Kanheri Caves, Mumbai.
Likewise, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi will join yoga enthusiasts at Group of temples at Pattadakal along with other key dignitaries across different locations.
“These sessions will underscore the importance of holistic health and environmental consciousness deeply rooted in yogic philosophy,” said ASI in a statement here.
Welcoming the initiative, Dr (Prof) Daljit Singh, a neurosurgeon and former Head of Department of Neurosurgery at GB Pant Hospital, Delhi said that “waiving off the entry fees to ASI-protected monuments on International Day of Yoga is an excellent way to encourage more people to connect with the cultural heritage of India while celebrating yoga.
“Monuments and heritage sites are often places of serenity, which can complement the peaceful and meditative nature of yoga,” he added.
Aligned with this year’s theme of ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’- this grand yoga festival aims to promote the timeless connection between India’s cultural heritage and ancient wellness practices.