Four-day Yoga Dasara gets under way in Mysuru

The four-day Yoga Dasara commenced at J.K. Grounds in Mysuru on Wednesday, inaugurated by Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Mahaswami of the Gavi Mutt. The theme was 'Yoga for a healthy tomorrow', highlighting the role of yoga in combating the risk factors of an increasingly unhealthy lifestyle. Experts on the first day emphasized using yoga as a complement to medical treatment, rather than an alternative, and stressed personalized practice.

Ganesh Kumar of Swami Vivekananda Yoga and Anusandhana Samsthana called for outreach programs like 'Mane Mane Yoga' to engage everyone in society. After the inauguration, seminars by medical experts were held, followed by an art performance blending yoga with classical dance. A state-level yoga competition for 23 categories, including senior citizens, will be held on October 16.

Around 1,650 participants had registered online. Mysuru's Nanjangud taluk was chosen for a pilot study of yoga training for rural populations under the National Ayush Mission. A 90-day yoga training program is underway in 45 gram panchayaths of Nanjangud taluk, with participants set to compete in a Rural Yoga Dasara on October 18.

The event concluded with a trek in Chamundi Hills on October 19. The Yoga Dasara sub-committee honored 10 yoga experts and trainers from Mysuru's various taluks.