Declare Mysuru India’s first ‘Yoga District’: Karnataka writes to Centre

On the occasion of International Day of Yoga on June 21, a grand session titled ‘Yoga Maha Kumbha’ will be held at the iconic Mysore Palace.

Eyeing ‘Yoga District' recognition, Karnataka has submitted a proposal to the Centre requesting that Mysuru be officially declared the country’s first ‘Yoga District’, Star of Mysore reported.

As per the report, officials from the Ministry of Ayush, during a visit in 2024, had found that the district was the closest to having the mandated 50% of households actively practising yoga to be named ‘Yoga District’. If approved, the status will ensure that at least one member of every household in Mysuru learns and practises Yoga on a daily basis.

On Wednesday, Karnataka Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Gundu Rao said the district has a significant number of people practising yoga, which draws thousands of learners and teachers from across the world every year.

Following this, on the occasion of International Day of Yoga on June 21, a grand session titled ‘Yoga Maha Kumbha’ will be held at the iconic Mysore Palace, the report added.

“The proposal to establish a Yoga University in Mysuru and secure the ‘Yoga District’ tag was first drafted in 2017, but gained fresh momentum only recently. The project was revived three months ago following the Ministry of Ayush officials’ visit. Now, the approval process is in motion. Establishing a Yoga University will help regulate and systematise Yoga learning, as over 25,000 people visit Mysuru each year to study Yoga,” Mysuru District Ayush Officer Dr Renukadevi was quoted by Star of Mysore as saying.

“The action plan combines Ayurveda, wellness and Yoga. Mysuru has 22 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (health and wellness centres) where trained instructors reach Yoga education to the last mile, ensuring anyone interested can learn. If Mysuru is declared a ‘Yoga District’, it will receive additional funding, resources and infrastructure to promote structured Yoga education,” she noted.