Leh, June 26: Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) successfully concluded the closing ceremony of the week-long “International Yoga & Meditation Festival 2024” in celebration of the 10th United Nations International Day of Yoga.
The event, which began at the AstroTurf Stadium on June 21, 2024, attracted over 1,000 participants from around the world, setting a world record.
The festival was inaugurated by the Guest of Honour, Lt. Governor of Ladakh, Brig Dr. B D Mishra. The first day saw a lively morning session at the AstroTurf Stadium followed by an afternoon session at the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC).
The second day, June 22nd, featured a tranquil morning session at Sindhu Ghat and an informative afternoon session at the Sowa Rigpa National Institute. On June 23rd, participants experienced yoga at the world’s highest saline lake. The event was recorded in world records for its unique location and scale. A certificate was awarded to MIMC for hosting such a significant yoga event that attracted over 1,000 participants.
The festival continued with symposiums at the University of Ladakh on June 24 and Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) on June 25. On the final day, June 26, a session was held at Mahabodhi Residential High School and culminated in a farewell function. Key participants and speakers at the week-long festival included Dr Ishwar Basavaradi, former Director of National Morarji Desai Institute, Dr Naveen K Vishweswaria, Chief Imam of All India Organisation of Imams Dr Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, Goswami Sushil Maharaj, IBC Secretary General Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choden, revered and respected monks of Sri Lanka Most Venerable Samantabhadra Mahathero, Dr Markandi Rai, Swami Dayadipananda, Sushri Ganga Nandini, Mahesh Agarwal, Dr Binny Sareen and Deepak Sharma among others.
The festival was organised in collaboration with the Government of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Leh Hill Council, University of Ladakh, National Institute of Sowa Rigpa Studies (NISR), Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, Ministry of AYUSH, Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and several other prominent organisations.
The Chief Guests at the farewell function were senior RSS leader, National Working Committee member and Chief Patron of Sindhu Darshan Yatra Dr Indresh Kumar and respected and revered Sri Lankan monk Rev Samantabhadra Mahathero.The function was attended by many eminent and respected personalities of Ladakh and MIMC members including MIMC Vice Chairman and former MLA Rev Tsering Sampel, MIMC member Padmashri Mulpu Namgyal, MIMC member Rev Nyantak and others.
Among the many attendees was over 40 people from Sri Lanka, including Rohitha Rajapaksa, son of former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He read a letter from his father to the audience and spoke about the importance of the week-long International Yoga & Meditation Festival. In addition, video and written messages from renowned yoga teachers such as Swami Baba Ramdev and Swami Chidananda were also shared, highlighting the universal appeal of yoga and its benefits for physical and mental health.
We are extremely grateful to all our partners, participants and supporters who contributed to the success of this monumental event. The International Yoga & Meditation Festival 2024 not only celebrated the universal appeal of yoga and meditation but also highlighted the unique cultural and natural heritage of Ladakh.
