Yoga, which is recognised by the UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, unfolded at heritage sites in a blend of the living tradition of spiritual growth and wellness, with the architectural legacy of India, on Saturday.

The International Day of Yoga was held at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Keshava temple at Somanathapur in Mysuru district, Hoysaleshwara temple complex at Halebid in Hassan district, and at the Dariya Daulat Bagh, the summer palace of Tipu Sultan, in Srirangapatna, Mandya district.

An official from the Archaeological Survey of India said that yoga day celebrations used to be conducted at various heritage sites in the past as well. But this year, it was conducted on a larger scale as it was the 11the edition of the International Day of Yoga.

In Somanathapur, the Yoga Day unfolded against the backdrop of 13th-century Keshava temple, which was built during the Hoysala period, and is renowned for ornate sculptures and unique architectural style.

The event was organised under the supervision of staff from Regional Institute of Education, Mysuru, representatives from Archaeological Survey of India, and there were about 750 participants in all. The Yoga Day was also celebrated on the Halebid museum premises within the Hoysaleshwara temple complex.

In Srirangapatna, the event was organised in the sprawling gardens of Dariya Daulat Bagh which is a protected monument under the ASI. MLA Ramesh Bandisidde Gowda, ASI official A. Sunil and others led the event, and there were nearly 350 participants, including students from Government PU College and St.Mary’s High School.

Mr. Sunil said arrangements were made for viewing the Yoga Day celebrations led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Vishakapatnam, on giant LCD screens. The yoga performance commenced soon after and followed the common yoga protocol issued by the Ministry of Ayush.

The theme for this year’s event was ‘Yoga for One Earth One Health’. Apart from yoga in heritage sites, the event was organised across the region including in educational and government institutions.

In Mandya, the district administration conducted the event at the PET cricket grounds. Deputy Commissioner Kumar said that India has become synonymous with yoga and described it as a slice or a symbol of the country’s culture. He underlined the importance of incorporating yoga into one’s lifestyle to reap its health benefits.

Purushotamananda Swami of Adi Chunchanagiri Mutt Educational Trust said yoga should not be confined to one day in a year, but should be part of one’s lifestyle. Trinetra Mahant Shivayogi of Chandravan Ashram said yoga day was an Indian festival celebrated across the world.

The Yoga Day was also celebrated at various places in Chamarajanagar and Kodagu districts.