Chandigarh, June 22 -- Over 33,000 participated in the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations at 312 locations in the city , with nearly 2,000 performing various asanas at the scenic Tiranga Urban Park, Sector 17, on Saturday morning. Simultaneously, over 1,500 participants, including Anganwadi and creche workers, children from Child Care Institutions, and Social Welfare officials, gathered at Rock Garden. Addressing the gathering of yoga enthusiasts at Sector 17, Punjab governor and UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, said, "Yoga is no longer just a form of exercise-it is now a people's movement in Chandigarh and across India. It empowers the individual, strengthenscommunities, and offers atimeless solution to modern challenges." The governor spoke on the spiritual, philosophical, and scientific depth of yoga, tracing its roots from the ancient Indus-Saraswati civilisation to its presence in the Rigveda, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita. During the celebrations, the governor led the entire gathering in taking a solemn pledge for 'Nasha Mukt Chandigarh'. Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, home secretary Mandeep Singh Brar, finance secretary Diprava Lakra, deputy commissioner Nishant Yadav, among others were also present. The session was organised in association with Food Corporation of India. Pooja Nayar, chair- Chandigarh, PHDCCI SHE Forum, said, "The chamber is proud to champion initiatives that focus on professional excellence, holistic well-being, for women, families, and the wider community. As many as 3,350 doctors, healthcare workers, students and other staff and their families participated in the yoga day celebration organised by the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) on Saturday. A month-long yoga camp organised from May 20 concluded at Panjab University (PU) on Saturday. Students from different courses, faculty, staff, and the public took part in the camp. V-C Renu Vig said, "Yoga is not only a celebration of our ancient tradition but also a path to holistic well-being." MCM DAV College for Women celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga with a yoga session on Saturday. Amit Chahal, general secretary of the Chandigarh Yoga Association, guided the participants through the common yoga protocol, demonstrating a series of foundational asanas and breathing techniques. The District Bar Association (DBA), Panchkula organised a yoga session for its members, advocates, court staff, and judges, emphasising yoga's contribution to a healthy lifestyle. Rakesh Sharma, president of the DBA, highlighted yoga as an excellent means to maintain physical, mental, and spiritual health, acknowledging its ancient Indian origins. The National Ayurveda Institute (NIA) hosted International Yoga Day. Over 1,000 participants collectively practised yoga postures, pranayama, and meditation as part of the common yoga protocol. The Haryana state legal services authority (HALSA), in collaboration with the district legal services authority (DLSA), Panchkula, organised a special yoga camp. This initiative, guided by justice Lisa Gill, aimed to promote wellness through yoga while simultaneously spreading legal awareness, aligning with HALSA's broader action plan. Rajya Sabha member Rekha Sharma took part in the district-level International Yoga Day celebration at Red Bishop convention hall on Saturday. MP Sharma announced Haryana's new pledge under chief minister Nayab Singh Saini: "Yoga-United, Drug-Free Haryana," aiming for new heights of progress. Dr BR Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences, Mohali marked International Yoga Day with over 3,000 healthcare professionals setting up a new Asia Book of Records title for the largest yoga session by medical professionals. Asia Book of Records adjudicator Sachin Khullar certified the record. The Border Security Force (BSF) Western Command marked the 11th International Yoga Day on Saturday at its headquarters in Lakhnaur, Mohali, with participation from personnel and their families. The session was presided over by Pramod Kumar Yadav, IG (HR & Logistics), HQ Special DG BSF (Western Command). State Bank of India marked Yoga Day at its local head office in Sector 17, Chandigarh. Krishan Sharma, chief general manager, SBI Chandigarh Circle among other staff members participated in this event. Assistant general manager Joginder Bhutani took the yoga session of all SBI staff. Punjab transport and jails minister Laljit Singh Bhullar took part in International Yoga Day celebrations held at Deep Ayurveda in Mohali on Friday. Bhullar said regular yoga practices can help individuals develop self-restraint and maintain emotional balance. He added that the state government is working to make yoga accessible across Punjab....