Several yoga events took place across north coastal Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday. These events are part of the state-wide Yogandhra initiative. The aim is to promote yoga for mental peace, health benefits, and overall well-being. The main International Yoga Day (IYD) event will be held on June 21 in Visakhapatnam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend as the chief guest.
In Parvathipuram-Manyam district, State Minister G. Sandhyarani joined a yoga event near Yenugula Konda (Elephant Hill) at Vengalaraya Sagaram in Makkuva mandal. She performed yoga poses along with district officials. The minister also released colorful balloons to invite the public to join the IYD celebrations. She highlighted yoga’s role in reducing mental stress, controlling lifestyle diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, and promoting peace. The minister said, “About 28,000 students from the district have been fully trained in yoga. They will perform 108 Surya Namaskars in front of the Prime Minister.”
Parvathipuram-Manyam Collector A. Shyam Prasad said that holding yoga sessions at scenic and less-known tourist spots like Yenugula Konda would help promote both tourism and wellness.
In Vizianagaram district, Collector Dr. B.R. Ambedkar announced that yoga demonstrations will be held at around 5,555 locations. He said nearly 8.82 lakh people are expected to participate. To support the PM’s event in Visakhapatnam, about 30,000 participants—half of them students—will be transported by 660 buses. The administration has planned strict logistical arrangements. These include early morning departures, designated liaison officers for each bus, and hygiene support along travel routes. A video conference was held with district and mandal officials to ensure smooth coordination.
In Srikakulam district, a yoga session was organized at the historic Arasavilli Sri Suryanarayana Swami Temple. The session was supervised by yoga guru Pandranki Muralikrishna and guided by yoga experts. The event included cultural programs, such as dance performances by students of Neeraja Subrahmanyam, blending spirituality and art. District Revenue Officer Venkateswara Rao urged thorough preparation for the event. Around 20,000 people from Srikakulam are expected to attend the IYD program in Visakhapatnam. About 3,000 will participate locally at the 80-feet road or Arts College premises. Here, yoga training and demonstrations will be held under the guidance of health and tourism officers.
