New Delhi, June 21 -- International Yoga Day was celebrated in a unique way at Jaldapara and Gorumara National Parks, where Kunki elephants joined forest officials and staff in yoga activities.
The Forest Department organised yoga sessions across various forest ranges and beat offices. At Jaldapara National Park, forest personnel practised yoga along riverbanks surrounded by dense forests, fresh air, and the sounds of nature. Adding a special attraction to the event, eight Kunki elephants participated alongside their mahouts, symbolically promoting the message of physical and mental well-being through yoga.
A similar celebration was held at Gorumara National Park, where seven Kunki elephants, including Mati Rani, Yuvraj, Barshan, Jenny, and Champa, took part in the observance. The mahouts performed yoga exercises while seated on the elephants, creating a unique and memorable spectacle.
One of the highlights of the celebrations was the sight of Kunki elephants standing in knee-deep river water with their mahouts on their backs, while forest officials and staff performed yoga nearby. The event reflected the harmony between humans, wildlife, and nature, drawing appreciation from participants.
Speaking on the occasion, Bhaskar J.V., Chief Conservator of Forests, North Bengal Wildlife Wing, said yoga represents a beautiful union of nature and spirituality. "This is serene, spiritual and natural-yoga in the lap of Mother Nature," he said.
International Yoga Day has been observed worldwide every year on June 21 since receiving recognition from the United Nations in 2014. This year, celebrations were held across India, including various parts of West Bengal. The participation of Kunki elephants at Jaldapara and Gorumara added a distinctive touch to the occasion, reinforcing the message of holistic health, environmental awareness, and coexistence with wildlife.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.