On the occasion of International Yoga Day on 21 June, the Uttarakhand tourism development board (UTDB) held special yoga sessions across several remote villages near the India-China border, as part of the government’s vibrant villages programme.The events were held in villages including Mana, Malari, Jadung, Nilang, Harsil, Dugtu, and Nabidhang, spread across the districts of Uttarkashi, Chamoli and Pithoragarh. Local residents, schoolchildren, youth and army personnel joined the sessions in large numbers, coming together to practise yoga under the guidance of trained instructors.Participants engaged in a range of activities including yoga asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation. The initiative aimed to raise awareness around health and wellness in remote areas, while also promoting rural tourism and cultural engagement.Speaking about the programme, the secretary of tourism and CEO of the Uttarakhand tourism development board said that Uttarakhand’s serene and natural surroundings make it an ideal destination for yoga practices. He further added that efforts are being made towards developing these vibrant villages as hubs of yoga tourism and local development, which will also open up employment opportunities for the local youth.UTDB has said it will continue to organise such programmes to help boost the local economy and support holistic development in the state’s border regions.