Tue May 27 14:45:59 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text, focusing on the event and its significance:

**News Article:**

**Puducherry Hosts ‘Yoga Mahotsav’ as Countdown to International Yoga Day Begins**

**PUDUCHERRY, May 27, 2025** – Puducherry kicked off a 25-day countdown to International Day of Yoga (IDY) with a large-scale ‘Yoga Mahotsav’ held at Gandhi Thidal. The event, organized to highlight the transformative power of yoga, drew over 6,000 participants and was attended by key dignitaries including Union Minister of State for Ayush and MoS for Health Prataprao Jadhav, Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, and Chief Minister N. Rangasamy.

Minister Jadhav emphasized the importance of yoga as a “free health insurance” that boosts immunity, reduces stress, and promotes overall well-being. He highlighted yoga’s universal appeal, stating it transcends age, gender, and background and promotes a healthier, happier, and more united world. He also underscored the message of yoga as an integral part of a healthy future was being shared this year from Puducherry.

Lt. Governor Kailashnathan noted the growing acceptance of yoga in various sectors, including education, government offices, and the defense sector. Chief Minister Rangasamy positioned Puducherry as a global destination for inner peace and spiritual pursuit, aligning with the core principles of yoga.

The event featured a live demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol by instructors from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Ministry of Ayush.

Looking ahead to the 11th edition of IDY, organizers have planned 10 unique signature events, including ‘Yoga Sangam’, ‘Yoga Bandha’, ‘Yoga Parks’ and ‘Yoga Samavesh’.

The theme for this year’s ‘Yoga Mahotsav,’ chosen by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health,’ urging participants to embrace yoga as a daily practice and inspire others to do the same.

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