NEW DELHI, 24 Mar: In a fusion of tradition, nature and wellbeing, yoga practitioners unrolled their mats at the double-decker living root bridge in Meghalaya’s Umshiang on Monday.
Against a backdrop of misty hills, gushing waterfalls and the whisper of ancient roots, the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy (NEIAH) organised a one-of-a-kind yoga session as part of the countdown to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) on 21 June.
The participants noted that this was not just another yoga event; it was a testament to resilience and harmony – both of nature and the human spirit – according to a statement issued by the Ayush ministry.
Much like the bridge itself, which has withstood the test of time through generations of Khasi craftsmanship, yoga embodies patience, strength and balance, the statement said.
The living root bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage tag contender, is woven entirely from the aerial roots of rubber fig trees, creating a living, breathing pathway that grows stronger with time.
Surrounded by a lush rainforest and cascading streams, it served as the perfect venue to showcase how yoga is more than just a practice – it is a way of life that aligns with nature.
Since the United Nations declared 21 June as the International Day of Yoga in 2014, India has redefined how the world experiences yoga by hosting
sessions at some of its most iconic landmarks, the statement said.
From the Taj Mahal to the Konark Sun Temple, from the Gateway of India to the Red Fort, each location tells a story of history, culture and wellbeing, it added.
Now, the living root bridge joins the list — bringing the spirit of yoga to the heart of Meghalaya’s sacred landscapes – the statement said.
“As the countdown to IDY 2025 continues, events like these will not only promote the benefits of yoga but also highlight India’s stunning natural and cultural heritage. With each asana performed on this ancient bridge, the message was clear – yoga is not confined to studios, it belongs to the world, to nature and to every individual seeking balance and wellbeing,” it added. (PTI)