Mysuru, June 21 (OSR)- The warm-up and the warm-down exercises and the 16 asanas performed in between, had the stomachs of 60,000 or more yoga enthusiasts growling, as they made a beeline to the food stall soon after participating in the Fourth International Yoga Day (IYD) celebrations in city, this morning.

The day had begun as early as 4 am for many at the Mysore Race Course. As soon as the event ended at 8.20 am, the enthusiasts rushed to the food counters where tomatobath in packets were kept ready to be  served. Many also were seen leaving the grounds without going near the counter.

Everyone right from school children to elders were seen tucking into the tasty tomatobath. Nearly 60,000 food packets were kept ready and the volunteers were seen generously distributing even two or three packets to a few who wanted to fill their belly.

Along with food packets, nearly 55,000 half-litre water bottles were also distributed to the yoga practitioners along with food packets. Apart from this, water containers with steel glasses (eschewing plastic glasses) were kept at various places in the venue for the participants.

Just as there was silence all round except for the instructor’s voice when yoga asanas were being performed, there was an orderly queue to collect the food packets with no one trying to put his/ her hands over the other.

Nearly 150 makeshift toilet facilities for both men and women were arranged.

Metal door detectors were installed at all the seven gates and anti-sabotage checking team personnel combed the area for any explosives both last evening and this morning just before the start of IYD. The Mounted Police were also seen keeping vigil at the entrance to the gates.

One way rule was imposed in a few of the roads leading to the venue. As the people came out of the venue after the completion of the programme, many roads like MG Road, Mysuru-Ooty Road, Lalitha Mahal Road and roads near the Mysuru Zoo witnessed traffic jam.

The traffic Police had a tough time controlling traffic. However, after some time, all the roads were cleared.

Enclosure for foreigners

There was a separate block for foreigners and many foreign students from different colleges as also yoga practitioners from several yoga patashalas in city.

A few of them said that they were participating in such a mega event for the first time. Even though they did not have any idea of yoga, they were seen trying to perform the asanas following the instructions of volunteers and instructors.

Mentally challenged children from Karunamayi Foundation in Kuvempunagar and even physically challenged children participated. The students from both government and private hostels came in large numbers.

However, the enthusiasm seen last year when Mysuru set the Guinness World Record was missing as the participants knew that their efforts would not be recognised.  

 

I am very happy to participate in the International Yoga Day celebrations. I know that yoga is very useful to keep the body and mind alert. My teacher brought me here.

— Charan, 5th Standard, Tirumala School, Nadenahalli

I have come here with my sister’s children. Yoga is good for health and I wanted the children to understand its importance.

— M.Rajanna, Backward Classes Department

I have brought 25 children from my school. The arrangements could have been better and more discipline could have been maintained. Also, children had to pay for bus tickets. I wish the District Administration had arranged bus facility for students coming from mofussil areas.

— Mangala Mary, Teacher, G.P. Palya

I am a regular practitioner of yoga. As I was keen on participating, I applied leave as otherwise I had to work in the morning shift.

— Shivaraju, Factory Employee, Nanjangud

I came from Bengaluru yesterday and checked into a hotel. I read the newspaper about Intl. Yoga Day. My curiosity was aroused. I did not know anything about yoga. I got up very early and entered the venue at 5.30 am and occupied the front row. Now, I have come to know how useful yoga is and I will practise it every day.

— S. Robert, Bengaluru