The National Institute of Naturopathy in Pune hosted a unique event on May 26, merging the traditional Vat Amavasya festival with the Harit Yoga initiative under the Ministry of Ayush. This gathering, held as part of the 11th International Day of Yoga 2025, emphasized the ecological and cultural significance of the Banyan tree, reinforcing its role in India’s spiritual and environmental heritage.
Despite the early arrival of Southwest monsoon showers, enthusiasm remained high at NIN’s Nisarg Gram campus, where faculty, students, and key stakeholders came together to celebrate the event. Dr. Satyalakshmi, Director of NIN, highlighted the importance of preserving traditions that honor nature, linking the occasion to the broader theme of International Day of Yoga 2025: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” She described the event as a practical demonstration of integrating yoga with environmental consciousness.
The ceremony featured participants encircling a Banyan tree, symbolically tying handwoven threads as a pledge to protect and nurture it. Shri Anant Biradar, President of the International Naturopathy Organisation, praised the Ministry of Ayush for its innovative outreach, emphasizing how such events encourage people to connect yoga with environmental sustainability, reinforcing personal well-being alongside ecological responsibility.
The blending of Vat Amavasya and Harit Yoga reminded participants of the deep interconnection between nature conservation and yoga. As attendees enjoyed refreshing mango juice under the tree’s expansive canopy, the event concluded with a renewed commitment to safeguarding both human health and the environment.
The Ministry of Ayush continues to promote initiatives that merge India’s cultural heritage with ecological stewardship, inspiring people to adopt a holistic, sustainable approach to wellness and environmental consciousness.
