Skål Kolkata, British Deputy High Commission blend heritage and wellness with Hooghly River cruise for International Yoga Day

Instead of a conventional studio or open park, participants rolled out their yoga mats aboard a cruise sailing between the iconic Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu) and the Second Hooghly Bridge (Vidyasagar Setu), blending wellness with the city's rich river heritage.

The initiative, organised jointly by Skål International Kolkata and the British Deputy High Commission Kolkata, marked the fifth edition of the annual Yoga Day celebration, which began in 2022.

Members of Skål International Kolkata and their families gathered aboard the Vivada Cruise for a morning dedicated to health, mindfulness and community engagement.

A riverfront celebration of wellness

As the cruise glided along the Hooghly, yoga expert Madhusatta Chaudhury led participants through a carefully designed session focused on healthy ageing.

Photo: Skål International Kolkata/British Deputy High Commission PR team

The programme combined stretching, flexibility exercises, strength-building movements, breathing techniques, meditation and face yoga, allowing participants to experience wellness against one of Kolkata's most scenic backdrops.

Reflecting on the event, Chaudhury said, "I conducted this session of the 12th International Yoga Day on behalf of the British Deputy High Commissioner and Skål. We did it on the beautiful Vivada Cruises, and it was yoga for healthy ageing."

"Though it was a bit hot, vitamin D is very good for our bodies. So we stretched, we flexed, we did some strengthening exercises, some ups and downs and some meditation, pranayama, face yoga, and overall it was a lovely morning,"  she added.

The session concluded with breakfast on board, providing participants with an opportunity to continue conversations on health and wellbeing.

Continuing a growing tradition

For Chaudhury, this year's programme marked her fourth association with Skål International Kolkata's Yoga Day celebrations.

Recalling the journey, she said, "The first one I did was at Victoria Memorial, then at the Indian Museum, then Eden Gardens, and this is the fourth time on the Vivada Cruises. The Ganges is the heritage and soul of Kolkata."

She also expressed hope that the initiative would continue to grow.

"I am sure next year everyone will be back on their mats even stronger, more flexible, with good mental and physical health," she said.

Photo: Skål International Kolkata/British Deputy High Commission PR team

5 years of yoga at Kolkata's landmark locations

Skål International Kolkata President Amin Asghar said the organisation has made it a tradition to celebrate International Yoga Day at iconic destinations across the city.

"Skål is the world's biggest travel professionals' association. We are present in 100 countries and around 300 cities across the world. Founded in 1954, Skål International Kolkata itself is 73 years old," he said.

Asghar explained that the Yoga Day initiative began in 2022 at the Eiffel Tower replica in New Town's Eco Park before moving to Victoria Memorial, the Indian Museum and Eden Gardens in subsequent editions.

"This is the fifth edition of the International Yoga Day celebration. Today we are on the Hooghly River between the two iconic bridges—Howrah Bridge and the Second Hooghly Bridge. It is an association we are very proud of, and we plan to continue it," he said.

Wellness tourism through yoga

Asghar said the annual initiative also aims to showcase India's growing potential as a global destination for wellness tourism.

"We think wellness tourism can come into India, and yoga can be the frontrunner to take it forward," he said.

The event came a week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in International Yoga Day celebrations in Kolkata, highlighting the growing prominence of yoga as a global wellness movement.