Yoga enthusiasts assemble at Meghalaya's Double-Decker Root Bridge

Meghalaya's Double-Decker Living Root Bridge hosted a special yoga session for enthusiasts, blending tradition, nature and well-being.

The one-of-a-kind yoga session was organised by the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy (NEIAH), as part of the countdown to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21.

The participants noted that the event 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 June 21 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 well-being, 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 well-being,” it added. (With inputs from PTI)