Yoga sessions were held across Nandyal, Kurnool and Anantapur districts by the government departments, private educational institutions and temple managements on the occasion of International Yoga Day 2026.

The ‘yogasanas’ performed by Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple’s Agama School and the local Zilla Parishad High School in the ‘Om’ formation caught the attention of the devotees who visited Srisailam. A special stage was set up at Gangadhara Mandapam located in front of the temple for the event. The programme was conducted with arrangements spanning the area from the Gangadhara Mandapam to the Nandi Mandapam.

Srisailam temple Trust Board chairman Pothugunta Ramesh Naidu, executive officer M. Srinivasa Rao, members of the Board of Trustees and others participated. Temple priests and officials began the proceedings by lighting the ceremonial lamp.

Meanwhile, children from Ongole performed a traditional dance to the ‘Shiva Stotram’, while renowned yoga instructor Gandhavalla Balasubrahmanyam explained various aspects of the practice and guided the participants in performing various asanas.

Mr. Ramesh Naidu said that the ancient sages established the tradition of yoga and gifted it to the world. “Having inherited this legacy, it is our responsibility to pass it on to the future generations,” he said, stressing the need to teach yoga to children. He noted that temples have historically served as centres not only for devotion but also for education, healthcare, and various other aspects of life, adding that practicing yoga within temple premises provides a boost of energy and enthusiasm.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao said that yoga was not merely about the asanas but also a way of life. “These asanas can help easily alleviate the stress and fatigue experienced in our daily lives,” he said.