Probable Cities Shortlisted for International Yoga Day Event

Prime Minister Narendra Modi performs yoga along with thousands of others at a mass yoga session to mark the International Day of Yoga 2015. (Photo: PTI)

The Centre has shortlisted the names of a few cities, including Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Ranchi, for selecting the venue of the main function of International Yoga Day this year.

"The main function of International Yoga Day (IYD) will be held outside Delhi. A few names have been shortlisted for the venue. Bhopal, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Ranchi and Bengaluru are the probable names. The final decision will be taken in a couple of weeks," Director of Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga IV Basavaraddi told reporters on Tuesday.

Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga functions under the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy).

Basavaraddi was addressing a press conference at the institute a day ahead of the International Yoga Fest, a curtain-raiser to IYD, that would be held to sensitise the masses about the grand function on 21 June.

"The festival is being held on 8-9 March at the Talkatora Stadium followed by a workshop on 10 March," he said.

"This year we are also paying tribute to two yoga gurus, who have passed away. Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu will inaugurate the function," he added.