**Summary:**
On May 26, 2025, the National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), Pune, organized a special event blending the traditional Vat Amavasya festival with the Ministry of Ayush’s Harit Yoga initiative, as part of the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025. The event emphasized the cultural and ecological significance of the Banyan tree (Vat Vriksh). Participants, including staff, faculty, students, and stakeholders, engaged in a symbolic ceremony, pledging to protect and nurture the Banyan tree. Dr. Satyalakshmi, Director of NIN, highlighted the importance of revering trees and linking it to Harit Yoga and IDY 2025’s theme of "Yoga for One Earth, One Health". Shri Anant Biradar, President of the International Naturopathy Organisation, commended the Ministry of Ayush for promoting IDY 2025 and connecting yoga with environmental protection. The event concluded with a commitment to nurturing both self and the environment, promoting harmony between yoga and environmental consciousness.
Key Entities Referenced
AYUSH Vat Amavasya Meets Harit Yoga: Title of the event, blending tradition and nature.
PIB Mumbai: Press Information Bureau, Mumbai - the source of the information.
27 MAY 2025: Date of the press release.
New Delhi: Location mentioned in the dateline.
Mumbai: Location mentioned in the dateline and referring to PIB Mumbai.
National Institute of Naturopathy NIN, Pune: Organization that organised the event.
26 May 2025: Date of the event.
Vat Amavasya festival: Traditional festival celebrated at the event.
Harit Yoga: Initiative of the Ministry of Ayush, blending yoga and environmental consciousness.
Ministry of Ayush: Government ministry responsible for Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy).
11th International Day of Yoga IDY 2025: Upcoming International Day of Yoga in 2025.
Banyan tree: Tree species (Ficus benghalensis) central to the event's theme.
Vat Vriksh Ficus benghalensis: Another name for Banyan tree.
NIN campus at Nisarg Gram, Pune: Location of the event within Pune.
Dr. Satyalakshmi: Director of NIN.
Yoga for One Earth, One Health: Theme of IDY2025.
Shri Anant Biradar: President of International Naturopathy Organisation and a guest at the event.
International Naturopathy Organisation: Organisation whose president, Shri Anant Biradar, attended the event.
PIBMumbai: Social Media Handles of PIB Mumbai
pibmumbaiatgmaildotcom: Email address of PIB Mumbai.
Release ID: 2131726: Release Identification number of the Press Release
AYUSH
Vat Amavasya Meets Harit Yoga: A Celebration of
Tradition and Nature
Posted On: 27 MAY 2025 7:08PM by PIB Mumbai
th
New Delhi/ Mumbai, 27 May 2025
th
A special event organised by the National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), Pune on 26 May 2025
blending the traditional Vat Amavasya festival with the Harit Yoga initiative of the Ministry of Ayush,
has caught the imagination of both yoga enthusiasts and nature-lovers alike. This event, part of the
11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, emphasized the deep-rooted cultural and ecological
significance of the Banyan tree, or Vat Vriksh (Ficus benghalensis)
Celebrating the Banyan Tree
The Banyan tree holds a revered place in Indian culture, symbolizing longevity, wisdom, and
spiritual growth. Its ecological benefits are profound, offering shade, habitat for wildlife, and
contributing to air purification. Yet, its role extends beyond the environment to touch upon the
spiritual and cultural tapestries of life in India.
The Event
th
Pune was pleasantly surprised on 26 May, with the early arrival of the South-West monsoons. And
the continuous rains did in no way dampen the enthusiasm at the NIN campus at Nisarg Gram,
Pune. The event saw participation and involvement from staff, faculty, students and various invited
stake-holders. Dr. Satyalakshmi, the Director of NIN, in the welcome address, underscored the
importance of continuing the tradition of revering trees, linking it to the broader context of Harit Yoga
and the International Day of Yoga (IDY). This initiative aims to intertwine yoga practices with
environmental consciousness, fostering a holistic approach to wellness. Touching upon the theme
of IDY-2025 which is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, she explained that the event is an attempt
to give a practical demonstration of the theme.
Participants engaged in a symbolic ceremony, encircling the Banyan tree with hand-woven threads,
pledging to protect and nurture it.
Shri Anant Biradar, the President of International Naturopathy Organisation and a guest at the
event, addressed the gathering, praising the Ministry of Ayush for its innovative programs for
spreading the message of IDY-2025. He emphasized how such events motivate people to connect
Yoga with environmental protection, creating a synergy between personal well-being and ecological
stewardship.
A Thought-Provoking Reflection
The celebration of Vat Amavasya, enriched by the Harit Yoga initiative, serves as a reminder of the
profound connection between nature-conservation and yoga. It invites us to reflect on how ancient
traditions can inspire modern ecological practices. As the participants enjoyed mango juice under
the expansive canopy of the Banyan, the event concluded with a renewed commitment to nurturing
both the self and the environment.
By embracing such integrative celebrations, the Ministry of Ayush honours India’s cultural heritage
while promoting ecological responsibility, inspiring one and all to harmonise Yoga and
environmental consciousness for a sustainable future.MV/AKS/PM
Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai /PIBMumbai /pibmumbai pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com
(Release ID: 2131726)