In the run-up to the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026, IYA Life Member Gnanasiriyar N. Elumalai organized a special yoga practice session at Besant Nagar Beach, Chennai, in collaboration with the Indian Yoga Association – Tamil Nadu State Chapter Committee (IYA-TNSCC).
The initiative brought together students who regularly attend yoga classes conducted by Shri Elumalai at the Ashok Nagar Anjaneyar Temple. The beach setting was chosen to provide participants with a refreshing environment while simultaneously creating awareness about Yoga among the large number of visitors and families frequenting the beach during the summer holidays.
Shri Elumalai shared that this was his first initiative to celebrate International Day of Yoga 2026 at a public beach venue. He emphasized the importance of taking Yoga beyond traditional practice spaces and making it accessible to the wider community. The event attracted the attention of many visitors, helping spread awareness about the benefits of Yoga and the significance of International Day of Yoga.
As part of the ongoing IDY 2026 celebrations, Shri Elumalai and his team are also conducting additional activities, including Yoga sessions for school children and Common Yoga Protocol demonstrations, to further promote health, well-being, and yogic living among the public.