Youngsters practise yoga to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Telegraph pictures

Bhubaneswar, July 29: Stress has become a part of life for people of the city. Instead of turning to the more “modern” methods of coping (read partying etc), people are finding a traditional solution — yoga.

Every morning, large groups of both youngsters and older people can be seen performing yoga in parks and health centres across the city.

While many health conscious people follow yoga to keep fit, there are others who find the exercise more spiritual. Meditation and the breathing exercises of yoga now have a considerable following.

“Yoga is not only required for physical fitness, it also takes care of mental health. That is why this ancient Indian system of healing has gained a huge following worldwide,” says Prafulla Mishra, professor of human consciousness studies and yogic science at the Sanskrit department of Utkal University.

A number of people gather at the Forest Park, IG Park, Kalinga Stadium, Satsang Vihar and other areas of the city at five in the morning. College and school students, young professionals, homemakers and even elderly men and women are seen practising pranayam.

“Many of us attended the yoga classes of Baba Ramdev last year. We then thought of propagating the idea all over the city. We started practising yoga in the park and now at least 20 more people have joined us here,” says 30-year-old businessman Anil Panda, a regular yoga practitioner at IG Park.

“I come here with my husband for yoga every morning. I feel very energetic after performing yoga and meditation with 50 other people. It’s the perfect start to my day,” says Mamata Dhir, a professional.

The ritual, however, does not seem to be limited to these yoga centres only. Many health-conscious people practise yoga at home too.

“I had a severe pain in my back. In spite of taking several doses of penicillin and other medicine the pain did not reduce. Then I learnt yoga exercises after watching a programme on TV. I practiced pranayam for half an hour every morning and believe me, it really helped me a lot,” says young software engineer Devi Prasad.

MBA student Ankita, who resides at a hostel in the city, believes that practising yoga on a regular basis makes her skin look healthy. “My roommates and I practise meditation — Brahmari and Udgida. Both these exercises help bring a glow to my face,” she says.

According to experts, practising yoga on a regular basis helps rid the body of all kinds of ailments.

“Achieving concentration, calmness of the mind, handling stress, losing weight or getting rid of pain and other ailments are all possible with regular yoga exercises. It’s nice to know that the number of yoga practitioners is growing every day in the city,” adds Prafulla Mishra.

Many yoga trainers from Patanjali are also providing free yoga classes in the capital. Yoga experts are delighted that this ancient form of fitness has finally caught the attention of people here.

“It’s great to see the dedication of the people who come here for yogic exercises,” says Chakradhar Sethi, a senior yoga trainer and bank employee, who lives in Satsang Vihar.