Photos: Raahgiri Day returns to Connaught Place as Delhi hosts nodal event of 65th Fit India Sundays on Cycle
The event, held under the Fit India Movement in collaboration with the Raahgiri Foundation, also marked a special edition dedicated to World Consumer Rights Day.
65th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle takes place in more than 5000 locations across country. Photo credit: SAI Media
Delhi woke up to fresh rain and pleasant weather on Sunday morning, with hundreds heading to the streets of Connaught Place for the latest edition of Raahgiri Day and the 65th edition of Sundays on Cycle.
The event, held under the Fit India Movement in collaboration with the Raahgiri Foundation, also marked a special edition dedicated to World Consumer Rights Day. Thousands of people gathered early in the morning to participate in cycling and a variety of fitness activities in one of the capital’s busiest public spaces.
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With the roads temporarily opened for people instead of vehicles, Connaught Place transformed into a lively fitness hub as participants of all ages joined activities such as rope skipping, Zumba sessions, yogasana demonstrations and fun games before cycling around the iconic inner circle.
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From children as young as three to senior citizens, people embraced the refreshing weather and turned out in large numbers to be part of the community fitness initiative while also spreading awareness about consumer rights and responsible civic participation.
In Pictures: Raahgiri Day in Delhi – Scenes from Connaught Place
(Photos: The Statesman)
A banner of ‘Sundays on Cycle’ dedicated to Consumer Rights Day is displayed during Raahgiri Day at Connaught Place in New Delhi.Cyclists gather at Connaught Place as part of the Fit India initiativeCycles line the streets of Connaught PlaceParticipants cycle through the 65th edition of Sundays on Cycle
Children and families join the early morning fitness activities in the capitalParticipants take part in a tug of warParticipants pose with ‘I Fight Air Pollution’ bannersChildren draw the message ‘Save Water’ on the groundParticipants draw the message ‘Save Earth’ on the groundChildren take part in a drawing activityParticipants write awareness messages on a public board‘Sundays on Cycle’ banner is displayed at the venue as participants collect bananas from a refreshment stall.
Watch: Raahgiri Day comes alive at Connaught Place
Connaught Place buzzing with cycling, Zumba and fitness activities during Raahgiri Day.
Delhi woke up to fresh rain, spring vibes, and a lot of energy ♀️
Connaught Place buzzing with cycling, Zumba and fitness at #SundaysOnCycle#RaahgiriDay
No trending audio – the enthusiasm says it all. pic.twitter.com/J8gMELkClI
The programme was attended by Ashish Sood, Delhi’s home minister, along with several notable personalities, including former Indian Air Force pilot and fitness expert Akshay Chopra, Zumba instructor Prateek Kundial, wrestler Neelam, and Asian U23 wrestling champion Priya Malik.
Speaking at the event, Sood highlighted the role such initiatives play in promoting healthier lifestyles and sustainable mobility in cities.
“Initiatives like Raahgiri Day and Sundays on Cycle are important steps towards a healthier and safer Delhi. By encouraging walking, cycling and greater use of public transport, such movements promote road safety while also helping reduce air pollution,” he said.
Fitness experts and athletes present at the event also emphasised the importance of staying active.
“Taking care of the body is the most important duty of a human being. If you have a fit body, only then can you do anything,” said Neelam while interacting with participants.
Across the country, the 65th edition of Sundays on Cycle was celebrated at more than 5,000 locations, with over 300 Fit India champions and ambassadors leading cycling activities across diverse landscapes.
Officials from the Sports Authority of India and several civic and government bodies were also present, reinforcing the message that fitness is not just an individual goal but a collective movement.
By bringing together cycling, community activities and open public spaces, Raahgiri Day once again offered a glimpse of how city streets can transform into vibrant spaces for people, promoting healthier lifestyles while encouraging cleaner and more sustainable urban living.
The cycling rally was flagged off early in the morning by Assam Sports Minister Shrimati Nandita Garlosa, with around 400 participants covering a six-kilometre route along NH-27 and around the Sarusajai Stadium, now renamed the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex.
The 58th edition unfolded at the Attari Border in Amritsar, where Sundays on Cycle was celebrated alongside Central Armed Police Forces and young voters on the eve of Republic Day and National Voters’ Day.
The initiative coincided with India winning the right to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, and included cycling and fitness activities at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and in nearby areas.