President Droupadi Murmu attended the state-level International Day of Yoga celebrations in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh on Sunday. She participated in the yoga session at the historic Garrison Ground in the city’s Sadar area, marking a notable first for the venue.
This was the first time a sitting President of India participated in a yoga event at Garrison Ground. Murmu was accompanied by Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, and rolled out her mat alongside other participants at the venue.
The President left the Circuit House at 7:05 am and reached Garrison Ground by 7:20 am, with the state-level programme beginning at 7:30 am. She presided as chief guest over the mass yoga session before returning to the Circuit House by 8:35 am.
On International Yoga Day, President Droupadi Murmu participated in a mass yoga demonstration at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The President said that Yoga is a powerful medium for connecting the individual to the self, society to nature, and humanity to the vast universal… pic.twitter.com/f2WHL7z9n5
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 21, 2026
The visit to Jabalpur
President Murmu arrived in Jabalpur on Saturday via a special Indian Air Force aircraft. Upon her arrival, she was welcomed by Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Deora. The welcoming ceremony was attended by Governor Mangubhai Patel, Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh, and Higher Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar, along with other officials.
The President stayed overnight at Circuit House No. 1. Her Jabalpur visit was part of a broader five-day official tour of Madhya Pradesh.
Security across the city
Security arrangements across Jabalpur were extensive, with over 3,000 personnel deployed along the entire route from Dumna Airport through to the Circuit House, Garrison Ground, and the university campus. Railway Protection Force teams were also active at the railway station, with dog squads carrying out checks.
The district administration had banned the flying of drones, balloons, and kites within a 15-kilometre radius of Dumna Airport, Garrison Ground, the Circuit House, and Rani Durgavati University.
About Garrison Ground
Garrison Ground takes its name from the British-era military cantonment. During colonial rule, the Sadar area became a major hub for military activities. After independence, it was developed systematically in 1953 and has since grown into a premier sporting venue in Jabalpur.
For decades, the ground has hosted first-class cricket matches, including games featuring the West Indies team. Many renowned players from Madhya Pradesh showcased their talent here. Apart from cricket, it has regularly hosted football, hockey, athletics, and other sporting competitions, playing a key role in nurturing local athletic talent.
The venue also carries socio-political significance, having hosted major public rallies including those addressed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, drawing massive crowds over the years.
This occasion builds on previous high-profile visits to the same venue. In 2023, then Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar had participated in Yoga Day celebrations at Garrison Ground. President Murmu’s presence elevated the event further, making it the first time India’s head of state joined the yoga programme there.