Yoga found a new home this International Yoga Day — not in studios or parks, but in shopping malls. Across Delhi NCR, malls rolled out yoga mats and wellness activities, turning their atriums and public spaces into zones of peace, purpose, and participation.

From mindful stretches to bhangra-fused yoga, the day brought together people of all ages in a celebration of balance, health, and community spirit. It also marked a growing trend — malls shifting from pure retail to wellness-driven community spaces.

At DLF Mall of India, Noida, the day kicked off with the Active Noida initiative. Over 400 participants joined a session led by actress and yoga trainer Vidya Malvade, blending traditional yoga with deep breathing practices. The event also featured health talks, Decathlon’s fitness challenges, a Starbucks coffee tasting, and even a themed kids’ art contest.

“Our goal is to create deeper engagement — where visitors don’t just shop, but also find space to rejuvenate,” shared Shibli Khan, Vice President & Cluster Head, DLF Mall of India.

In Gurugram, Ambience Mall offered calming start-and-end yoga sessions in collaboration with Fitness First. The format was simple yet meaningful, drawing in families and professionals for a moment of stillness amid the city’s rush.

Vegas Mall in Dwarka brought out its vibrant side with a Wellness Morning that drew over 500 participants. Led by personalities like Ashley Kaur (Bhangra), and Yog Guru Manmohan Gupta (breathing workshops), the event reflected the mall’s larger theme — One Earth, One Health. Medicinal sapling giveaways and spirited dance sessions made it a lively community gathering.

“This wasn’t just about flexibility — it was about resilience and responsibility,” said Ravinder Choudhary, VP, Vegas Mall.

At Gaur City Mall, yoga met performance. Gold medalist Praveen Kumar led the main session, joined by over 100 community members. The morning came alive with Dance Yoga and demonstrations by the Uttar Pradesh Yogasana Sports Association.

“Our Yoga Day celebration is a tribute to India’s yogic legacy — combining discipline and joy. We aim to make yoga a shared societal movement, echoing PM Modi’s global vision,” stated Sarthak Gaur, Director, Gaurs Group.

Extending the spirit further, Gulshan One29 Mall in Noida hosted a week-long wellness festival. Led by instructors like Shweta Mishra and Rochan, the sessions ranged from Zumba to traditional yoga. The finale included Kathak and freestyle performances by children — making wellness an intergenerational celebration.

“Seeing active participation across all age groups was truly motivating. Yoga is India’s timeless gift, and we’re proud to support its growth and message,” said Yukti Nagpal, Director, Gulshan Group.

The events signal more than festive celebrations — they highlight a clear transformation. Malls are evolving into experience-driven spaces, where wellness is not an add-on but a central anchor. From Ayurveda corners to atrium yoga, the future of retail seems firmly rooted in balance, community, and mindful living.

Sterling Holiday Resorts has added a fresh gem to its portfolio with the opening of Sterling Vanvasa, a premium hideaway nestled in the hills beyond Lansdowne. Surrounded by pine and sal forests and perched over 3,200 feet above sea level, this tranquil retreat is a destination where peace and panoramic beauty meet.

Spanning across 30 acres of forested land near Juee village, this is Sterling’s 8th resort in Uttarakhand, further solidifying the brand’s niche for introducing travellers to India's most peaceful, lesser-known escapes.

The setting is designed to let guests truly disconnect — far from busy town centres and untouched by commercial tourism. With stunning views of the Garhwal Himalayas and the Ramganga river, Sterling Vanvasa invites travellers to slow down, listen to nature, and breathe in the mountain air.

Accommodation includes 33 charming cottages and family suites, styled in a colonial-inspired design. Warm wooden interiors, private sit-outs, and a deliberate absence of televisions in rooms encourage visitors to enjoy nature’s screen instead.

The on-site restaurant, Aranya, serves not just multicuisine fare but also traditional Garhwali dishes made using herbs and vegetables grown in the resort’s own gardens. Other highlights include a hill-facing swimming pool, peaceful meditation zones, and cozy event spaces suitable for family celebrations or team retreats.

“Sterling Vanvasa is another example of how we specialise in crafting offbeat destinations for discerning travellers,” shared Vikram Lalvani, MD & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts. “From Munnar to Karwar, Yercaud to Razole, we’ve created sanctuaries for guests to reconnect with themselves and nature. Vanvasa is a continuation of that vision — deeply peaceful and refreshingly raw.”

Mr. Satendra Rawat, Proprietor of Vanvasa Hotels & Resorts, added, “Sterling’s expertise in running upscale resorts in unexplored locations made them an ideal partner. We believe this property will redefine what it truly means to escape — with a balance of comfort and nature’s beauty.”

Experiences here are curated to foster connection and calm — think sunrise yoga, stargazing, forest dining, birdwatching, and guided nature walks. Guests are encouraged to embrace slow travel: linger over meals, explore the outdoors, and fall asleep to the sounds of the forest.

With this opening, Sterling continues its journey of offering curated calm over crowded getaways — giving travellers more than just a place to stay, but a space to truly pause.

 In a joyful celebration of International Yoga Day 2025, The Den Bengaluru, a 5-star luxury hotel known for its creative and community-driven initiatives, hosted a Puppy Yoga session in collaboration with Pawga—India’s first puppy yoga experience. Held on Saturday, June 21st at 11 AM on the hotel’s serene rooftop terrace, the event was a heartfelt blend of wellness and social impact.

More than just a yoga class, the initiative reflected The Den’s commitment to community welfare and social responsibility. A portion of the proceeds from the event was donated to Charlie’s Animal Rescue Centre (CARE), a Bengaluru-based shelter that supports abandoned and rescued animals. What made the session even more special was that all the puppies participating in the session were up for adoption, giving them a chance to socialize and connect with potential pet parents in a relaxed setting.

Led by a professional instructor, the beginner-friendly one-hour session allowed guests to unwind, de-stress, and connect with themselves—while being surrounded by playful puppies. The interaction not only brought joy to the participants but also helped the young pups from the shelter become more social and emotionally responsive, improving their chances of finding forever homes.

The Den Bengaluru also served refreshing healthy juices and bites, further enriching the wellness experience and showcasing its signature hospitality.

This thoughtful collaboration stands as a meaningful example of pet-friendly luxury and socially conscious hospitality. By raising awareness for shelter pets and supporting adoption efforts, The Den continues to create impactful experiences that go beyond the usual, fostering deeper connections within the community.

With events like these, The Den Bengaluru positions itself not just as a luxury destination, but as a compassionate, community-driven space where well-being and kindness go hand in hand.