REGIONAL NEWS
The commemoration of International Yoga Day 2026 became an important momentum for strengthening the character and spiritual values of young Hindus in Banyuwangi. The event, organized by the Yayasan Purwa Dharma together with Pasraman Purwa Dharma across Banyuwangi, was held at the tourist area of Pulau Merah Beach, Pesanggaran District, on Sunday.
Hundreds of students from 16 Purwa Dharma Pasraman spread across various regions in Banyuwangi participated in the event. The Hindu Affairs Administrator of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Office of Banyuwangi Regency, representatives from Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI), Wanita Hindu Dharma Indonesia (WHDI), Hindu religious counselors, pasraman acarya, and parents of the participants are also attending the event.
This year’s International Yoga Day celebration was not merely a collective yoga practice bu also served as a platform for fostering stronger connections among pasraman participants, deepening religious understanding, and instilling the values of togetherness from an early age.
Chairman of Yayasan Purwa Dharma, Nyoman Pageh, stated that the event has been held annually at rotating locations as an effort to expand the reach of religious development while strengthening the network among pasraman.
“This activity provides a space for pasraman children from various regions to get to know one another, build friendships, and strengthen a sense of brotherhood as fellow Hindus. It is this spirit of togetherness that we seek to continuously nurture through the commemoration of International Yoga Day,” he said.
Nyoman Pageh explained that the continuity of the program has been made possible through the active support of acarya, pasraman administrators, and parents who have consistently accompanied the development of Hindu youth.
Meanwhile, the Hindu Affairs Administrator of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Banyuwangi, Oksan Wibowo, expressed appreciation for the consistency of Yayasan Purwa Dharma in developing religious guidance activities through approaches that resonate with younger generations.
In his remarks, Oksan emphasized that yoga carries a meaning far beyond physical exercise.
“Yoga is an essential part of Hindu teachings that promotes balance in life. Through yoga, individuals are trained to harmonize thought, speech, and action, enabling them to build a more harmonious life with themselves, others, and the environment,” he said.
Oksan also encouraged parents to continue supporting their children’s participation in pasraman education as an investment in moral and spiritual development amid the challenges of modern times.
“Pasraman plays a strategic role in shaping a generation of Hindus with strong character, sound religious understanding, and the ability to apply the values of Dharma in daily life. Therefore, collaboration between pasraman, families, and the wider community must continue to be strengthened,” he added.
In addition to providing physical health benefits, the event also served as a learning space for discipline, concentration, responsibility, and the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships with others. The spirit of togetherness that flourished throughout the event reflected the strong sense of brotherhood among Banyuwangi’s Hindu youth.
The day-long program demonstrated that pasraman functions not only as a center for religious education but also as a platform for character building, leadership development, and fostering strong social bonds among young Hindus. The spirit cultivated during the International Yoga Day celebration is expected to continue growing and contribute positively to the development of the Hindu community in Banyuwangi.
Editor : I Made Juni Saputra
Photographer : I Gusti Ngurah Sathya Dharma
Contributed and translated by Muhammad Mahmud Alhushori
