In celebration of International Yoga Day, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) launched a WhatsApp chatbot service. This will help residents access real-time, location-based information on Shiv Yoga Centres across the city. The chatbot can be accessed by messaging the number 8999228999. This will provide users with updated details in both Marathi and English.

Chatbot for Easy Access to Yoga Information

The new WhatsApp chatbot service has been introduced by BMC’s Public Health Department as a citizen-centric initiative. By simply sending a message to the chatbot. This bot will enable location services on their smartphones, users can receive comprehensive information about nearby Shiv Yoga Centres.

The details provided include session timings, venue addresses, names of yoga instructors, and contact numbers.

Official Inauguration on International Yoga Day

The service was officially launched during a special yoga session held at the Gokuldas Tejpal Auditorium, Grant Road, on June 21, 2025. The inauguration took place in the presence of key civic officials, including Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Public Health) Mr. Sharad Ugade, Executive Health Officer Dr. (Mrs.) Daksha Shah, Assistant Commissioner of D Ward Mr. Manish Valanju, and yoga instructor Mrs. Shilpa Charania from the Shilpa Shiv Yoga School.

The event saw participation from both civic officials and local citizens, who collectively performed a range of yoga asanas, emphasizing the importance of physical and mental well-being.

Citywide Yoga Camps and Year-Round Sessions

To mark the occasion, BMC also organized yoga camps at various locations throughout Mumbai. This year’s theme for International Yoga Day, “One Earth, One Health, Yoga for Well-being,” underscores the importance of taking time out for one’s health in today’s fast-paced life. Mr. Ugade urged all citizens to incorporate regular yoga practice into their daily routines.

As part of its ongoing health initiatives, BMC runs 106 Shiv Yoga Centres across Mumbai. These centres operate on a Monday-Wednesday-Friday or Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday schedule and are inclusive of all age groups and communities, This includes men, women, older citizens, students, and persons with disabilities. Regular yoga sessions are held in BMC-run schools, public parks, and community spaces both in the mornings and evenings.

How to Use the WhatsApp Chatbot

1. To make use of this service, residents must:

2. Save the number 8999228999 in their contacts.

3. Turn on location services on their mobile phone.

4. Send a message to initiate the chatbot.

5. Select the ‘Aarogya Seva’ (Health Services) option.

6. Choose the ‘Shiv Yoga Kendra’ (Shiv Yoga Centre) option.

Share their location to receive a list of nearby centres, along with the address, instructor details, and contact information.

This initiative is a step towards making yoga more accessible and promoting healthier lifestyles among Mumbaikars, in alignment with the broader goals of public health and community wellness.