Mask Yoga: Not a New Trend, But a Protest Against Air Pollution

Citizens came out in air pollution masks to do yoga as a symbolic gesture to demand their right to breathe clean air

On International Yoga Day, citizens from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Varanasi came out in their air pollution masks to do yoga as a symbolic gesture to demand their right to breathe clean air.

The dust storms of last week and PM10 levels going above severe levels in many parts of the national capital, is proof that air pollution is no longer limited to winter season but a year round problem.

While doctors prescribe the usefulness of yoga and the need for regular practice, they do warn that it does limit the damage caused by air pollution. Doctors also warn that doing any form of exercise outdoors when pollution levels are high is counter productive.