Yoga practitioner, a Padma Shri awardee, Baba Sivanand passed away in Varanasi on Saturday night. He was 128 years old. He had been admitted to Banaras Hindu University Hospital on April 30 due to health-related complications.

Baba Sivanand’s body has been kept at his home in Kabirnagar Colony in Varanasi for people to pay their last respects. The final rites are scheduled to be performed later today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the Baba’s demise. In a social media post PM said that it is extremely saddening to hear about the demise of Shivanand Baba Ji, a yoga practitioner and resident of Kashi.

His life dedicated to yoga and sadhana will continue to inspire every generation of the country. He was also awarded Padma Shri for serving society through yoga. Shivanand Baba’s departure to Shivaloka is an irreparable loss for all of us Kashi residents and millions of people who draw inspiration from him.

A resident of Kashi (Varanasi), Baba Sivanand was known for his disciplined lifestyle centred around yoga, meditation, and spiritual practice. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2022 for his exceptional contribution to society through yoga.