Hundreds show up to celebrate International Day of Yoga
Yoga is an ancient Indian tradition that has gained popularity in cultures all around the world.
The International Day of Yoga celebration was held last Saturday at the United Sports Field. Around three hundred participants showed up to join this event that was organised by the high commission of India.As a precursor to the event, various different yoga routines, called “flows”, were demonstrated by long-time practitioners of yoga, including the wife of the high commissioner of Indonesia.
Mandarapu Subbarayudu, the high commissioner of India to Namibia kicked off the event by providing a bit of history about the International Day of Yoga. In December 2014, the United Nations designated 21 June as International Day of Yoga. This year marks its tenth anniversary.
Subbarayudu said that the purpose of the event is to “make yoga part of our daily lives and raise awareness of its benefits”. Some of these benefits include “promoting oneness of body and soul and enhancing concentration ,” according to Subbarayudu.
Ambassador Sabine Böhlke-Möller from the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation commented, “I am so happy the circle of yoga lovers in Namibia is increasing.”
Further, awards were given to the students who completed 50 hours of yoga classes at the high commission of India. The high commission offers basic and advanced classes completely free of charge to anyone who wants to participate. This is in addition to special workshops on different aspects of wellness taught by Yoga experts Dr Anurita Misra.
Afterwards, the participants were guided through meditation and simple yoga poses. For beginners this was a chance to learn what yoga is about without over-exerting themselves on the first attempt. Those who have been practicing yoga for a much longer time could still benefit from the meditation to relieve stress and relax.
The annual tradition is growing more popular and will be celebrated again next year.