Sunday, 22 December 2024
Sunday, 22 December 2024
Yoga today enjoys a global embrace of its many forms, and is steadily growing in popularity. Recognizing its universal significance, the United Nations designated June 21 as the International Day of Yoga on December 11, 2014, through resolution 69/131. This initiative was driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who highlighted yoga's benefits in fostering harmony and peace. This year's International Yoga Day theme, ‘Yoga for Self and Society’, emphasises yoga's vital role in fostering individual well-being and social harmony.
Here is a look at the highlights from the celebrations across India and around the world.
Height of yoga at 15,000 feet in Siachen
In keeping with what has now become a yearly tradition, Indian Army troops performed yoga on the snowy heights of the Siachen Glacier and the Northern Frontier, alongside various other locations around nationwide. The event was held at over 15,000 feet, in sub-zero temperatures.
Operation desert asana
Adding to the list of challenging locations where the Indian troops are practising yoga, Border Security Force officers and personnel participated in International Yoga Day celebrations on the sand dunes of Jaisalmer amid the Thar Desert.
Times Square: Yoga at the centre of the world
Hundreds participated in the 22nd annual ‘Solstice in Times Square: Mind Over Madness Yoga’ in Times Square, New York City, on the eve of Yoga Day. The celebrations continued on Friday, with India’s consul general in New York, Binaya Pradhan, leading the event. Themed 'Yoga for Self and Society,' it featured seven yoga sessions led by experienced instructors, including Richa Dhekne. "We have yoga participants from several nationalities and this is going to go on for the entire day. Today we are expecting about 8,000 to 10,000 participants who will do yoga today along with us… I'm sure this is going to inspire everybody who is participating here today and around other different parts of the United States,” Pradhan said.
Man’s best friend does yoga too
India Army soldiers were accompanied by a dog squad while performing yoga at the Line of Control (LOC) in the Akhnoor sector, on the eve of the International Day of Yoga in the Jammu district.
American capital bends it like yogis
A large gathering of yoga enthusiasts gathered at Wharf, overlooking Potomac River, to celebrate International Yoga Day. Sripriya Ranganathan, India's deputy ambassador to the US, said yoga shows the way towards establishing harmony and balance for a more promising future for society. The event commenced with traditional Indian dance and prayers.
Love for yoga, from India to Israel
Hundreds joined in on the International Yoga Day celebrations, performing asanas in Peres Centre for Peace and Innovation in Tel Aviv. The event was organised by the Embassy of India in Israel in association with the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality and the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Israel. "You state here today clearly: India cares. India is there for Israel. This deep sense of friendship has been evident since the very first moments of the war when Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi came forward swiftly to condemn the brutal massacre and to demand the release of our hostages,” Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Herzog told the gathering. Consul General of Israel Kobbi Shoshani said, "India is Yoga, Yoga is India...Yoga is going to be remembered forever as part of the Indian concept which is loved all over the world...PM Modi gives us inspiration about Yoga,"
Rain can’t stop PM Modi from doing yoga
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the celebrations, practising yoga near the Dal Lake in Srinagar. The event was scheduled to be held on the banks of the lake but had to be shifted indoors due to rain. Addressing the nation, he said, "From Rishikesh and Kashi to Kerala, we can witness a new trend of yoga tourism emerging in India. People from all over the world are coming to India in pursuit of learning authentic yoga. Accordingly, sectors related to hospitality, tourism, apparel, etc. are booming from the huge inflow of people. This is creating new avenues for employment opportunities for youth.”
