The United Nations General Assembly declared 21st June as the International Day of Yoga.
Last June 21, Manila joined countries around the world to celebrate the first ever International Day of Yoga. Manila’s celebration took place at the SMX Convention Center Taguig at SM Aura from 8AM to 12 NN. Hundreds of attendees around the world came together and practiced the same poses as they imbibe this year’s theme of “Yoga for Harmony and Peace.”
Yoga continues to gain fame worldwide as it becomes a popular form of exercise to the health and fitness of millions. However, yoga is also viewed by many as a lifestyle and philosophy. This 5,000-year-old physical, mental and spiritual practice originated in India and it aims to transform both body and mind.
Last December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly approved the proposal of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to establish 21 June as the “International Day of Yoga”. During his address to UN General Assembly Modi said, “Yoga […] embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being.”
In an effort to make the first celebration memorable, Embassy of India, in partnership with Tech Mahindra and Asia Society Philippines, created an exciting line-up for the half-day celebration of International Day of Yoga in Manila. The focus of this event is to provide a rich & fun-filled educational & cultural experience through introductory demonstrations and classes of both traditional and contemporary practices of yoga.
Suitable for all ages and lifestyles, the celebration’s agenda displayed the wide scope of applications of yoga. During the first half of the morning Iyengar Yoga Center gave the participants an introduction to yoga followed by Brahma Kumaris’ demonstration on Raja Yoga, an ancient system of meditation that enabled practitioners to return to a state of inner peace, personal power and self-worth. At the latter part of the celebration, Family and Kids Yoga was presented by Urban Ashram Manila, and Art of Living Foundation discussed and displayed ways yoga can be used as a tool to eliminate stress in our lives.
International Day of Yoga was organized by the Embassy of India, Manila in association with Asia Society Philippines and Tech Mahindra. Media partners include ANC, Coconuts Manila, Travelife and When In Manila.
For more information, visit the Facebook event page and website. You may also contact Jenny at info@asiasociety.org.ph or 550-2612 for any questions or concerns.