Tomorrow is June 21, the 5th International Day of Yoga, and preparations are in full swing in India, and around the World, to host Yoga Day events. In many cities and neighbourhoods across India, diehard yoga enthusiasts are planning to assemble in nearby parks, maidans and other public grounds to perform mass yoga for peace and harmony. The theme for 2019 in India is ‘Yoga for the heart’.
PM Modi to perform yoga at Ranchi
Like every year, this year too Prime Minister Narendra Modi is planning to participate in a yoga event with ordinary citizens and volunteers. This time the venue is Prabhat Tara ground at Ranchi, in the state of Jharkhand. Emergency medical assistance and security arrangements are being made to accommodate around 18,000 people. Even the CM Raghubar Das, state ministers and other government officials are expected to perform yoga along with the PM.
Interestingly, Yoga Day events are also being organized around the world, in keeping with its popularity, where yoga demonstrators guide the participants methodically through the ‘yogasanas’.
Yoga Day in US
A yoga event was hosted by the Indian Ambassador to the US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, at Washington D.C. last Sunday, in which around 1500 people participated with enthusiasm. An audio-visual message from PM Narendra Modi was also played on the occasion, signifying the benefits of yoga in achieving physical and mental health. Ambassadors of countries like Vietnam and Myanmar, US government and World Bank officials, and academics, among many other people of note, graced the event. Later, the participants were treated to wholesome Indian vegetarian food.
Yoga in UAE
Similarly, a grand International Yoga Day event is planned in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The participants will gather at Umm Al Emarat Park on Thursday, June 20 evening, and will receive yoga mats and T-shirts courtesy the Indian mission. The Indian Consulate in Dubai will also hold the Yoga Day at Zabeel Park on Thursday, June 21 evening.
UN Theme
21 June was declared as the International Day of Yoga by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, as it is the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere. This year, the UN has adopted ‘Climate Action’ as the theme for International Yoga Day 2019. Through this theme, UN intends to turn the spotlight on tenets of simple living, that reduce carbon footprint of each individual, society and nation on this earth. And what better way to do this than by encouraging universal adoption of yoga for enhancing physical and mental health in a natural way? To begin with, “Yoga with Gurus” will be organized today from 5.30 to 7.30 pm at the United Nations North Lawn by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN and the UN Department of Global Communications. This will be followed by a panel discussion on Friday, June 21, 2019.
Related Links:
International Yoga Day: A Landmark Event for Holistic Well-being
How Will World Yoga Day Help in Promoting Brand India Globally?