African nations embrace Yoga with large gatherings celebrating International Yoga Day
Nairobi, June 21
Over 2,500 participants from Kenya came together at the Oshwal Centre Grounds on Sunday to celebrate the 12th International Day of Yoga in Nairobi under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'.
The event was attended by the Under Secretary General and Director General of the United Nations (UN) Office at Nairobi as the Chief Guest and brought together members of the diplomatic corps, officials of the Government of Kenya, the business community, the Indian diaspora and yoga enthusiasts from across Kenya.
"The celebrations featured captivating Rhythmic Yoga and Stick Yoga performances before participants joined in the Common Yoga Protocol, showcasing the myriad physical health benefits and mental well-being that yoga embodies," the High Commission of India in Nairobi wrote on X.
Ayurveda stalls at the venue also offered participants an opportunity to learn more about India's alternative system of medicine that complements the holistic approach to health and well-being.
"The large participation reflected the growing popularity of yoga in Kenya and the enduring bonds of friendship between India and Kenya," noted the High Commission.
In Tanzania, over 2500 yoga enthusiasts gathered in Dar es Salaam to celebrate the 12th IDY organised by the High Commission of India!
The grand celebration was graced by Chief Guest Steven Kiruswa, Deputy Minister of Minerals of Tanzania, along with Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Heads of International Organisations based in Dar es Salaam.
In Ethiopia, organised by the Embassy of India in Addis Ababa together with Ethiopian yoga instructors, the 12th International Day of Yoga brought together more than 300 participants, making it a vibrant and successful celebration.
Earlier in the day, the Secretary-General of the UN, Antonio Guterres, shared his thoughts on IDY on X.
"From its deep roots in ancient India, yoga has become truly universal, helping millions of people of all faiths and cultures find calm, build strength and live with purpose. It teaches us mindfulness, respect and care for ourselves, for our planet and for one another," Guterres wrote on X.
"On this Yoga Day, let's extend that care to the older members of our human family & build a world where every generation can lead a healthy life, Namaste!" he added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Beautiful to see the High Commission organizing such events. Yoga is a soft power we truly excel at. Unlike some other things, this brings genuine goodwill. Also loved the Ayurveda stalls - our traditional medicine deserves more global recognition. Great job by the Indian diaspora there!
I see many comments praising the diplomacy, but let's be honest: we need to do more for yoga in India itself. Our village schools still lack basic yoga training, and elderly in old age homes could benefit from this. But yes, happy to see Africa loving it! 🇮🇳
The UN Secretary-General's message was spot on. Yoga teaches us respect for all generations. With the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', this is especially relevant for our ageing population in India. I'm glad African nations are joining this wellness journey. Namaste to all! 🌺
This makes my heart warm. My grandmother taught me yoga at age 10, and now seeing it in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia... it's incredible. The stick yoga performance sounds fascinating - must be a unique fusion of Indian and African traditions. More of this, less of politics please! ✌️
Great step for India-Africa relations. But I wish our government would promote yoga more scientifically - not just as a cultural export but with health research backing. Over 2,500 participants in Tanzania is impressive, yet we rarely hear such positive news in mainstream Indian media. Good to see this here!
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