International Day of Yoga

It's a bit late but Happy International Day of Yoga.

Every 21st of June, we are celebrating the International Day of Yoga, including in the United Nations Headquarters.

Since 2015, we celebrated that day by having a gathering at the UNHQ and had same brief sessions of Yoga with big audiences.
It grows from year to year and now we are celebrating it in the North Lawn of the UNHQ, which provide enough space for everyone and amazing vista of the East River.

Some of them are practicing..

The word “yoga” is derived from the ancient Sanskrit language and it means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of our body and consciousness.

Our body and soul.

Although Yoga originated in India, its usefulness has been recognized the world over.

Us, Indonesians  and many across the globe have long been fascinated by Yoga.

On its fourth celebration at the UN, with many fold increased participation, is a reflection of its powerful appeal. Many yogis as well as yoga's enthusiasts were coming and joining us that day, including ambassadors.

I was honored to be trusted as the Master of the Ceremony that day.
I loved it!

It was a day packed with great yoga sessions, as we enjoyed Yoga by 8 students from India, led by Yoga Expert Nisha Pushpavana, followed by Yoga on Mallakhamb led by Mr. Chinmay Patankar. 

Then the session continues with Yoga by 5 Yoga Gurus organized by Bhakti Centre here in NYC, led by Kevin Tobar and his associates,  Missy Kabinoff, Alexandra Moga, Lauren Baptiste, and Zachary Jackson. We also enjoyed some enchanting songs by members of Shri Chimney Centre here in NYC. 

Not to forget some remarks by Dignitaries, including Ambassador Syed Akbarsddin, the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, as well as Dr. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.

It was really a great and healthy day.

Namaste. 

Namaste :)

Do you like Yoga as well?

Where do you usually practice? at home or in a special place?

Happy International Day of Yoga

International Day of Yoga

Anybody enjoys yoga here?

I can hear some say yes and nod their heads :). 
Even those who haven't tried yoga before, have probably heard of it. 

Yoga has been known as a unique set of exercises, derived from the ancient practices in India, aiming at finding the balance for our mind, body, and soul. Even more, yoga offers more "as a way to discover the sense of oneness, with yourself, the world and  nature," as quoted from H.E. Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India. 

                       

And the 21st of June has been declared as the International Day of Yoga. 

The international day of yoga

                           

With the unanimous adoption of the UN Resolution on the International Yoga Day, June 21st, which happens to be the solstice,-the longest day during the year, is declared as one. With solid supports from 175 Member States of the UN, GA Resolution 69/131 was successfully adopted. And last weekend was the first inaugural  of International Day of Yoga.

                              

The celebration took place at the United Nations Visitor Center as well as at Times Square.

Bo, Obi and I decided to come to the UN and Bapak dropped us there. It was a bright sunny Sunday indeed and as we arrived there, many have taken the seats and mats provided for the first celebration of the international day of Yoga. I was lucky I could squeezed myself in there between the students while Bo et Obi happily sat in the reserved section.

The celebration started with many speeches, I have to say :). 

some of the dignitaries...

With dignitaries like the Indian Minister of External Affairs, the 69th UNGA President, congresswoman, and the UN Secretary-General, the proceedings highlighted how yoga has and will continue to bring health, joy, peace and happiness to humankind.

Keynote address from the UN Secretary-General

We also saw some videos showcasing the beauty of yoga and its endless benefits.

After that, we had the priviledge of having Sri  Sri Ravi Shankar, one of the most renowned yoga gurus and the founder of the Art of Living, led us with some basic postures of yoga. Even the UN SG and Madame Ban joined us on their mats :).

Mr. and Mrs Ban Ki-moon were ready on their mats :)

It was a great celebration indeed.

Although it was a sunny bright morning and Bo and I were fasting, but we managed to enjoy this light exercise which suited our Ramadhan day.

It was too hot for Obi :)

As for me, I was introduced to yoga while I was studying in Melbourne back in 2007. 

Since then I have been a great fan, trying to work on it although I have some time off.

I am still amateur for sure, but always enjoy my yoga sessions at home as well as with some friends and instructors, especialy after series of treatments that I have to go through with my breast cancer. It certainly brings health, peace and joy for me. My hubby, Udi, ocassionally joins me and has the yoga session together. It's fun indeed..

So, do you like yoga as well?