The annual International Day of Yoga
By: Wanjira E.
The funfair and festivities that characterized the annual International Day of Yoga (IDY) was witnessed and celebrated yesterday at premier club, Nairobi. It was the 8th edition of this celebrations which did not physically take place for the last two years due to the then ongoing Covid 19 pandemic.
This ceremony attracted thousands of participants of all ages. Giving highlights at the begining of the event the Indian High Commissioner Dr. Virandar Paul expressed optimism that Yoga could offer critical contributions towards universal health care putting example of during the time of Covid 19 saying Yoga alleviated the stress and economic strains caused by the pandemic. He noted that people around the world have realized the benefits of Yoga for health, and also having immense benefits on family values since it does not take a lot of time and can become a part of our daily life.
Virandar said, “Yoga is not about exercise but to discover sense of yourself, the world and nature by changing our lifestyles and creating consciousness to help in climate change.’’
Yoga he explained is a way of achieving balance and unites our body, mind, soul and consciousness making sure there is more coherent in our approach of life as we attain wholesome health and harmony with other people and the nature.
In the last seven editions, he said, the Internal Day of Yoga in Kenya has never been big than the one of this year which has the largest number of sponsors and participants.
“For the first time ever the ministry has designed a witnessing innovative program
‘Guardian Ring ‘that will see the participation of enthusiasts, along with the sun’s movement, that is beginning From the east and marching towards the east, this will display the unifying power of Yoga; one sun one earth. I would encourage everyone to watch this wonderful display of Yoga,” said Virandar
The theme of this year is “Yoga for Humanity “and this should encourage people to work towards adapting and appreciating mother earth through Yoga.
The commissioner noted that Covid-19 pandemic is not over and we need to be careful.
“I just love Yoga because it is relaxing and helps a lot in exercising and especially the brain. Sometimes school work is so tiring and quit boring but I have never doubted the power Yoga to bring me back active and more sharp,” said Joan Waithera a girl from a local school who had attended.
The beginnings of Yoga were developed by Northern India over 5000 years ago and is derived from the ‘Yuj’ ,meaning to join ,’to yoke’ or to unite.
In 2014,during the united Nations General assembly unanimously adopted 21 June(summer solstice -the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere ) to celebrate as international Day of Yoga
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