NEW DELHI (AP) — Tens of thousands of people across India and beyond gathered in public parks and sandy beaches on Saturday to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga. The event highlighted yoga’s growing global influence and its role in promoting health and wellness.
Immediate Impact: Mass Yoga Sessions Across Nations
The day saw mass yoga sessions held in various Indian states, with participants attempting a range of poses and practicing breathing exercises. The Indian military also took part, performing yoga at the icy heights of the Siachen Glacier and on naval ships anchored in the Bay of Bengal.
Similar events were organized in countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia, reflecting yoga’s international appeal.
“I feel that yoga keeps us spiritually fit, mentally fit and helps us manage stress. That’s why I feel that people should take out at least 30 minutes every day for yoga to keep themselves fit,” said Rajiv Ranjan, a participant in New Delhi.
Key Details Emerge: India’s Cultural Export and Diplomacy
Yoga, one of India’s most successful cultural exports, has been leveraged for diplomacy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi, who has used yoga as a tool for cultural soft power, persuaded the U.N. to designate June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014.
This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” underscores the practice’s holistic benefits.
Modi’s Participation and Message
Prime Minister Modi performed yoga among a seaside crowd in Visakhapatnam, emphasizing yoga’s role in fostering global unity. “Yoga leads us on a journey towards oneness with the world,” he stated, participating in breathing exercises and various poses.
“Let this Yoga Day mark the beginning of yoga for humanity 2.0, where inner peace becomes global policy,” Modi declared.
Regional Implications: Global Engagement
In Malaysia, over a thousand people participated in a yoga session at the Batu Caves, organized by the Indian High Commission. The event attracted yoga enthusiasts and first-timers alike, set against the backdrop of a giant golden statue of a Hindu deity.
In Indonesia, colorful yoga mats dotted a park near Nusa Dua Beach in Bali, with events orchestrated by a government tourism agency and the Indian consulate. The sessions aimed to promote balance and calm in a fast-paced world.
“Yoga brings amazing benefits, especially to restore balance and calm a busy mind. This ancient tradition needs to be preserved because it has a positive impact on the wider society,” said Ayu Sangjiwani, a participant in Bali.
Background Context: The Growth of International Yoga Day
The International Day of Yoga has grown in prominence since its inception, with countries around the world embracing the practice. The day serves as a reminder of yoga’s potential to foster peace and health globally.
As Modi continues to champion yoga, government officials and military personnel have taken to social media to share their own yoga experiences, further promoting the practice.
What Comes Next: Future of Yoga Diplomacy
The celebration of International Yoga Day illustrates the increasing importance of yoga in international cultural diplomacy. As nations continue to engage with the practice, the potential for yoga to contribute to global health initiatives remains significant.
Looking ahead, the role of yoga in fostering international cooperation and understanding is likely to grow, with future International Yoga Days serving as platforms for promoting peace and wellness worldwide.
Associated Press journalists Syawalludin Zain in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Firdia Lisnawati in Denpasar, Indonesia, contributed to this report.
