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International Day of Yoga 2023 held at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Posted on: June 26, 2023 | Back | Print

Consulate General of India
Cape Town 

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The Consulate General of India in Cape Town, in collaboration with  Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, celebrated the 9th International  Day of Yoga (IDY) at the iconic Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on  24th June, 2023 under the theme “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the  whole world is one family)”. In line with 9th IDY’s theme, around 250 yoga  gurus, yoga enthusiasts and people from diverse cultures, backgrounds and  age groups came together to celebrate a shared passion for wellness and  express their deep commitment to practicing yoga.  

2. Ms. Ronel Viljoen, Portfolio Committee Chair for Community Services and  Health, City of Cape Town was the Guest of Honour representing the City of  Cape Town at the event.  

3. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ashok Babu, Consul General of India  highlighted the fact that yoga can contribute in a holistic way to achieve  equilibrium between body and mind. He also thanked all yoga gurus and  enthusiasts for participating in big numbers and assisting the Consulate in  successfully organizing the event.  

4. While yoga gurus and instructors used these celebrations as a platform to  share their knowledge and guide individuals in their yogic journey, yoga  enthusiasts used the occasion to spread awareness about the various yoga  asanas and their unique benefits. 

5. To give a brief background about Yoga and IDY, Yoga is a 5,000 year old  practice originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ is derived from Sanskrit, which  means ‘to join’ or ‘to unite’. It symbolizes the harmony between mind, body  and spirit.. It is firmly believed that through the practice of yoga, individuals  gain a deeper connection with their inner selves and fostering self 

awareness. Today, Yoga is gaining popularity around the globe and is  practiced in various forms. Yoga's positive impact on mental health is widely  acknowledged, as it is believed to aid in stress reduction, anxiety  management, and cultivating a peaceful state of mind.  

6. In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly had announced June 21  as the International Day of Yoga. The longest day of the year or the summer  solstice was chosen as International Yoga Day. 

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