THE Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre and the High Commission of India in Suva commemorated the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) with a special yoga session at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Matua Lawn, Suva.
The event is attracted around 200 yoga enthusiasts, including senior government leaders, distinguished guests, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from various organizations and communities.
The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Honorable Agni Deo Singh, is expected to attend the event as the Chief Guest.
The International Day of Yoga is observed annually on June 21, following its proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 2014.
The initiative was proposed by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, recognising yoga as a holistic approach to health and well-being.
Since its establishment by the United Nations in 2014, the annual event has grown into a worldwide movement promoting healthier lifestyles and greater awareness of holistic wellness.
This year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” focuses on the role yoga can play in supporting longevity, mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.
According to sector.com, as populations around the world continue to age, the theme highlights how regular yoga practice can help people remain active, healthy, and engaged throughout their lives.
Yoga, which originated in India thousands of years ago, is much more than a form of exercise. It combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation to create harmony between the body and mind.
Regular practice can improve flexibility, strength, balance, and posture while also reducing stress and promoting mental clarity.
The importance of International Yoga Day lies in its ability to raise awareness about the benefits of yoga for people of all ages.
In today’s fast-paced world, many individuals struggle with stress, anxiety, sedentary lifestyles, and lifestyle-related diseases.
Yoga offers a simple and accessible way to improve both physical and mental health.
Studies have shown that regular practice can help manage blood pressure, improve heart health, enhance sleep quality, and support emotional well-being.
For older adults, yoga can be particularly beneficial.
Gentle stretching and balance-focused exercises help maintain mobility and reduce the risk of falls; while breathing and meditation practices can improve concentration and reduce feelings of stress and loneliness.
This makes yoga an effective tool for promoting healthy ageing and maintaining independence later in life.
International Yoga Day is celebrated worldwide through mass yoga sessions, meditation programmes, wellness workshops, and awareness campaigns.
Governments, schools, universities, community organisations, and yoga institutions organise events in parks, public spaces, and cultural centres, encouraging people to participate regardless of their age or fitness level.
Group Yoga exercise.
Pictures: GOOGLE
