The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu organised a yoga session on the Pashupatinath Temple premises on Friday to mark the International Day of Yoga 2024.
“@IndiaInNepal today organised a yoga demonstration at the premises of the famous Pashupatinath Temple in India-Nepal to create awareness about yoga and celebrate the upcoming 10th anniversary of International Yoga Day,” the Indian Embassy in Nepal said in a post by X.
||Kicking off: International Yoga Day 2024|| @IndiaInNepal Today, to raise awareness about yoga and celebrate the 10th anniversary of the upcoming International Day of Yoga, a yoga demonstration was organised within the premises of the revered Pashupatinath Temple in 🇳🇵. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/zuR7eiRFwv
— India in Nepal (@IndiaInNepal) June 7, 2024
In connection with this, a yoga event was organised by anti-human trafficking organisation Mighty Nepal, according to the embassy.
“In line with this year’s theme #yogaforwomenempowerment, @IndiaInNepal also organised lectures & demonstrations on the health benefits of yoga for girls & women in @MaitiNepal. #IDY2024 #curtainraiser @ICCR_Nepal #internationaldayofyoga,” the embassy tweeted.
Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word “yoga” comes from Sanskrit and means union or joining, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.
Today, it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity.
Recognizing the universal appeal of yoga, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations, through Resolution 69/131, proclaimed 21 June as International Day of Yoga.
International Yoga Day aims to raise awareness around the world about the many benefits of practicing yoga.
The resolution to establish International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and approved by a record 175 member states.
The proposal was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his opening address at the 69th UN General Assembly, in which he said, “Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient traditions. Yoga embodies the unity of mind and body, thought and action… a holistic approach.” [that] “Yoga is valuable for our health and well-being. It is more than just exercise; it is a way of discovering oneness with ourselves, the world and nature.”
The resolution notes “the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that promote health.” In this regard, the World Health Organization calls on Member States to support their populations in reducing physical inactivity, which is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide and is also an important risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes.
But yoga is more than just physical activity. In the words of one of yoga’s most famous practitioners, the late BKS Iyengar, “Yoga teaches you how to maintain a balanced attitude in your daily life and gives you the skills to carry out those actions.”
