Aucklanders are being urged to participate in one of the biggest celebrations of the 5th anniversary of International Yoga Day at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre, Eden Terrace at 9.30 a.m. on Sunday, June 16.

The Consulate of India and all major Indian Associations have come together to co-host this event and give the opportunity to all yoga enthusiasts to perform yoga as a part of a large community group.

Meanwhile, the office of the Indian High Commission is leading the community in Wellington with an official event of celebrations of International Yoga Day at Bharat Bhawan, on Sunday, June 16, at 10.30 a.m.

In Auckland, Hon Consul of India, Bhav Dhillon said, “We all know that yoga is India’s gift to the rest of the world.

“On Sunday, June 16, we are coming together along with all major community organisations to celebrate the 5th anniversary of International Yoga Day.

“I encourage everyone to come and experience a complete nourishment of one’s body, mind and soul,” Mr Dhillon said.

For quite some time, the world has looked towards Yoga as an accepted form of mental and physical fitness, however, ever since United Nations General Assembly adopting a Resolution on December 11, 2014, making June 21 as the International Yoga Day, there has been a considerable increase in yoga’s global acceptability.

It is important to note that India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi had started a world movement with a suggestion during his speech at the UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014, for an international yoga day.

Since then, there has been a remarkable increase in global interest in yoga – which is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition to the rest of the world.

Envisaging a huge turnout at the event, several community leaders told the Indian Weekender that they have made full preparations to host yoga enthusiasts at Mahatma Gandhi Centre and give them an electrifying experience of performing yoga in large groups.

Narendra Bhana, President Auckland Indian Association said, “We have arranged for free light refreshments after the yoga session to keep everyone hydrated after what we are expecting to be a high-power yoga session.”

Jeet Sachdev of Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust said: “Everyone agrees with the benefits of yoga; however performing yoga in large groups is a special experience in itself, which should not be missed.”

Expressing similar sentiments, Nilima Venkat of Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust said, “This is an excellent opportunity for nourishing our mind, body and soul.

Vai Ravindran of Auckland Tamil Association said, “I am sincerely looking forward to this event as it reinforces the need of doing yoga every day of our lives.

Extending the invites to general members of public beyond different community organisations, the organisers of the event told the Indian Weekender, “If you are new to Auckland or have not been a part of previous International Yoga Day celebrations then it is a must do thing for this weekend.”

Meanwhile, the office of the Indian High Commission is leading the community with an official event of celebrations of International Yoga Day at Bharat Bhawan, on Sunday, June 16, at 9.30 a.m.

 

Hindu Council of NZ plans two week-long nationwide Yoga celebrations

Meanwhile, the Hindu Council of New Zealand (HCNZ) is planning a fourteen-day long nationwide Yogathon starting on Saturday, June 15, until Friday, June 28.

Yogathon New Zealand, a division of Hindu Council of New Zealand, has been organising the nationwide Yogathon ‘Health for Humanity’ since 2011, with the aim to increase awareness about the science of yoga, and its techniques in facilitating a healthy body, mind and spirit in balance with each other.

For International Yoga Day (June 21), HCNZ is collaborating with the Yoga Education in Prisons Trust to present 108 Surya Namaskara in Wellington’s Civic Square from 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm.

The participants are aiming to collectively perform 108,000 repetitions of ‘Surya Namaskar’ (Sun Salutations) over a period of 2 weeks.

The co-hosts of Yogathon 2019 include Kawai Purapura, Yoga in Daily Life, Anahata Yoga Retreat, Yoga Education in Prison’s Trust, Datta Kriya Yoga, The Loft Yoga Lounge, AbsGym, Minds over Mats Yoga, Take A Breath Studio Whangamata,Hamilton Yoga group, Hindu Swayamsewak Sangh, Hindu Elders Foundation, Yogi Divine Society, Bharatiya Mandir, Hanuman Mandir, and Kawatiri Yoga Collective Westport, West Coas