Yoga mats were rolled out at several commemorative events across some of the most iconic locations of New Zealand, including the Auckland's Sky Tower (top) and the New Zealand Parliament precinct, to mark the occasion of the eighth International Day of Yoga 2022.
Every year June 21 is celebrated as International Day of Yoga after the United Nations had proclaimed as International Day of Yoga by passing a resolution on December 11, 2014.
The two leading events held today were organised by the office of the Indian High Commission New Zealand, with the one in the parliament precinct starting at 8 a.m. followed by the event in Auckland at Sky Tower at 8.45 a.m.
Around forty enthusiasts, including from the Indian diaspora and the wider communities passionate about Yoga, beat the cold morning blues and the Auckland traffic to gather together on the observation deck (51st floor) of the Sky Tower to perform Yoga under the able guidance of Yoga instructors.
The spirited zeal of the participants seems to have been equally rewarded by the otherwise deceptive Auckland weather, with Sun shining in its full glory and giving the yoga performers at the Sky Tower observation desk an experience of incredible 360° views of Tamaki Makaurau - including ancient volcanoes, sparkling sunlit harbours and an expansive view of Auckland's skyline.
This Yoga in the sky event, accompanied by a wonderful sunrise and a mesmerising view from Auckland's highest viewpoint, turned out to be a relaxing, unwinding and a rejuvenating experience for many of the participating guests.
Durga Das, Second Secretary (Culture), Indian High Commission, told the Indian Weekender that the experience of performing Yoga with such a mesmerising background was a liberating experience.
"This event at Auckland's Sky Tower is part of a Global Yoga Ring – where Yoga will be performed at 75 different global iconic destinations all around the world later today to coincide with the celebrations around the 75th anniversary of India's Independence Day," Mr Das said.
Notably, the government of India is celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to mark and commemorate 75 years of India's independence and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements.
As a part of this initiative, the official journey of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav commenced on March 12, 2021, which started a 75-week countdown to the 75th anniversary of independence and will end post a year on August 15, 2023.
It is aligned to this theme of 75 years and the celebrations around the history of freedom struggle, Ideas@75, resolve@75, Actions@75 and Achievements@75 that the government of India is seeking to celebrate the International Day of Yoga from 75 iconic global destinations.
Expressing satisfaction and rejoice at the successful completion of the Sky Tower Yoga event, Mr Das said, "We will definitely come again next year and host a slightly bigger event with more participants and more yoga instructors to create a better experience."
It is noteworthy that Yoga has long been recognised as India's gift to the global culture of wellness; the official UN recognition came after a push by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014.
Since then, there has been an increased awareness and willingness amongst different organisations worldwide, including New Zealand, which had been practising Yoga albeit within their respective confines, to think bigger and involve wider participation from different communities.
This year Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has also written a letter to Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern highlighting the importance of Yoga for the entire mankind, especially after the last two years of a raging global pandemic and also acknowledged the wholehearted support received in New Zealand to celebrate International Day of Yoga.
The event at Sky Tower was organised by the High Commission of India, Wellington in collaboration with SRMD Yoga and the Rainbow Corner Group.
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