Yogis, both new to yoga and with decades of practice among them, performed gentle asana and meditative breathing as the London Eye rotated, with the aim of kicking off the week in which the International Day of Yoga is celebrated, and simultaneously cultivating peace and harmony in light of recent tragic UK events.
On Sunday 18 June, India Tourism‘s UK division, in association with the High Commission of India, staged a yoga takeover of the Coca-Cola London Eye, teaming up with UK-based yoga organisations to unite in a ‘wheel of yoga‘ yoga for peace class within the 32 capsules of the London Eye to commemorate the International Day of Yoga on Wednesday 21 June 2017.
Yogis, both new to yoga and with decades of practice among them, performed gentle asana and meditative breathing as the London Eye rotated, with the aim of kicking off the week in which the International Day of Yoga is celebrated, and simultaneously cultivating peace and harmony in light of recent tragic UK events.
India’s new Assistant Director of Tourism for the UK, Mr Gangadhar, who was at the event, is passionate about the need for India to promote yoga in the UK, especially as the health benefits of yoga are becoming more widely recognised across the UK.
Mr Gangadhar said, “Yoga is going mainstream, and is now recommended by doctors in the NHS, and practiced in schools as well as yoga centres. It is a gift that India continues to give to the world, and so that is why the Government of India launched this day three years ago, and why India Tourism is supporting events across the UK this week. People can follow India Tourism’s yoga day social media channels to learn about other exciting events taking place across the UK this week.”
Mr Gangadhar continued: “Of course, there is nothing like practicing yoga in its birthplace, India. As yoga awareness grows in Great Britain and beyond, I do hope that more UK travellers will make plans to come and experience the benefits of yoga in Incredible India.”
Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Dinesh Patnaik also greeted the event attendees on the occasion that celebrates the ancient tradition of Yoga with all its attendant physical, mental and spiritual benefits. He recommended the practice of yoga for a better, healthier and happier lifestyle not only for an individual or a particular community, but the entire world.
The Deputy High Commissioner thanked the Yoga practitioners in the UK for joining hands in this global movement initiated by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, adopted unanimously by UNGA in 2014, and now celebrated all over the globe. Mr. Patnaik also invited everyone to join in the grand International Day of Yoga celebrations scheduled to be held on Tuesday June 20 at Trafalgar Square from 3-8 p.m.
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