Scores of persons turned up at the Everest Cricket Club on Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown on Sunday morning to observe the second annual International Day of Yoga.
Participants practise a yoga pose
The event was held by the Indian High Commission in collaboration with the Brahma Kumaris, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Guyana Islamic Forum, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Inter-Religious Organisation, and Viraat Sabhaa.
Delivering the key address, High Commissioner of India to Guyana V Mahalingam related that while the art of yoga originated in India, it has developed and transcended the Hindu religion, and is practiced by people of all walks of life today. He related that yoga literally means unity, and it is not just an exercise but a philosophy that seeks to unite the mind, body and spirit.
There were also demonstrations on various yoga techniques by instructor Shri Raj Kumar Sharma which highlighted the positive effects that yoga has on improving body functions and rejuvenation.
International Day of Yoga was also observed at the Leonora Secondary School, West Coast Demerara, by the Hindus for Selfless Service (HSS) on Sunday afternoon.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his speech to the United Nations Assembly on September 27, 2014, proposed to have a day in honour of Yoga.
Recognising the universal appeal of this form of meditation and exercise, on December 11, 2014, the United Nations decreed June 21 as International Yoga Day. In less than three months, Modi’s resolution became a reality. This day was proclaimed International World Yoga Day and is sanctioned in excess of 177 countries including the United States of America, Canada, and China.
With the aim of raising awareness of the many benefits of practising yoga, International Yoga Day is now observed worldwide with activities such as Yoga asanas, meditation, meetings, discussions, and cultural performances.
Evidence of Yoga in the form of stone sculptures, uncovered in architecture dating back to 3000 BC, indicates that Yoga may be as old as civilisation. This activity is known as an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice. The word “yoga” derives from Sanskrit and means “to join” or “to unite”, symbolising the union of body and consciousness.
It has been reported that yoga can be done by anyone regardless of age and gender since it holds numerous health benefits such as all-round fitness, stress relief, weight loss, increased energy and much more.
Based on scientific reports, yoga is said to stabilise the mind and relieve chronic illnesses while contributing to proper blood circulation and inner peace. It involves the integration of several practices including breath control, simple meditation and the adoption of specific bodily postures. There are also different types of yoga which involve physical, mental and spiritual concentration.
Today, yoga is practised in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity.
