International Day of Yoga celebrated in Hanoi

Quan Ngua Sports Complex hosted the first International Day of Yoga in 2015, and the festival returned to the venue for its 10th edition.

To promote awareness about the health benefits of yoga, the Embassy of India, Hanoi, and the Consulate General of India, Ho Chi Minh City, teamed up with various cities and provinces in Vietnam and other organisations to hold yoga awareness and demonstration events across the country.

Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Sandeep Arya said the Indian government chose the theme “Yoga for Self and Society” to stress its role among individuals and communities, with yoga acting as a bridge between people and society.

“Alongside the yoga events, we planted a tree at Quan Ngua Sports Complex to emphasise the importance of a harmony with nature campaign called Plant4Mother, as Earth is seen as the mother in our system and nature/trees help to preserve mother,” he said.

Yoga is an ancient Indian practice drawn from the Sanskrit word “union,” signifying unity between a person’s body and mind, and between humans and nature.

It is a five thousand year-old tradition from ancient India that combines physical, mental and spiritual pursuits.

Physically, yoga enhances strength and flexibility, with the improved functioning of the nervous system and blood circulation. Its breathing and meditation techniques strengthen coordination between mind (thought) and body (action), and improves consciousness, mindfulness and overall wellbeing. Yoga enables an individual to connect to his or her environment more thoughtfully, and thus become a positive energy in the world.

In 2014, the United Nations recognised yoga as a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, and started disseminating the benefits of yoga as a contribution to the health of the global population.

In recognition of its health benefits, the UN General Assembly declared June 21 to be marked as the International Day of Yoga.

The immense popularity of yoga throughout Vietnam demonstrates wide understanding about its benefits, in line with a growing global trend. Yoga also represents an important cultural and people-to-people connection between India and Vietnam.

Int’l Day of Yoga marked in Ba Ria - Vung Tau

Essence Grand Cruise showers International Women’s Day with love

Int’l Yoga Day draws nearly 3,000 in Quang Ninh

Six ways to experience deep and mindful moments