Durban prepares for Yoga Day celebrations
Celebrations will take place in Durban next month to mark International Yoga Day - June 21 - which was declared by the United Nations in 2015.
Yoga originated in India more than 5000 years ago and is known world-wide for its physical and mental health, and spiritual benefits.
The event is held every year internationally, with hundreds of people heading to the beautiful shores of Durban to enjoy this much anticipated event.
This year’s event, the theme of which is “Yoga for health, wellness and humanity”, was launched by the Sivananda World Peace Foundation on May 6 at the Rydalvale Grounds in Phoenix, said Ishwar Ramlutchman president of the foundation.
“The launch of the project did benefit many communities who enjoyed the wellness programmes conducted by yoga experts,” he said.
“We travelled through various communities – rural areas, towns and cities to promote yoga. Yoga is a source of inspiration that binds us all as a nation. It teaches us to remain calm through turbulent times. Currently we have online and physical programmes in rural schools and at religious institutions. Yoga is a medium in which we can achieve social cohesion, peace and harmony,” said Mr Ramlutchman.
He added that for the past six months they had been to schools across the province to highlight the benefits of yoga among pupils.
Yoga, he said, would help children concentrate on their studies and excel.
The official event will be held on June 18 from 8.30am at the Durban Amphitheatre.
At the inauguration of Yoga Day in 2015, India’s prime minter, Narendra Modi, said yoga was an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition.
“It’s a holistic approach to health and well-being,” he said.
“Yoga is not just about working out, it’s about a healthy lifestyle. The practice of yoga allows students to be still in a world consumed with chaos. Peace and tranquillity achieved through focused training appeals to everyone. It is estimated that close to 200 million people around the world practice yoga (in some form or the other). Most of them in lndia, and over 20 million in the United States alone,” said Mr Modi.
Mr Ramlutchman said everyone should use yoga as a medium to promote “Unity in Diversity” in KwaZulu Natal and the rest of South Africa. For more information email: sivanandaworldpeace@gmail.com or 083 357 8747.