Celebrating International Day of Yoga 2023

International Day of Yoga (IDY) was adopted unanimously by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2015 and since then it has been celebrated across the globe every year on June 21. The High Commission of India in Nicosia has been celebrating International Day of Yoga in Cyprus every year since 2015.

The idea of International Day of Yoga was first proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2014, where he stated: “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.”

This year, the ninth International Day of Yoga was celebrated throughout Cyprus and a number of events were organised. The main high-profile event was celebrated on June 19 at the High Commission of India complex, with the First Lady of Cyprus Philippa Karsera Christodoulides as guest of honour. Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Republic of Cyprus (Unficyp) Colin Stewart also participated in the event.

High Commissioner Madhumita Hazarika Bhagat opened the event, emphasising the role and importance of IDY and yoga in the modern world, in addition to highlighting excellent bilateral relations. First Lady Christodoulides addressed the gathering, while the High Commissioner announced the launch of regular yoga sessions at the High Commission of India. The first session, of events taking place on the first Thursday of every month, will be held on July 6 at 4.30pm.

The event was also attended by ministers, diplomats and members of the Indian and Cypriot communities. This was followed by yoga session based on the Common Yoga Protocol of the ministry of AYUSH conducted by yoga instructors, and a yoga film, titled Yoga Harmony with Nature, was screened.

On June 21, 2023 IDY was celebrated at Finikoudes beach. Yoga enthusiasts from all over Cyprus participated in this event in large numbers. The IDY celebration on June 21 highlighted the popularity and importance of IDY worldwide due to its immense health benefits. Yoga not only helps in improving physical health, but also brings about inner peace by reducing stress and anxiety. The event was followed by a yoga session.

The ninth International day of Yoga 2023 was also organised by the High Commission of India in association with United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Republic of Cyprus (Unficyp) in the Buffer Zone on June 13. High Commissioner Madhumita Hazarika Bhagat and Major General Ingrid Gjerde, Force Commander (Unficyp) addressed the gathering highlighting the benefits of yoga. A yoga session, based on the Common Yoga Protocol of the ministry of AYUSH was conducted by the yoga instructor. The High Commission of India, in collaboration with the Art of Living, also organised an IDY event in Limassol on June 18, at the Island Private School of Limassol, Palodeia. A yoga session was conducted in which students and yoga fans participated in large numbers.

This year the theme for yoga is Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, a phrase from the Hindu text the Maha Upanishad that is typically translated as “the world is one family”. The term comes from the ancient Sanskrit vasudeva, which means the Eternal Reality, and kutumbaka, meaning family. Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said the mantra of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, which India has followed for years, is now finding global acceptance. We all are praying for each other’s wellbeing. “Yoga also gives us a happier way of life. I am sure, yoga will continue playing its preventive, as well as positive role in the healthcare of the masses.” Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore once quoted: “the meaning of our self is not to be found in its separateness from God and others, but in the ceaseless realisation of yoga, of union”.

The celebration of International Day of Yoga 2023 will not only create better awareness about Yoga and Meditation, but also serve to help people adopt a more holistic approach towards life.