Embassy of India

Berlin

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Press Release

“Yoga has become a part of humanity’s intangible heritage”, said Ambassador Mukta Tomar as Germany celebrated the 5^th International Day of Yoga  

Amidst the chanting of the Shanti Mantra, the Embassy of India, Berlin, celebrated the 5th International Day of Yoga on the Baltic Sea at the iconic city of Binz in Germany in collaboration with the City of Binz. Yoga enthusiasts, including tourists visiting the island resort, local residents, members of the City Administration, the Indian community and the diplomatic community who came all the way from Berlin, took part in the Yoga Day celebrations. 

2. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s message on the occasion of the Yoga Day was screened. Welcoming the participants to the Yoga Day celebrations, Ambassador of India to Germany, Mrs. Mukta D. Tomar noted that “In recognition of Yoga as a global heritage, the United Nations designated June 21 as the International Day of Yoga – not to create something new but to acknowledge and embrace a tradition that benefits all…It is because of our collective efforts that attaining a sustainable and healthier lifestyle through the practice of Yoga has become a common pursuit for Germans, as it is for us Indians.”

3. Mr. Kai Gadreja, Tourism Manager, Binz City Administration, thanked the Indian Embassy for celebrating Yoga in such a grand manner in the City of Binz.

4. A guided yoga session based on the Common Yoga Protocol was performed by the participants. The participants practiced Yoga asanas, pranayama and meditation. Prominent yoga organizations in Germany, namely Sivananda Yoga Center, Berlin, Deutsche Akademie für traditionelles Yoga, Yoga Vidya and Art of Living took active part in the celebrations. 

5. Following the Yoga and meditation, the ‘Indigo Masala’ band, well known in Germany for blending Indian sitar, tabla and Russian accordion with a touch of jazz, played live World music. 

6. Events to commemorate the International Day of Yoga were also held across Germany, including in Cologne, Munich, Bremen, and Hamburg, among other cities, where large numbers of yoga enthusiasts participated. 

7. A few photographs of the 5^th International Day of Yoga celebrated at Binz are attached. For more photographs and video, please go to:

https://twitter.com/eoiberlin?lang=en

https://www.facebook.com/IndiaInGermany

https://indianembassyberlin.gov.in/

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Berlin,

21 June 2019