Press Release

Yoga Harmony in Berlin during Euro Emotions

The Embassy of India, Berlin celebrated the 2nd International Day of Yoga at the Kreuzberger Wiese in Park am Gleisdreieck, Berlin on the 18th  of June 2016 (Saturday) from 0900 – 1130 hrs.  The celebrations were a part of the global commemoration efforts of International Day of Yoga initiated by Government of India.

Our Consulates in Frankfurt, Munich and Hamburg are equally geared up to celebrate the above event with splendour and gaiety by hosting the same in various places like Cologne, Bonn, Frankfurt, Munich and Hamburg on the 19th, 21st and 25th of June, 2016 respectively.

The United Nations General Assembly declared June 21st as the International Day of Yoga on Dec 11, 2014. Addressing the UN General Assembly on 27 September 2014, the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi had said: "Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help us deal with climate change. Let us work towards adopting an International Day of Yoga."

The Embassy of India, Berlin motivated by the success of first International Day of Yoga at the iconic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin was poised with their second edition to create awareness on authentic Yoga and its benefits and to reach out to maximum number of people across all age groups in and around Berlin.  The Embassy had taken the initiative to host free Yoga demonstrations in collaboration with well-known and active Berlin based Yoga organizations namely: Jivamukti Yoga Berlin, Art of Living, Isha Foundation, Sivananda Yoga Centre Berlin and Deutsche Akademie für Tradtionelles Yoga e.V.

As a Curtain Raiser to the celebration of the 2nd International Day of Yoga, the Embassy held free Yoga workshop on the 13th of June, 2016 from 1600 hrs. onwards in the Embassy for all its officials and general public.  The main celebrations started at 0900 hrs. on the 18th of June, 2016 (Saturday) with Yoga demonstrations by several prominent Yoga organizations in Berlin. The demonstrations were based on the Common Yoga Protocol issued by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India that would comprise of opening prayer, loosening practices, standing and sitting postures, Prone & Supine, Kapalbhati & Pranayam, breathing techniques, followed by meditation and closing prayer.  The demonstrations concluded with a Q & A session, where all the representatives of Yoga organizations answered questions from eager and interested participants.  Around 300 Yoga enthusiasts, weekenders and curious first timers in and around Berlin participated in the celebration of the 2nd International Day of Yoga.  The event was graced by few important dignitaries and important media personalities.

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