Grand scale International Day of Yoga celebrations at Independence Square

The fifth International Day of Yoga was celebrated at the iconic Independence Square on Saturday 15 June. High Commission of India organised the mega event with the gracious presence of Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, Minister of Lands and Parliamentary Reforms Gayantha Karunathilaka and Minister of Upcountry New Villages, Infrastructure and Community Development Palani Digambaran, as the Guests of Honour with the esteemed presence of High Commissioner of India Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Hundreds of yoga enthusiasts from all over Sri Lanka also participated in the event.

Addressing the gathering High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu noted that yoga is an important pillar of the shared common heritage between India and Sri Lanka. He spoke about the strong connections between yoga and Buddhist philosophy and stated that Yoga is a unifying force which can bring peace and harmony not only to our bodies and minds but to our societies. 

Experts from  eminent yoga institutes of Sri Lanka such as Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Ram Krishna Mission, Astanka Yoga Mandir, Sethsada Yoga, Hatha Yoga Centre, Kriya Babaji Yoga Aranyam, Dhamya Yoga, Institute of Human Excellence, Brahma Kumari Raja Yoga Centre, The Art of Living, My Yoga Lounge, Sakthi Anand Yoga School (Batticaloa), Adhi Yogam, Arogya Anahata Yoga, Samskruti Patanjali Yoga Centre and Rhythmic Yoga conducted a refreshing session of Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation followed by advance yoga demonstrations. The event was organised in collaboration with Ministry of Culture, Govt. of Sri Lanka and Tata Motors Ltd. Sri Lanka.  

A series of events are being organised in the month of June by Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre to celebrate the International Day of Yoga which falls on 21 June of every year. These include a yoga program held in coordination with WHO for World Health Day, Yoga for Peace program held at the Kelaniya Maha Vihara, and Yoga for Unity held at Sarvodaya, Sri Lanka, a Yoga and Dance program held at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre. Yoga as Therapy at the Apekshya Cancer Hospital and Island wide Yoga Asana Championship will be held at the Swami Vivekandanda Cultural Centre.

A unique #idoyoga challenge on social media is also gaining popularity among the youth in Sri Lanka.