The Indian Embassy in UAE celebrated the 7th International Day of Yoga in Abu Dhabi themed ‘Yoga for Wellness’ in a first-of-its-kind gathering since the start of the pandemic, with guest of honour Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, reports Asian Lite News
Ancient sciences of Ayurveda and Yoga had made India proud and are especially relevant now, said Indian Ambassador to the UAE Pavan Kapoor ahead of International Day of Yoga.
The Indian Embassy in UAE celebrated the 7th International Day of Yoga in Abu Dhabi themed ‘Yoga for Wellness’ on Saturday at the Lawns of Ritz Carlton.
The first of its kind in person event amidst the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic was attended by more than 100 Yoga enthusiasts, with UAE’s Minister of Tolerance & Coexistence Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan as the Chief Guest.
Sheikh Nahyan while congratulating the Embassy for having successfully organised the event stated that it was indeed ‘a new beginning and a ray of hope’. He stressed on the need to remain vigilant and follow all health protocols to ensure safety for all.
While elaborating on the multiple benefits of Yoga he said that it is easily accessible to all, and could be done almost anywhere without any special equipment and that it best symbolised Tolerance and Coexistence.
All the participants and the supporting staff of the event strictly adhered to the safety norms laid down by the Abu Dhabi Government. Everyone present at the event had already received 2 doses of Covid -19 vaccine and had tested negative on RT-PCR test less than 48 hours ago. In addition, the participants wore masks at all times and maintained a safe distance of 2 metres.
Ambassador Pavan Kapoor thanked Sheikh Nahyan for his continued support for yoga, for India and for the Indian community in the UAE. He appreciated UAE’s successful vaccination drive and strict compliance of Covid-19 protocols that made a limited public event possible after a long time.
He expressed his sincere gratitude to the UAE authorities for the continued support to annual Yoga events since its inception in 2014, according to a press release issues by the Indian Embassy.
Kapoor explained the salience of the theme ‘Yoga for wellness’ chosen for 7th International Day of Yoga reflecting on the importance of holistic health in pandemic times. He added that the ancient sciences of Ayurveda and Yoga had made India proud and were especially relevant now as we observe India@75 or ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to mark 75 years of India’s independence.
The event which was also broadcast live across Embassy’s social media handles witnessed various facets of Yoga including laughter Yoga and various ‘Aasanas’ demonstrated by Yoga Gurus and experts, with an active participation of the attendees.
An Ayurvedic kit consisting of Ayurvedic products of daily use was also gifted to all the guests.
Qatar celebrates Yoga in 6 cities
Joining the world on seventh International Yoga Day (IYD) on Monday, six cities of Qatar have celebrated the the day.
The areas in the cities, which celebrated Yoga Day included the Asia Town (labour camp), the sand dunes of Mesaieed, the Monarch International Indian School in Al Wakra, the FIFA 2022 Stadium Al Bayt in Al Khor, the beaches of Dukhan, and the Iconic Museum of Islamic Art and the Corniche of Doha city.
It is the first time that the International Yoga Day event was simultaneously organised at different locations in Doha.
This year, the theme of the occasion is ‘Yoga For Wellness’, and will focus on practicing Yoga for physical and mental well-being.
Since 2014, the occasion has been observed in mass gatherings in different parts of the country.
The observation of Yoga Day is a global activity and the preparatory activities normally start 3-4 months prior to June 21. Millions of people are introduced to Yoga in the spirit of a mass movement as part of Yoga Day observation every year. (with inputs from ANI)
ALSO READ: Emirates to resume India-UAE flights from Wednesday
