Harmony under the sun: Kyiv celebrates International Yoga Day with global community
How the official event of the Embassy of India for International Yoga Day went (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
Today, June 21, the 11th International Day of Yoga was celebrated in Kyiv’s City of Sports park. The event was organized by the Embassy of India in Ukraine and gathered dozens of enthusiasts of the ancient teaching on the harmony of body and mind in an open-air setting.
The RBC-Ukraine editorial team attended the event and shares the details.
Gifts for participants: bracelets, T-shirts, and a yoga guidebook
Even before the official program began, each participant received symbolic T-shirts, bracelets, and a brochure — the official publication titled Common Yoga Protocol.
The guide contains basic practices recommended for the celebration, as well as the philosophical foundations of yoga as a way of life.
How the official event of the Embassy of India for International Yoga Day went (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
In the introductory message of the brochure, the Minister of State for AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) of the Government of India, Shripad Naik, emphasized the importance of yoga.
"Yoga is a philosophy for achieving the purest forms of self-realization… It is an effective, economical, and spiritually enriching tool for maintaining health, which has gained global recognition thanks to the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," said the minister.
How the official event of the Embassy of India for International Yoga Day went (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
Performing anthems and words of support in difficult times
The celebration began traditionally with the national anthems of India and Ukraine, followed by a welcoming speech from the chargé d’affaires of India in Ukraine, Mr. Satender Yyadav.
He emphasized the importance of spiritual practice during challenging times and thanked Ukrainians for their openness to Indian culture.
How the official event of the Embassy of India for International Yoga Day went (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
Ukrainian honored guests also addressed the participants. They emphasized that in times when the nation faces trials, such initiatives help foster inner balance and support mental health.
How the official event of the Embassy of India for International Yoga Day went (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
Asanas and Ayurveda
The main part of the program was a demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol exercise routine, led by instructors from Ganesha Yoga Studio.
Everyone interested could join the practice and try basic asanas under the guidance of experienced teachers.
How the official event of the Embassy of India for International Yoga Day went (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
Special attention was also given to the impact of yoga and ayurveda on quality of life.
Mr. Anupam Saxena gave a brief lecture on this topic, explaining the synergy between these two branches of Indian traditional culture.
How the official event of the Embassy of India for International Yoga Day went (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
The event concluded with words of gratitude from the military attaché of the Embassy of India, Gp. Capt. Bikash Kumar Sahu.
Afterward, participants were invited to refreshments and informal conversations.
How the official event of the Embassy of India for International Yoga Day went (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
How International Yoga Day started
International Yoga Day is celebrated every year on June 21 — the day of the summer solstice.
The first large-scale celebrations in 2015 gathered over 35,000 participants, earning a place in the Guinness World Records.
In Ukraine, this tradition is supported by the Ukrainian Yoga Federation.
Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that combines physical exercises, breathing techniques, and meditation.
It helps restore balance between body and mind, reduce stress, and improve overall health.
Scientific studies confirm yoga’s benefits for treating chronic diseases and supporting mental and emotional well-being.
International yoga day aims to raise awareness of the benefits of this practice worldwide and encourage people to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
The initiative from India was supported by a record number of countries, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi called yoga a bridge between mind and body, promoting harmony and well-being.
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