The 2nd International Day of Yoga is scheduled to be celebrated on 19 June 2016 from 8 AM to 10 AM at the Yangon University Diamond Jubilee Hall.
While addressing the 69th session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27, 2014, the Honorable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi urged the world community to adopt an International Day of Yoga. On 11 December 2014, the 193 member UNGA approved the proposal by consensus with a record 177 countries co-sponsoring a resolution recognizing the 21st June as "International Day of Yoga". In its resolution, the UNGA recognized that Yoga provides a holistic approach to health and well-being and wider dissemination of information about the benefits of practicing Yoga for the health of the world population. Yoga also brings harmony in all walks of life and thus, is known for disease prevention, health promotion and management of many lifestyle-related disorders.
On this occasion, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi said that "Yoga is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action, restraint and fulfillment, harmony between man and nature and a holistic approach to health and well-being. Yoga is not only an exercise but an effort to discover the sense of oneness with ourselves, the world and Nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help us to deal with changes in our environment.
While suggesting June 21st, which is theSummer Solstice, as the International Day of Yoga, Prime Minister Modi said that June 21st is the longest day of the year in theNorthern Hemisphere and has special significance in many parts of the world. From the perspective of yoga, the Summer Solstice marks the transition toDakshinayana. Summer Solstice marks the day when the Sun starts its southward journey and is also considered a time when there is natural support for those pursuing spiritual practices.
The science of Yoga has its origin thousands of years ago, long before the first religion or belief systems were born. Yoga is widely considered as an "immortal cultural outcome" of the Indus Valley Civilization and has proven itself to cater to both material and spiritual uplift of humanity, remaining above religion. The presence of Yoga is also available in folk traditions, Vedic and Upanishadic heritage, Buddhist and Jain traditions, epics of Mahabharata including Bhagavad-Gita and Ramayana, theistic traditions of Shaivas, Vaishnavas and Tantric traditions.
Yoga has spread all over the world by the teachings of eminent Yoga masters from ancient times to the present date. Today, everybody has conviction that Yoga practices helps in prevention of diseases, promotion and maintenance of health. Millions and millions of people across the globe have benefitted by the practice of Yoga and the practice of Yoga is blossoming and growing more vibrant with each passing day.
The Embassy is aware that Yoga is practiced in different forms and there are number of Yoga Schools and practitioners in Myanmar. Last Year Embassy of India organized 1st International Day of Yoga at Thuwunna National Indoor Stadium, Yangon on June 21st, 2015 from 8 AM to 10 AM. But, this year, we are organizing 2nd International Day of Yoga on Sunday, June 19th, 2016, so that on a holiday, maximum number of people can be reached, either at venue or at their home via various television channels that will be covering the main event that includes exercises that will help rejuvenate the urban and rural people alike.
The Embassy of India will also be organizing a number of Yoga Demonstration events by various Yoga Schools in Yangon on 11th & 12th June as curtain raiser events before our main event at various venues like, Inya Lake, Kandawgyi Lake, Peoples Park, Maha Bandula Park, Mya Kyun Thar Park near Sedona Hotel, Kyaik Ka San Stadium, Bothathaung Phya, Junction Square & St. Mary Service Convent from 07:00 AM to 10:00 AM, all of you are welcome to join us as per your choice of venue.
June 10, 2016
