By Himani Bhatt
On June 19, the Consulate General of India in Saint Petersburg, Russia, collaborated with the municipal authority to mark the International Day of Yoga (IDY) at Yusupov Park. The commemorations were held from 1000 hrs. to 1900 hrs. and over 3000 people practiced “Yoga for Humanity,” the theme for the 8th Yoga Day. It coincided with the “Day of India in Saint Petersburg” to observe 75 years of instituting Indo-Russia diplomatic relations and Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (75 years of India’s Independence). The daylong event offered Indian cuisine, music, and dance to the participants. The executives from the External Relations Committee and Sports Committee of Saint Petersburg and Leningrad district, the Indian diaspora, and the native population enthusiastically engaged in the event.
Since 2014, International Yoga Day has been observed every year on June 21. The IDY ceremony at Saint Petersburg introduced a unique combination of the Yoga session, festivities of Indian cuisine from authentic Indian restaurants, music, dance, and culture of India. The Counsel General of India in Saint Petersburg, Kumar Gaurav, eagerly welcomed the participants and mentioned other events to be held.
Even the stormy wind and thunderstorm could not scare away the Yoga supporters who voted to continue the session after it began with peals of thunder. Soon, the clouds dispersed, making way for a brightening sun and an engaging session.
Yoga Celebrations Across Russia
Besides Saint Petersburg, IDY was commemorated in several districts across Russia, including Yakutia, Magadan, Buryatia, Lesozavodsk, and Partizansk, to name a few. In addition, Russia conducted myriad events on and around Yoga Day.