Riyadh: The 8th International day of Yoga was celebrated on June 21 in the Indian embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Yoga enthusiasts of various nationalities and age groups participated in the event.
The United Nations General Assembly recognised June 21 as the International Day of Yoga (IDY) in 2014, and the occasion has been observed with great fervour on a global scale since then. With 2022 commemorating 75 years of India's Independence, the yoga day coincides with the celebration of Azadi Amrit Mahotsav.
In honour of gaining freedom from colonial rule, the yoga day celebrations named 'the Guardian Yoga Ring programme, are being held at iconic locations in 75 countries in coordination with the Sun's movement from East to West. DD News and several other prominent TV channels live telecasted the prestigious events.
The event in Riyadh's Indian Embassy's premises was also a part of the Global Yoga Ring. A diverse group including Saudi nationals, expats of varied nationalities, diplomats, and journalists participated in the event.
The event started with a yoga prayer which followed a popular routine of yoga. The celebration concluded with a yoga pledge and dance presented by students from IIS Riyadh.
Ms. Nouf Al Marwaai, head of the Saudi Yoga committee, was also present at the event. She shared her personal experience regarding the health benefits of Yoga and encouraged everyone to incorporate yoga into their daily routine. The Saudi Yoga committee is the kingdom's official organization for promoting yoga as a health practice.
Charge d'affaires of India, Mr. N Ram Prasad, also talked about the growing partnership between India and Saudi Arabia in the Health sector. He highlighted yoga to be an important pillar in this domain as it has become a popular activity in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia approved the teaching and practice of yoga as a sport in November 2017. It is the first country in the Gulf region to sign an MoU with the Indian institutions for enhancing cooperation in the field of yoga. The Saudi government has also instituted the Saudi Yoga Committee to facilitate yoga enthusiasts in the Kingdom.
Recently, the Saudi Yoga Committee conducted the nation's first Yoga Festival in King Abdullah Economic City. Due to these initiatives, Yoga and other wellness practices have become very popular in the Kingdom. Many Saudi citizens frequently travel to India for wellness tourism.