The funfair and festivities that characterized the annual International Day of Yoga (IDY) may not be witnessed due to the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic.
Organizers of the sixth edition is set for the 21st June 2020 have opted to mark the event online to avert further spread of the highly contagious disease online with the set guidelines on social distancing.
The ceremonies which traditionally attracted thousands of participants is likely to be a low key affair due to the Coronavirus pandemic that has affected the globe early this year.
Giving highlights on the upcoming commemoration, Indian Acting High Commissioner Charge de Affairs to Kenya Ashish Sinha expressed optimism that yoga could offer critical contribution towards universal health care especially at this time of Covid 19 by alleviating the stress and economic strains caused by the pandemic.
Sinha said “ we are in a difficult situation due to Covid but it has also come as an opportunity for us to reach out to even wider audiences using social media”..
Yoga he explained is a way of achieving balance and unites our body, mind, soul and consciousness making sure there is more coherent in our approach of life as we attain wholesome health and harmony with other people and nature.
Last year , he said that over 7,000 people participated in the event but this year they expect the number to be multiplied by 10 times more considering its being done online .
“We have designed our module to stream into the embassy social media platform and reach all 47 counties in the country who have dedicated different days to commemorate the day.
He explained that tomorrow, 20th will be dedicated for the Diplomatic community in the country, then on Sunday which is the IDY will be done through the Hindu Council and open to big masses , this will after move to Nakuru, Mt. Kenya region, North Eastern and also Coastal areas where a teacher from the commission will be joined by a local from county to teach and guide during the yoga sessions
On the 27 of June, the Commissioner said they will rech out to the corporates and private business communities who currently are affected and their businesses taken a hit during this time of COVID
“ The theme for this year is “Yoga from Home, Yoga with Family” and this is an opportunity for all to engage in this exercises at the convenience of their homes” , Sinha said
The Commissioner noted that people around the world have realized the benefits of yoga for health, and also having immense benefits on family values since it does not take a lot time and can become a part of one’s life.
Kenyans he said can start logging in from tomorrow to learn from the teachers what it entails , the commissioner said noting that this year renowned Athlete Eliud Kipchoge , former Miss world Diana Heiden and also Yoga gurus from India will participate in the event.
“Watch out for the space in run up to yoga day through facebook, Instagram, twitter and internet platforms , join in and become a yogi” Commissioner Sinha said
The beginnings of Yoga were developed by Northern India over 5,000 years ago and is derived from the ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘to join’, ‘to yoke’ or ‘to unite’.
In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted 21 June (summer solstice – the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere) to celebrate as International Day of Yoga.
By Wangari Ndirangu
