The ancient practice of yoga has seen a surge in popularity in Vietnam, with a growing number of people embracing its physical and mental benefits. This trend reflects a broader global shift towards this ancient Indian tradition, which offers a holistic approach to health and well-being.
| Â Indian diplomacy was on full display at the International Yoga Day celebrations in Vinh Phuc province, with the Deputy Ambassador, Subhash Prasad Gupta, leading the event. |
The International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations in Vietnam have become a nationwide phenomenon, with 40 cities and provinces joining in on the practice. This year, the main events will be held in Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, and Quang Ninh, among other locations, with tens of thousands of participants expected to attend.
Hanoi will also host a public celebration on June 20 at the Quan Ngua Sports Complex in Ba Dinh District. Organized by the Embassy of India and the Consulate General of India, in collaboration with local partners, this year’s theme is “Yoga for Women’s Empowerment.” The event aims to promote yoga as a tool for improving women’s health and fostering peace and well-being globally.
The IDY celebrations in Vietnam are made possible through the support of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, local authorities, yoga federations, media outlets, businesses, and individuals, all coming together to celebrate this ancient practice.
| Vinh Phuc province was one of the many locations across Vietnam where yoga enthusiasts gathered to celebrate International Yoga Day. |
Indian Ambassador to Vietnam, Sandeep Arya, highlighted the accessibility of yoga, with online classes available daily since 2015 and scholarships offered by the Indian government for in-depth studies in India. He also acknowledged the value placed on physical exercise and fitness in Vietnam, which aligns with the holistic principles of yoga.
Yoga, a 5,000-year-old tradition, focuses on the unity of mind and body, thought and action. Its physical, mental, and spiritual practices promote harmony within oneself and with the natural world. This ancient practice has gained such recognition that the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, a proposal initially put forward by India and co-sponsored by Vietnam.
The growing popularity of yoga in Vietnam is a testament to the country’s embrace of its health benefits and its cultural significance, strengthening the bond between India and Vietnam.
Yogis describe yoga as a discipline that emphasizes meditation, mindful breathing, and gentle movement. These practices have a profound impact on one’s emotional resilience and mental health, reducing stress hormone levels and calming the nervous system.
| Â Yoga enthusiasts in Quang Binh province joined their counterparts worldwide in celebrating International Yoga Day, spreading the message of health and well-being. |
The United Nations recognized the universal appeal of yoga in 2014, proclaiming June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. In its resolution, the organization emphasized the importance of healthy choices and lifestyle patterns that promote good health, a sentiment echoed by the World Health Organization in its call to reduce physical inactivity, a significant contributor to non-communicable diseases.
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, introduced yoga to the UN General Assembly in 2014, describing it as “an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition” that embodies the unity of mind and body. He emphasized that yoga is more than just exercise; it is a path to discovering a sense of oneness with oneself, the world, and nature.
The International Day of Yoga aims to spread awareness of the countless benefits of yoga, encouraging people worldwide to incorporate this ancient practice into their lives for improved health and well-being.
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