“Yoga embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and with nature.” – Prime Minister Narenda Modi of India
Dear Yoga Friends,
Sunday, June 21st will be celebrated as the the first International World Yoga Day sponsored by the United Nations. Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, proposed to the U.N. General assembly that a day be named to commemorate the practice of yoga and its contributions to humanity. 175 countries supported the resolution making the worldwide event possible. World Yoga Day is a celebration for everyone interested in yoga. June 21st is the summer solstice and has special significance in many parts of the world, including India. Geeta Iyengar encourages us to use this day to honor yoga and our teacher, B.K.S. Iyengar. Here are some links to learn more about the worldwide events:
International Events
Official Film for Yoga Day
The German Iyengar Yoga Association is one of three partners invited by the newly formed Ministry for Yoga and Ayurveda (AYUSH) and the Indian Embassy in Germany to co-sponsor the event at the Brandenburg Gate. Here is the schedule of events in Berlin:
- 3:00 pm- Excerpt of speech given by Prime Minister Modi
- 3:10 pm- Presentation by Art of Living (Talk on traditional yoga and demonstration of asanas)
- 3:55 pm- Presentation from Iyengar Yoga Deutschland (Demonstration moderated by Rita Keller)
- 4:25 pm- Presentation from the Isha Foundation (Pranayama)
- 4:55 pm- Closing remarks
Everyone is welcome to attend and bring a mat to join the yoga practice!
We at IYZB will also be honoring this day by offering a FREE class 10:00-11:30 am taught by Christian. The class will be a sequence given to us by Geeta and will be practiced on this day around the world. Please note that Ulrike’s 5:00 pm class will be canceled this Sunday since she will be at the event.
We hope that to see you at World Yoga Day!
Elizabeth, Katrin, Katja, Ulrike, and Christian