Fourth International Day of Yoga observed in Hanoi

More than 1,200 people in Hanoi join a yoga protocol performance in response to International Day of Yoga (June 21) (Source: tuoitre.vn)

More than 1,200 people joined a yoga protocol performance at Hanoi’s Indoor Athletics Palace on June 16 in response to International Day of Yoga (June 21).

Speaking at the ceremony, Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Parvathaneni Harish said that Yoga has been even more popular worldwide since the United Nations General Assembly chose June 21 as the International Yoga Day following the proposal of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Yoga has been a key element contributing to the friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and India, he said, adding that he has witnessed the popularity of yoga in Vietnam in the past two years living there.

Yoga is India’s gift to humanity, he stressed, given that Yoga helps people balance their bodies, mind and soul.

UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Kamal Maholtra said that the UN General Assembly chose June 21 as International Day of Yoga (IDY) with the approval of 177 member states, which demonstrates good effects of yoga on people’s health.

IDY 2018, organised by the Embassy of India in Hanoi, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the People’s Committee of Hanoi, aims to improve health and life quality of Vietnamese people.

Together with Hanoi, the IDY will be observed in 11 other localities until July 15.

Yoga is a 5,000-year-old physical, mental and spiritual practice originating in India, which aims to transform both body and mind

VNA