THE city of Durban is getting into final position to host its biggest International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebration on Saturday, June 21, at the Amphitheatre in North Beach.

The annual event, hosted by the Sivananda World Peace Foundation, draws scores of novices and yogis from across eThekwini who find balance and peace in the practise of yoga. Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu, a philanthropist and head of the organisation, said this year’s 11th celebration of Yoga Day will be their most vibrant one yet.

He said, “It’s all systems go for a colourfully grand celebration of yoga on Saturday, June 21. This event will declare Durban as South Africa’s official venue for the annual yoga milestones as the legacy project continues.” The organisers are expecting a crowd of over 3000 participants at this year’s Yoga Day celebrations, surpassing last year’s 2500 attendees. Community-based organisations and outreach initiatives have also been mobilised to ensure inclusive participation.

Also Read: The rise of yoga and meditation in urban spaces

“We are reaching out to all communities to embrace yoga as a universal quest for balance and wellness. It reminds us of our interconnectedness, even in moments of personal mindfulness. The serenity of yoga blends seamlessly with our diverse cultures, symbolising unity and wellness,” said Ramlutchman.

The International Day of Yoga was established by the United Nations in 2014 to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practising yoga. Yoga, an ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in India, symbolises the union of body and consciousness. The annual observance on June 21 emphasises yoga’s role in promoting holistic health and well-being, according to the UN’s World Health Organization. Over the past decade, Yoga Day in Durban has received strong backing from provincial and local governments, and the national Department of Health.

The eThekwini Municipality has helped to establish this event as a major cultural and wellness initiative. The upcoming event is expected to feature yoga demonstrations by experts, musical and dance performances, and talks highlighting the benefits of yoga for individual and societal well-being.
For more information on the initiative or International Day of Yoga launch, email: sivanandaworldpeace@gmail.com or WhatsApp 083 357 8747.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here