About 1000 people participated during the celebration of 8th International Day of Yoga at the Albert Park in Suva yesterday.

A new element was added to the celebrations this year which was the formation of The Guardian Ring or Global Yoga Ring, where yoga celebrations happening across the world were streamed live on Indian Media that is Door Darshan.

Fiji was the first country to be captured in The Guardian Ring which underlined the One Sun, One Earth concept and showcased the unification power of Yoga.

Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center – High Commission of India’s Yoga instructor, Sangeeta Kumar, said the celebration was a step towards creating peace and harmony.

She said it was vital that people realise the importance of yoga and that it’s meant for all aged groups.

“What we have portrayed today was to place different aged groups on the stage to show that Yoga is not only meant for small children or teenagers, but it’s meant for everybody,” Ms Kumar said.

“Today’s celebration shows how everyone should come together to promote health and wellness in unity.”

Ms Kumar said more people were concerned about their wellbeing nowadays.

“In these two years of pandemic, people have realised how important maintaining your health and wealth is.  I would encourage them to do Yoga or any exercise to keep their lifestyle healthy and free from sickness,” she said.

The participants included around 800 school students from Suva and Nausori, yoga enthusiasts and local dignitaries.

The theme of the celebration this year is Yoga for Humanity.

nolishma.narayan@fijisun.com.fj