Health for Humanity Yogathon had a great start on Saturday, 12 June in many cities including Auckland, Rotorua, Palmerston North and Wellington. This year the team had aimed to reach 250,000 Surya Namaskars (Sun Salutations). It will continue till 26 June 2021.

As we have adjusted to a new normal in our lives, this Health for Humanity Yogathon presents us with a unique opportunity to participate, and share the essence of Yoga with New Zealand society. There has never been a more appropriate time to look at the valuable opportunities that have presented to us, particularly in terms of looking after our physical, mental, spiritual and emotional wellbeing.

In Rotorua, the Health for Humanity Yogathon was held in Public Library and it was inaugurated by Hon. Todd McClay, the Member of Parliament for Rotorua and the former Minister of Revenue, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, and Minister of Trade. He told the yoga enthusiasts how he keeps himself fit and also encouraged all New Zealanders to learn, participate and incorporate yoga in their daily lives.

Monika Bansal, the Rotorua coordinator for Health for Humanity Yogathon, welcomed the Chief Guest Hon. Todd McClay and all participants and yoga enthusiasts. She invited everyone to join International Day of Yoga that will be celebrated on Monday, 21 June from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at Te Manawa, The Heart of the City (Intersection of Hinemoa and Tutanekai St) in Rotorua; and a closing ceremony on 26th June from 10.30 am to 12.30 am at the Rotorua Library.

“I reached out to all yoga schools, yoga retreats, gyms, and community organisations in Rotorua to acknowledge and appreciate their contribution in teaching, practising and promoting yoga in Rotorua”, said Monika Bansal.

“I would like to personally thank Rotorua Lakes Council, Rotorua Library, Arts Village, Multicultural Council, Toi-Ohomai Institute of Technology and Yoga Studio for their support and help with Yogathon in Rotorua,” she added.

We in Rotorua are very excited to be part of Health for Humanity Yogathon 2021. Sun Salutation can be performed individually or in groups either at home or school or in classes conducted by yoga teachers in public venues, or in workplaces.

Organised annually over two weeks, the Health for Humanity Yogathon which started in 2011 has already competed 10 years of promoting Yoga on a mass scale in New Zealand. Yoga, with roots in ancient Hindu philosophy, is slowly and steadily growing in New Zealand.

On 26th June, we have a closing ceremony. We will encourage all volunteers and yoga teachers who have helped Health for Humanity Yogathon to grow in the past 10 years to join in this year’s special event.

“We aim to distribute Special Certificates to all such volunteers and teachers. Their contribution will be acknowledged, respected, recognised, and make known to the community at large,” Dr Guna Magesan, who initiated Health for Humanity Yogathon in New Zealand.

“Over the last 10 years, we have seen the changes in the attitude and acceptance of Yoga by the New Zealand public resulting in increased participation,” he added.

We are expecting many schools, community organisations, youth groups, yoga schools, and individuals will be enthusiastically participating in Yogathon 2021. If yoga schools, organisations, community groups, teachers or volunteers want to be involved with this initiative, please get in touch with us.

For more information, please contact: Monika Bansal 022 527 5979 (Rotorua coordinator)