The 9th edition of International Yoga Day was celebrated across the globe on 21st June 2023 and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a group of several hundred Yoga enthusiasts from 184 countries at the UN headquarters to commemorate the day in New York. The Yoga Day sessions were organised across the globe in all towns and cities in India, the land of Yoga, and here in New Zealand as well. Auckland was the busiest place, organising several World Yoga Day events in the different parts of the city.

One of such events took place at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at Eden Terrace where Indian High Commissioner Neeta Bhushan led the Yoga session on Sunday 25th June for an hour. Hon Consul Bhav Dhillon and several other prominent community leaders also took part in the event. The event ended with some light snack served for everyone.

Another major Yoga event took place at Shirdi Sai Mandir in Onehunga under the aegis of Dutta Yoga Centre NZ on Sunday 25th June. A team of around 130 Yoga enthusiasts under the able guidance of its convener Nagraj Ambale performed different Yoga exercises for around one and half hour. The event was attended by prominent dignitaries that included Roshan Nauhria, a renowned entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader, Dr. Laviniya Perumal, Clinical Director of Auckland Regional Public Health Service, and Hanumanth Rao, the General Secretary of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh NZ, were the esteemed guests for the day.

The program showcased practical demonstrations of various components of Kriya Yoga, led by experienced senior participants. The first demonstration focused on Nadi Shuddhi Vyayam, which aimed to cleanse and energize the subtle energy channels in the body. Participants were guided through exercises that enhanced the flow of prana, the life force energy. The subsequent demonstration focused on Pranayama, the practice of conscious and controlled breathing. It showcased different types of Pranayama, emphasizing their positive impact on physical and mental well-being.

Following Pranayama, participants learned about Mudras, which involve specific hand and finger gestures. The mudras represented the five elements and their associated energy centres or chakras. The various Mudras showcased highlighting their individual benefits for various body systems. Young yoga practitioners from the Datta Yoga Centre presented Asanas, showcasing their dedication to the practice of yoga. The audience was captivated by their demonstrations. Ladies performed the Vinyasa Yoga which highlighted the beauty and strength achieved through the art of yoga. Then all present joined for the Asanas & Surya Namaskar.

The International Day of Yoga event organized by the Datta Yoga Centre New Zealand served as a reminder of the significance of yoga in promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Dr Lavinya Perumal reiterated the need for a holistic approach to health and shared her personal experience of how yoga has benefited her.

Datta Yoga Centre New Zealand

The Datta Yoga Centre in New Zealand is an organization dedicated to promoting the teachings and practices of Datta Kriya Yoga. It offers a wide range of programs, workshops, and retreats aimed at facilitating personal transformation and inner awakening. Under the guidance of qualified teachers, individuals can engage in Kriya Yoga practices, pranayama, meditation sessions, and other spiritual activities. The centre fosters a supportive and inclusive community where seekers from all backgrounds can explore their spiritual journey and find inner peace and fulfilment.

Additionally, they offer Bhagavad Gita classes for those interested in delving deeper into the sacred text.

-TIN Bureau