The consulate general of India in HCMC hosted the event, attracting some 500 Vietnamese and foreigners. The event opened up more opportunities for yoga enthusiasts in the city to improve their physical health and learn more about the unique culture of India.
This year's event was part of a series of activities that marked the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Vietnam.
The First International Day of Yoga was celebrated in Ho Chi Minh City on June 21, 2015 with huge enthusiasm resulting in a participation of 5,000 people and a mention in the Vietnam Book of Records! An equal number celebrated it in Hanoi and many other provinces and cities, including Binh Duong, Vung Tau, Dak Lak, Lam Dong, etc. The event got commemorated in 192 countries.
Yoga is a 5,000-year-old physical, mental and spiritual practice originating in India, which aims to transform both body and mind. On December 11, 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.
The declaration came after the call for the adoption of June 21 as International Day of Yoga by Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi during his address to UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014 wherein he stated, “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition. It embodies the unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but about discovering the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and nature”.
