A 10-day Yoga Mahotsav kicked off today at Colombo National Museum to mark the 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY). This year’s theme, “Yoga for Women Empowerment,” drew participation from over 200 students from various schools in Colombo.
The Yoga Mahotsav 2024 is organized by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), the cultural arm of the High Commission of India in Colombo, in collaboration with about 30 Sri Lankan organizations. The event runs from June 13th to June 22nd, 2024.
On June 14th, Day II of the Mahotsav, focusing on “Yoga for Health,” will be held at Mc Heyzer Stadium in Trincomalee in collaboration with the Eastern Province Tourism Bureau. The Mahotsav will feature various themes, such as Yoga for Family, Yoga with Spirituality, Yoga for Humanity, Yoga for Well-being, Yoga for Ayurveda, Yoga for Peace, and Yoga for Harmony, at iconic locations across the country. The grand finale will take place at Galle Face Green in Colombo on June 22nd.
As a prelude to IDY, the High Commission of India and its posts in Hambantota, Kandy, and Jaffna will organize approximately 100 yoga events across Sri Lanka. These events, held at iconic locations, are in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Lands, Government of Sri Lanka.
In December 2014, the United Nations declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga through resolution 69/31, recognizing yoga’s holistic approach to well-being and its ability to offer a sanctuary from modern life’s stresses. Since then, millions of yoga practitioners worldwide celebrate IDY on June 21 each year. Yoga, an ancient practice, harmonizes mind, body, and spirit through physical postures, breath control, and meditation, fostering self-discovery, inner peace, balance, flexibility, strength, mental clarity, emotional stability, and spiritual awakening.
