Roots of Yoga - Nepal |
Yoga Celebrated with Enthusiasm at Lumbini, the Birthplace of Lord Buddha
In a momentous event, scores of yoga enthusiasts and followers came together at Lumbini Square in Nepal to perform various yoga asanas in anticipation of the International Day of Yoga. Lumbini, revered as the Birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha and known as the "Light of Asia," witnessed this large-scale yoga gathering for the first time. Organized by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, the Nepal Tourism Board, and the Lumbini Development Trust, in collaboration with Patanjali Yog Peeth, the event was graced by the presence of Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Shrivastava, along with Nepali Tourism Minister Sudan Kirati.
A Display of Unity and Spirituality:
Accompanied by the Chief Minister of Lumbini Province and the Chief of Lumbini Development Trust, the Indian Ambassador, Nepal Tourism Minister, and other dignitaries actively participated in the yoga session, performing various yoga postures. Under the guidance of a Yog Guru from Patanjali Yog Peeth, the participants engaged in an hour-long yoga practice, exemplifying unity and a shared commitment to spirituality.
Embracing the Roots of Yoga:
Addressing the event, Nepal's Tourism Minister, Sudan Kirati, highlighted the scientific formulation of yoga by Maharshi Patanjali and the significant contributions of saints, Rishi-Munis, and Gautam Buddha. He emphasized that while the history of yoga began in India, Nepal has also made significant contributions to this ancient practice. Kirati emphasized that yoga is a precious gift from the Indian subcontinent to the world, underscoring its numerous benefits.
The Global Significance of International Day of Yoga:
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea of International Yoga Day during his address at the UN General Assembly in 2014. Supported by 177 nations, the United Nations officially declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga on December 11, 2014. Since then, this significant day has been celebrated annually worldwide. The first International Yoga Day was observed on June 21, 2015, symbolizing the global recognition and popularity of yoga as a transformative practice.
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A Tradition to Continue:
Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, expressed his desire to organize similar events in the coming years, collaborating with the Lumbini state government and relevant authorities. He envisioned an annual celebration at Lumbini on the occasion of International Yoga Day, fostering cooperation between the Indian Embassy, the Lumbini Provincial Government, and the Lumbini Development Trust. With this inaugural event marking the beginning, the aim is to establish a tradition that commemorates the International Day of Yoga in Lumbini for years to come.
Conclusion:
The gathering of yoga enthusiasts at Lumbini Square in Nepal, ahead of the International Day of Yoga, exemplifies the growing global resonance of this ancient practice. The event not only celebrated the essence of yoga but also showcased the deep-rooted spiritual heritage of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha. With the collective efforts of individuals, governments, and organizations, the International Day of Yoga continues to inspire people worldwide to embrace the transformative power of yoga and cultivate a healthier, more harmonious existence.
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