GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): India has tirelessly promoted the benefits of yoga worldwide, culminating in the United Nations General Assembly declaring June 21st as the International Day of Yoga in 2014, a resolution proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This annual celebration has since become a global phenomenon, uniting millions of people across cultures in practicing yoga. To promote the benefits of yoga among the general public in Central America and to celebrate the 10th International Day of Yoga, the Embassy of India in Guatemala organized several yoga events across the three countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. In Guatemala, the Embassy organized one of the largest gatherings of yoga practitioners in Central America, Latin America, and possibly the Americas, at Mariscal Zavala, Guatemala City, with an attendance of approximately 5,000 people to celebrate the International Day of Yoga on June 22, 2024. This year, IDY 2024 was celebrated with the theme “Yoga for Self and Society,” emphasizing the dual benefits of yoga: promoting personal well-being and its positive impact on society as a whole.

India’s contribution to the global yoga movement is both profound and transformative, deeply rooted in the country’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Yoga, which originated in ancient India over 5,000 years ago, is more than just physical exercise; it is a holistic practice that unites the mind, body, and spirit. The earliest references to yoga can be found in the Rig Veda, one of the oldest sacred texts, and its philosophies were systematically compiled by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras around 400 CE. India’s yoga gurus, such as Swami Vivekananda, B.K.S. Iyengar, and Sadhguru, have traveled the world, spreading the teachings of yoga and establishing it as a universal practice for health and well-being. Today, yoga is embraced globally, with yoga studios, wellness centers, and community classes in almost every country. India’s enduring legacy in yoga continues to inspire a journey toward inner peace, physical vitality, and spiritual awakening, demonstrating the timeless relevance and transformative power of this ancient practice.

Yoga has gained remarkable popularity in Central America over the past few years due to concerted efforts by various organizations and the growing global awareness of its benefits. The Embassy of India in Guatemala has played a pivotal role in this movement by organizing daily yoga classes at its premises, making the practice accessible to the local population. These initiatives have helped people in Central America embrace yoga as a daily practice, appreciating its holistic approach to health and well-being. The regular classes have fostered a deeper understanding and acceptance of yoga, leading to a vibrant community of practitioners who integrate yoga into their everyday lives, thereby enhancing their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

These concerted efforts by the Embassy and local yoga studios have encouraged the Embassy to organize a grand event in collaboration with several Indian and local companies such as HCL Tech, Caplin Point, Krishpar Healthcare S.A., [24]X7.ai, Lukahm, Yash Pakka, TCS, Pradilsha, Hetero, TCS,TVS, Cygnus,Sierra, Hidra Vida, and Grupo Uma located in the region. Their contributions in arranging logistics and manpower were substantial in ensuring the event’s success. The magnitude of this event, held at Mariscal Zavala in Guatemala City, was immense, with approximately 5,000 yoga enthusiasts participating in the celebration of the International Day of Yoga on June 22, 2024. The event left a significant impression on the general public, showcasing the widespread appeal and benefits of yoga. The local government, particularly the Ministry of Defence, local municipalities, and Mariscal Zavala management, provided invaluable support, further highlighting the collaborative effort that made this event a resounding success. This large-scale celebration not only emphasized the importance of yoga but also strengthened the cultural and diplomatic ties between India and Central America.

While extending his gratitude to the local partners for their support in organizing the grand event, Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra highlighted the tireless efforts by the Government of India to promote yoga on a global scale. He underscored the significance of yoga as a universal practice that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, bringing people together in the pursuit of health and harmony. Dr. Mohapatra also expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the local community for wholeheartedly embracing yoga and incorporating it into their daily lives. He noted with pride that the increasing number of students attending yoga sessions at the Embassy is a clear testament to the growing enthusiasm for yoga in the region. Furthermore, he commended the collaborative spirit that made this event possible, highlighting the crucial role of local partners, businesses, and government bodies in fostering a supportive environment for yoga.

During the event, Mr. Erick Borrondo, the Olympic medalist for Guatemala, shared his insightful remarks on the benefits of yoga for athletes. He emphasized how yoga has been instrumental in enhancing his performance, flexibility, and mental focus. He encouraged all, especially athletes, to adopt yoga, noting that its practice promotes not only physical strength and endurance but also mental resilience and clarity, essential for excelling in competitive sports. Representatives from the sponsors expressed their enthusiasm and support for the grand celebration of International Day of Yoga. They highlighted the importance of promoting wellness and a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing how yoga aligns perfectly with these goals.

A parallel celebration of the International Day of Yoga took place in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, on June 21, 2024, co-organized by the Embassy of India in collaboration with Yoga Garden and local sponsor Caplin Point. Despite challenging weather conditions across the region, approximately 800-1000 yoga enthusiasts gathered to participate in the event, demonstrating their dedication to the practice and its benefits. Meanwhile, in El Salvador, adverse weather conditions unfortunately prevented the planned yoga event from taking place. The embassy intends to reschedule the event once conditions improve, ensuring that the celebration of yoga’s universal appeal continues across Central America.

The International Day of Yoga event was an outstanding success, marked by the enthusiastic participation of over 6,000 individuals in the two Central American countries. Participants enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere filled with yoga sessions, and insightful speeches. The distribution of commemorative t-shirts, sponsored giveaways, and refreshments further enhanced the experience, fostering a sense of community and wellness. The Embassy of India expresses its gratitude to everyone involved, reaffirming its commitment to organizing similar events in the future to promote yoga and strengthen cultural ties between India and Central America.