The International Day of Yoga has been celebrated every year on June 21 since 2015. The proposal to observe an International Yoga Day was first introduced by PM Modi in his address during the opening of the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly. “Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action ... a holistic approach [that] is valuable to our health and our well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and nature,” PM Modi said. On 11 December, 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga.
As we prepare for this year's celebrations, let's take a look at the previous years and how it was celebrated in Barbados.
Yoga for Harmony & Peace (2015)
The very first celebration for International Day of Yoga was held at the Sunshine Kula studio. The event was hosted in collaboration with the Embassy of India (Suriname) and the Honorary Consulate of India (Barbados).
Connect the Youth (2016)
The 2016 International Day of Yoga practice and meditation session was organised by Dr Philomena Mohini Harris, Honorary Consul of the Indian Honorary Consulate and held at the Sunshine Kula Yoga Studio. The class was taught by Judith Daniel of Salute to the the Sun Yoga followed by Myrna from the Raja Yoga Centre leading the meditation.
Yoga for Health (2017)
The Honorary Consulate of India hosted the 3rd annual International Day of Yoga event at the American University of Barbados - School of Medicine.
Nancy Flores guided the discussion, practice and meditation. We discussed our appreciation of yoga and the oneness/connectivity it creates within each of us. This was followed by an invigorating practice and guided meditation which encouraged us to find love within and to spread it to every corner of the world.
Yoga for Peace (2018)
The Embassy of India (Suriname) and the Honorary Consulate of India (Barbados) hosted a yoga session on Sunday, June 24 2018, for the 4th annual International Day of Yoga celebrations at the The Rex Nettleford Center, Errol Barrow School for Creative Imagination UWI, Cave Hill Campus, St Michael.
The introduction and practice was led by Cheriza from Jade Empire Wellness, assisted by Jo Hamilton of Yoga with Jo. The meditation session was guided by Myrna Belgrave of the Raja Yoga Center who also provided the blessing cards to all patrons.
The Honorary Consulate of India also provided fruits, water and other refreshments after the session.
Climate Action (2019)
On June 23rd, 2023, the Honorary Consulate of India hosted the 5th annual International Day of Yoga event at the American University of Barbados - School of Medicine on its campus in Wildey. Students and honorary guests including Government representatives participated in the event.
On June 22, 2023, the Limegrove Day of Zen was held at the Limegrove Lifestyle Center to celebrate the International Day of Yoga as well. Classes were offered by various teachers showcasing different styles and methods of yoga.
Yoga for Health - Yoga at Home (2020) & Yoga For Wellness (2021)
The 6th & 7th annual International Day of Yoga events were both organised virtually due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were encouraged to join in with live practices held all across the world.
Yoga for Humanity (2022)
The 8th annual International Day of Yoga event was held this morning at the Wildey Gymnasium and hosted by the India Honorary Consulate, the Indian Consul for Cultural Relations, the Bridgetown International University and the Government of Barbados. It included a short ceremony to mark the occasion with a cultural dance show by students of the Bridgetown International University then followed by a Hatha yoga session led by Mr. Dipesh Panicker and a mindfulness/visualisation yoga session by Dr. Myrna Belgrave of the Raja Yoga Centre. Afterwards, we were treated to delightful snacks and Yoga day t-shirts as takeaways.
We've been pleased to see the growing interest in yoga in Barbados and the increasing support of the International Day of Yoga celebrations. Stay tuned for what 2023 has to offer!
Go to our schedule to see the various classes and special events offered in Barbados. Enjoy!
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