International Yoga Day: Indian Consulate in Dubai to hold mega event in Sharjah

Dubai: The Indian Consulate in Dubai on Thursday announced that it will hold a mega event to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) at Expo Centre Sharjah on June 21.
The announcement was made by the Consul General of India in Dubai,  Satish Kumar Sivan, during a curtain raiser event for IDY held at the consulate.

"We are very happy that we are at that time of the year when the community comes together—not just the Indian community, but everyone who calls the UAE home—united in pursuit of holistic health. Yoga, though it originated in India, is a treasure for all humanity. This year, as we celebrate the UAE's 'Year of Community,' we are very happy to showcase the 11th International Day of Yoga event in Sharjah."

Sivan also unveiled the dedicated website for registering the participants for the upcoming celebration.

He said registration using Emirates ID or passport details is mandatory for the participants and encouraged members of the Indian expat community, the wider international community, yoga practitioners, and wellness enthusiasts across the UAE to participate.

The event under the theme of 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health' is being organised in collaboration with various yoga groups and community organisations with a focus on promoting the holistic benefits of yoga, a traditional system of wellness that India has gifted to the world.

Sivan said the last year's event in Dubai saw nearly 6,000 participants even though only 5,000 had pre-registered and the rest registered onsite. This year also the event is expected to attract more than 5,000 people at the Expo Centre.

Gates will be open from 5pm and the events will begin at 6pm. Participants are encouraged to carry their own yoga mats as limited number of yoga mats will be distributed on a first come first served basis.

Sivan said the mission was working on arranging shuttling services from nearest public transport facilities to the venue. Transportation details and further instructions will be provided closer to the date.

The event promises mass yoga sessions, guided practices, and a cultural showcase. Registration is now open via the newly launched website. Separate Yoga Day events will be held in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

The curtain raiser event also saw a special chair yoga session for the attendees.