Celebrating 10th IDY with YIDL − June 2024: Part 2 Europe
Celebrating the tenth International Day of Yoga with Yoga in Daily Life − Part 2
The International Day of Yoga (IDY) established by the United Nations on 11 December 2014, through Resolution 69/131, is celebrated on and around 21 June each year. This day aims to raise global awareness of the many benefits of Yoga.
In honour of its universal appeal and the holistic wellness it promotes, Yoga in Daily Life centres and ashrams around the world celebrated the tenth IDY with a series of events, workshops and free yoga sessions. These celebrations not only highlight the physical, mental, social and spiritual health benefits of yoga but also promote a healthy and cruelty-free lifestyle, through the inclusion of vegan and vegetarian refreshments.
Click here for IDY2024 Reports parts 1 and 3.
Europe 2
Croatia
On 15 June 2024, the three-week celebrations of the International Day of Yoga, organised by Yoga in Daily Life in Croatia, began. Traditionally, the celebrations begin in Zagreb's most famous Maksimir Park, in Samobor near the Yoga in Daily Life Tree Alley, and in the shade of pine trees in the Novigrad Diocese Park.
On 20 June 2024, as one of the three local yoga schools leading the program in Zagreb, YIDL participated in the central celebration of the Indian Embassy, and in the following days, celebrations were also held by Yoga in Daily Life groups in Karlovac, Rijeka, Split, Labin, Rovinj and Umag.
A significant number of yoga practitioners, some of whom have been practising the Yoga in Daily Life System for decades, gathered at all locations for the celebrations. The programs were well attended, asanas, pranayama and meditation were practised in both YIDL centres and at carefully selected locations in parks and on beaches in Croatia. Participants were also able to learn about vegetarianism and enjoy vegetarian snacks.
The events were covered by the media, and in some cities, representatives of the city authorities were present, as in Rijeka, where the program was opened by the Mayor of Rijeka, Mr Marko Filipović, and the head of the city's health department, Ms Karla Mušković.
Yoga in Daily Life Croatia celebrated IDY 2024 in nine cities across eleven locations, with a total participation of around 450 individuals.
Georgia
The International Day of Yoga was marked in Tbilisi, Georgia with free yoga classes in the yoga centre and a local park.
Germany
Yoga in Daily Life practitioners in Hamburg, Germany, celebrated IDY at the ashram, with a day dedicated to yoga practice and prayers.
Hungary
Hungarian Yoga in Daily Life centres celebrated IDY 2024 with a nine-day free online Bari Khatu Pranam program, which was practised every morning and evening. During these nine days, participants completed 108 Bari Khatu Pranams, with around 500 yoga students and disciples taking part in the program.
In addition to the main program, special children's activities were organised for various age groups, engaging around 50 children. The celebrations also featured free yoga classes and satsangs, held by all Hungarian centres, which drew a combined total of 300 participants.
Netherlands
Oosteind
Yoga in Daily Life Netherlands celebrated IDY in the tranquil surroundings of the yoga centre in Oosteind.
Poland
The Yoga in Daily Life Association in Warsaw organised two significant events to celebrate the International Day of Yoga 2024.
On 21 June, a presentation on 'Yoga for the Spine' according to the Yoga in Daily Life System, was held for the employees of the Ombudsman in Warsaw. This event focused on promoting spinal health and overall well-being through targeted yoga practices.
On 23 June, a group of yoga practitioners gathered in the scenic Łazienki Królewskie, Warsaw Royal Łazienki Park, for a free yoga class. The event included asanas, pranayama, and meditation, dedicated to world peace. The session began with everyone chanting the peace mantra “om asato ma sad gamaya…”. Practising yoga in the natural setting of the park fostered a profound sense of unity and connection among participants, enhancing the experience with the feeling that everyone and everything around them was in harmony.
Romania
In Nadlac, Yoga in Daily Life organised free yoga classes in four different locations, drawing around 100 participants. These sessions provided an opportunity for the local community to engage with yoga practices, fostering health, relaxation, and a deeper connection with oneself and others.
Serbia
From the very beginning of celebrating the International Day of Yoga on 21 June, nine years ago, the Yoga in Daily Life Association in Serbia has played an active role, and this year was marked with various programs.
On Sunday, 16 June, as per tradition, a free yoga class was held at Novi Park, in Novi Sad. In a peaceful atmosphere, under the shade of the trees, members of YIDL practised yoga together and enjoyed the community spirit.
On Friday, 21 June, at the Eđšeg Cultural Station in Novi Sad, an exhibition titled 'In the form of OM', opened and it lasted for nine days, displaying photos by YIDL Association members from Novi Sad, Serbia, who attended the Grand Opening of the OM Ashram in India in February 2024, recording the atmosphere, ceremonies and events. The photographs and video presentations, accompanied by meditative music, showed the magnificent architectural complex, made of local pink limestone, the culmination of over three decades of construction, rich in handmade ornaments and carvings, crafted in the traditional Vedic way, and also portrayed the other projects and activities of daily life that take place in the OM Ashram grounds. The exhibition was greeted with great interest by a large audience, impressed by both the OM Ashram and Indian culture.
Two supporting programs were also held within the exhibition setting:
Sunday 23 June – a lecture from writer, Nevena Simin titled, 'Life in OM Ashram'.
Saturday 29 June – a talk from Zdravko Lončarević, a long-time YIDL teacher, titled, 'The Purpose and Significance of OM Ashram'.
Spain
Barcelona
In Barcelona, the IDY celebration featured an open-door event and seminar with Swami Yamuna Puri at the Mahaprabhuji Ashram, attended by 40 participants. Additionally, a relaxing yoga class was held at the beach and a free yoga class at the local gym, drawing 60 participants.
Huesca
An open-door event with free yoga classes was also organised in Huesca.
Grand Canaria
IDY was celebrated by Yoga in Daily Life students in Grand Canaria with a free online yoga class.
Ukraine
In Ukraine, the International Day of Yoga was celebrated with a free yoga class in the city park. The event attracted yoga enthusiasts who gathered to practice asanas and pranayama in the beautiful nature.
United Kingdom
England
In London, IDY 2024 was celebrated on Saturday 22 June, with a special event in Queens Park. The gathering brought together both old and new students, along with several Yoga in Daily Life teachers, under the shelter of green trees. The natural canopy provided a perfect setting, offering protection from light drizzle and hot sunshine, allowing participants to fully enjoy the relaxing full-length yoga class. Being in fresh air and nature added an extra dimension to the yoga practice.
Scotland
Free online YIDL sessions were offered by YIDL Scotland over three days, including an evening Satsang with Swami Madhuram Puri, and an evening Yoga Nidra session and morning Yoga Class with Swami Ganga Mata.
On the occasion of IDY, it was announced to past and present YIDL Scotland students, that the Scottish headquarters − Mahaprabhu Deep Ashram − has recently moved from Edinburgh to the rural town of Galashiels in the Scottish Borders, an hour south of the capital. It is a residential ashram, where in-person workshops, special events and karma yoga volunteering opportunities will be taking place. The good news was also announced that some regular weekly in-person classes are finally resuming again in Edinburgh, after four years of only having classes online, since the start of the covid situation in 2020.
Click here for IDY2024 Reports parts 1 and 3.