Yoga gurus, fun-filled family events await UAE residents

Abu Dhabi - Thousands are expected to gather at Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi to celebrate the 5th International Day of Yoga.

When the sun settles down on June 20, thousands of people are expected to gather at Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi to celebrate the fifth International Day of Yoga.
The annual event held to raise awareness about the many benefits of practicing yoga will see gurus from nine schools in action from 7pm on Thursday. Apart from Abu Dhabi-based Indian performers, there will be diverse nationalities in Emirati, American, Venezuelan, Japanese, Lebanese and more who will do varieties like laughter yoga, face yoga, integration of yoga with dances and the like.
The International Day of Yoga is on June 21 but marked a day earlier for more families to get together in numbers and benefit from the amalgam of experts and gurus at one place, Indian Ambassador to the UAE Navdeep Singh Suri said during a media interaction held at Indian Embassy.
"Yoga is for the public good. This is India's contribution to humanity and the world. Keeping with the true spirit of yoga, we are determined to make it as inclusive as possible. Different yoga groups and schools will join us," the ambassador said.
Minister of Tolerance Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan will be the chief guest and join the proceedings from 8pm.
There will be 45-minute Common Yoga Protocol developed by accomplished gurus. There will be sets of yoga postures for children, young and aged, those on desk jobs to housewives, and more with information on physical benefits.
There will be free entry to the park, and yoga mats and T-shirts be provided to all participants on first come basis. There will be food stalls and other cultural events to keep the families engaged throughout the event.
The embassy, with support of corporate houses and community associations, is going the extra mile to promote the concept of yoga for peace and harmony. In the run-up, yoga enthusiasts performed at iconic locations like Emirates Palace, Etihad Towers, and Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum. These sessions were organised with the support of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi.
The embassy will take the campaign to the eastern region by marking the occasion at Jahili Public Park in Al Ain on June 28.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi