Yoga Day to become 'Yoga From Home' in US as faithful remain resolute despite Covid

Yoga enthusiasts in America are planning to celebrate sixth International Yoga Day this year at ir homes as deadly coronavirus has disrupted life. "This year, we are celebrating 6th edition of International Day of Yoga with me 'Yoga from Home'," India's Ambassador to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu told PTI ahead of event on June 21.

For health enthusiasts in US, popular yoga guru Baba Ramdev is scheduled to conduct a virtual session on common yoga protocol with postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation during an online event organized by Indian Consulate in Houston in collaboration with various community organizations. main virtual event, however, would be streamed live from Indian House -- residence of India's Ambassador to US -- in Washington DC.

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In last five years, thousands of yoga enthusiasts from in and around Washington DC had celebrated International Yoga Day eir at historic National Monument or on lawns of US Capitol facing majestic national mall. But due to coronavirus pandemic, that has resulted in restrictions on large public garings in Washington DC and social distancing measures recommended by US Center for Disease Control and Prevention to slow spread of infection, this year Indian Embassy has decided to take celebrations to every home through digital platform.

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"As Prime Minister Modi has emphasized yoga is a means to both fitness and wellness. COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our daily lives. In this context, yoga has become even more relevant for healthy living. I hope more people will be inspired and adopt yoga in ir lives," Sandhu said. Yoga is popular in United States with more than 36 million practitioners, Sandhu said, quoting a study.

Ahead of International Yoga Day, teacher of Indian culture at Embassy Moksha Raj has been coordinating with various cultural and community organizations as well as health and educational institutions by conducting virtual curtain-raiser programmes. Indian Embassy has also started a "My Life My Yoga" video blogging competition.

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