Mall-goers recently had the opportunity to experience yoga’s relaxing and rejuvenating benefits during the recent International Yoga Day celebration at the SM Mall of Asia’s Music Hall.
A joint partnership between the Indian Embassy in the Philippines and SM, the celebration of the International Day of Yoga at the SM Mall of Asia brings the traditional practice closer to the shoppers. In December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly approved the proposal of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare June 21 as “International Day of Yoga”.
In line with the celebrations, a special address was also given by the Department of Foreign Affairs Director for Office of United Nations and International Organizations Donna Gatmaytan and United Nations World Food Programme Country Director Praveen Agarwal, who highlighted the importance of yoga for the health.
Likewise, professional yoga instructors from different fitness studios in Metro Manila conducted yoga sessions for free. These included Hatha Yoga by Speedo Philippines, and breathing and meditation by the Art of Living Foundation. Fitness studios Urban Ashram, Aquanimous Yoga, Fitness First, Yoga Plus, and Beyond Yoga also participated.
Among those that joined in this wonderful wellness event were Ambassadors Capaya Rodriguez Gonzales of Venezuela, Aruni Ranaraja of Sri Lanka; and Iran Embassy’s Deputy Head of Mission Masoud Mortazavi and his wife.
Yoga continues to gain fame worldwide as a popular form of exercise. Viewed by many as a lifestyle and philosophy, this 5,000-year-old physical, mental, and spiritual practice originated in India and it aims to transform both body and mind.
International Day of Yoga was organized by the Embassy of India, Manila in association with Tech Mahindra and Wipro, and in partnership with SM. The focus of the event was to provide a rich and fun-filled educational and cultural experience through introductory demonstrations and classes of both traditional and contemporary practices of yoga. Suitable for all ages and lifestyles, the celebration’s agenda displays the wide scope of applications of yoga.
The International Day of Yoga celebration is one of the many enriching cultural events at the SM Mall of Asia.