Latest news with #InternationalDayOfYoga


Free Malaysia Today
25-06-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Over 5,300 join largest yoga gathering in Malaysia
Some 5,368 participants gathered at MAEPS Serdang for the country's largest yoga gathering on June 21. (Theevya Ragu @ FMT Lifestyle) SERDANG : In 2014, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi proposed to the United Nations an annual International Day of Yoga. The selected date, June 21, marks the summer solstice and symbolises light, energy and renewal. The first official celebration took place in New Delhi in 2015, where two Guinness World Records were set: one for the largest yoga class with 35,985 people, and another for the highest number of participating nationalities, at 84. Now, Malaysia has added its own milestone to the global movement. On Saturday (June 21), some 5,368 participants came together at MAEPS Serdang for the largest yoga gathering in the country's history. The event, organised by the Sakthi School of Yoga, was officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records. SK Durai, founder of the Sakthi School of Yoga, leading an 18-minute yoga practice. (Sakthi School of Yoga pic) Participants began arriving as early as 7am, all dressed in white with yoga mats slung over their shoulders. The crowd was a vibrant mix of men, women, young and old, including several first-timers. On stage, experienced practitioners, seniors, children, and even pregnant women demonstrated impressive poses. Sakthi School founder SK Durai then led the large-scale session with an 18-minute practice for inner well-being called Sakthi Kriya. The sequence included five asanas or poses – such as the cobra pose, cat stretch, and spinal twists – followed by three kriyas, aimed at purifying the mind, body and energy system. Watching thousands in the hall move in perfect unison was a spectacular sight. The session concluded with a collective breathing technique, as the entire hall echoed with the sound of 'Aum'. Many practitioners, including children, took to the stage to showcase their poses. (Sakthi School of Yoga pic) Another highlight was a 'Ramayana' performance by students of the school, who brought the Hindu epic to life through a series of expressive yoga poses. 'The goal of yoga is the realisation of one's own potential, of which if every human being becomes aware, the world will see more peace, love and joy,' Durai told FMT Lifestyle. 'This was the major inspiration for organising an event on such a scale.' He also noted that efforts were made to ensure inclusivity, without intruding on anyone's personal beliefs, religion or cultural identity. Indeed, many Chinese and Malay individuals were seen taking part in the gathering. 'We are truly honoured and blessed,' Durai added. The event was officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the largest yoga gathering in the country. (Sakthi School of Yoga pic) To date, over 650 teachers have completed their training at the Sakthi School of Yoga, which was founded in 2016 and has branches in Malaysia and India. Its charitable arm, Sakthi Foundation, continues to serve the local community through free tuition for B40 students, food distribution to the homeless, and yoga programmes in children's homes. 'There is no practice more important than yoga, and there is nothing more important in yoga than practice,' Durai said. 'There is no age to do yoga, and no ageing if you do yoga. 'My advice would be to embark on this journey no matter your circumstances or physical condition, as it will surely transform your life.' For more information, visit the Sakthi School of Yoga website, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.


India Today
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
International Yoga Day 2025: Shilpa Shetty to Hina Khan, celebs share inspiring posts
June 21 marks International Yoga Day, and to honour the occasion, several actors shared glimpses of their yoga practice across their social media platforms. While some embraced grounding, beginner-friendly poses, others showcased their expertise with advanced asanas - highlighting their dedication to wellness and mindful Shetty, a long-time advocate of yoga, posted a video of her routine, emphasising the importance of mindfulness. In her caption, she wrote,"When we have just ONE of something, we MUST value it. This year's theme is Yoga for one earth, one health. Balance is the key to maintaining the equilibrium between mind, body and soul. Health - let's value it, earn it and preserve it not just for ourselves but for the benefit of our entire ecosystem."advertisementHere's the post: Photo: Instagram/Shilpa Shetty Riddhima Kapoor Sahni joined in the celebration, extending wishes on the occasion. Her caption read, 'Film shoot wrapped, mind unwrapped.'Here's the post: Photo: Instagram/Riddhima Kapoor Sahni Kareena Kapoor wished her fans on International Yoga Day her post here: advertisement Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani also marked the day by performing yoga alongside others in a group session. Several videos from the event was shared on a paparazzo account. Similarly, Malaika Arora was clicked promoting International Yoga Day in Mumbai on it here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pallav Paliwal (@pallav_paliwal) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pallav Paliwal (@pallav_paliwal)Hina Khan, who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer, shared serene images of herself practising yoga. Her caption read, 'Yoga with a perfect view. Yog, breath work, meditation is everything. Be good to yourself.'Check out her post here: Photo: Instagram/Hina Khan Anupam Kher, who is in New York promoting his upcoming film Tanvi The Great, participated in a yoga session at Times Square. He was seen embracing the spirit of the day with others around the post: Photo: Instagram/Anupam Kher Rajkummar Rao shared pictures of himself on Instagram, writing, "Gratitude. Discipline. Stillness. Yoga gives me all three. This #IDY2025, let's flow together as one. @ministryofayush Thank you @ Mumbai for inviting me for the event. #InternationalDayOfYoga (sic)."Here's his post: Photo: Instagram/Rajkummar Rao Nimrat Kaur shared a warm message, writing, 'Happy #InternationalYogaDay everyone let's stretch deeper into stillness, strength and self-awareness.'Here's her post: Photo: X/Nimrat Kaur How are you celebrating International Yoga Day today?Must Watch


Washington Post
21-06-2025
- General
- Washington Post
Indians stretch, breathe and balance to mark International Day of Yoga
NEW DELHI — Tens of thousands of people across India stretched in public parks and on sandy beaches Saturday to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga. The mass yoga sessions were held in many Indian states, where crowds attempted various poses and practiced breathing exercises. Indian military personnel also performed yoga in the icy heights of Siachen Glacier in the Himalayas and on naval ships anchored in the Bay of Bengal.


Deccan Herald
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
EAM Jaishankar joins envoys & other members of diplomatic corps as they mark International Day of Yoga
Pleased to join the Diplomatic Corps at the Nehru Park in Delhi this morning to celebrate #InternationalDayOfYoga. Like PM @narendramodi said today, the session was a true reflection of Yoga for everyone, beyond boundaries, backgrounds, age or ability. #IDY2025

Associated Press
21-06-2025
- General
- Associated Press
AP PHOTOS: Highlights of International Day of Yoga
Tens of thousands of people across India stretched in public parks and on sandy beaches Saturday to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.