Celebrating 10th IDY with YIDL − June 2024: Part 1 Europe

Celebrating the tenth International Day of Yoga with Yoga in Daily Life − Part 1

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 2 and 3.

Europe 1

Austria

Vienna

At the Guruji Ashram in Vienna, many yoga enthusiasts gathered to celebrate IDY. The event saw participation from both long-time students of Vishwaguruji and younger generations. Swami Umapuri led a rejuvenating yoga program that included gentle relaxation, regenerating asanas, exercises focused on back and shoulder health, and longer pranayama, soothing breathing exercises that provided participants with deep relaxation.

Everyone enjoyed a delightful vegetarian/vegan dinner consisting of lentil soup, grilled vegetables, fried potatoes, rice, and a variety of fruits and cakes. The evening was marked by informal conversations in an atmosphere of friendship and harmony.

Villach

In Villach, the IDY celebrations included a comprehensive presentation on 21 June 2024. The event attracted 23 participants and consisted of a lecture and video presentation 'Insights into the System Yoga in Daily Life', yoga practice and vegetarian refreshments. The main program ended with healthy snacks and friendly conversations. A spiritual gathering with satsang and prayer concluded the day's events.

Klagenfurt

In Klagenfurt, IDY was marked by a detailed presentation of yoga according to the Yoga in Daily Life System, providing attendees with valuable insights into the practice and its benefits.

Eisenstadt, Burgenland

The celebration in Eisenstadt, Burgenland took place at the Peace Tree, a lime tree planted jointly by Vishwaguruji and Europahaus Burgenland in 2013, located in the Cosmopolitan Garden of Eisenstadt. The event highlighted the long-standing commitment to peace and harmony through the practice of yoga.

Graz

Yoga in Daily Life in Graz celebrated the International Day of Yoga in a friendly and spiritual atmosphere, practised yoga and experienced its many benefits.

Czechia

Střílky Mahaprabhudeep Ashram

In the serene and holy atmosphere of Střílky Ashram, the International Day of Yoga was celebrated in the presence of Vishwaguru Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Sri Swami Maheshwarananda Puri, author of the Yoga in Daily Life System, along with Swami Avatar Puri and many distinguished guests, sannyasis and disciples of Yoga in Daily Life. The event emphasized the spiritual and health aspects of yoga.

Brno

Two specialised workshops titled 'Health & Balance: Specialised Yoga Workshops' were held in Brno, in cooperation with the Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, the Embassy of India in Prague, and the Indian community in Czechia.

• Yoga in Daily Life for Preventing and Treating Back Pain: Led by Prof. Dr Martin Repko, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, and Head of the Orthopedic Clinic at the University Hospital Brno, this workshop focused on yoga exercises to prevent back pain and correct muscle imbalances and faulty movement patterns.
• Yoga in Daily Life for Achieving Hormonal Health & Balance: Conducted by Dr Alena Filková, a neurologist, gynaecologist, obstetrician, and specialist in reproductive medicine, this workshop included an expert lecture and practical yoga session focusing on the endocrine system and the effects of yoga postures on the female hormonal system.

These workshops were attended by over 300 participants both on-site and online. Special guests from the Embassy of India in Prague were also present. The event concluded with vegetarian refreshments, fostering a sense of community and well-being.

Prachatice

In Prachatice, the IDY celebration for families and children took place at the garden party of the primary school Národní. More than 150 children and their family members participated. Yoga in Daily Life Prachatice also joined the online broadcast of 'Health & Balance: Specialised Yoga Workshops', providing an enriching experience for all attendees.

Žďár nad Sázavou

The YIDL centre in Žďár nad Sázavou celebrated IDY with eight free yoga classes from June 10 to 12, with a total of 137 participants. The harmonious and friendly atmosphere was well-received, with positive feedback from participants.

Olomouc and Bilovec

In Olomouc, IDY was celebrated with lectures and yoga practice, followed by vegetarian refreshments. Similar celebrations took place in Bilovec, further spreading the message of health and wellness through yoga.

Prague

To celebrate the International Day of Yoga 2024, all Prague yoga centers and gyms hosted free courses open to all interested individuals from June 17 to 21. The initiative attracted both regular participants and new applicants, with an average of 14 regular attendees in each session. In total, 457 people participated in the yoga classes throughout the week.
Two significant events were organized in collaboration with the Indian Embassy. The first was an open yoga course against back pain conducted in English at the Indian Embassy on Tuesday, June 18, which saw the participation of 10 individuals along with 6 representatives from the embassy.

The second event took place on Thursday, June 20, in the garden of the Indian Ambassador's residence, where 84 people, including 25 embassy representatives and the current High Representative of India, engaged in a yoga practice session. The session was led by three trainers from Yoga in Daily Life: Jana Puri, Helena Růžičková, and Vítězslav Král. A speech was delivered by MUDr. Martin Repko, and the Mantra Ananda Band, consisting of Ivana and Petr Růžičkovi and Jitka Blahůšková Fajfrová, provided music.

Slovakia

Martin

Yoga in Daily Life Martin celebrated IDY 2024 with a rich and diverse program at their yoga centre. The celebration included a lecture titled 'Yoga − India's Spiritual Legacy', which featured a presentation of photos from the OM Ashram. The event also offered a variety of yoga activities tailored to different audiences, including Yoga for Kids, 'Meet Yoga' practice sessions, and 'Yoga for Health' exercises. Participants were treated to vegan snacks, promoting a healthy and compassionate lifestyle.

Banská Bystrica

The YIDL Society in Banská Bystrica organised two yoga practice sessions, a lecture on pranayama, and a short video presentation titled '50 Years of Yoga in Daily Life in Czechoslovakia'. Vegetarian refreshments were served, creating an inclusive and friendly atmosphere.

Kremnica

In Kremnica, the YIDL Society celebrated IDY with yoga sessions for kindergarten children and seniors in the Pensioners Club. Twenty-two children and seventeen seniors participated, highlighting the adaptability of yoga for all age groups.

Prievidza

IDY was marked in Prievidza with free yoga classes.

Poprad

IDY was celebrated in Poprad with prayer at Peace Tree, satsang and vegetarian refreshments.

Click here for IDY2024 Reports parts 2 and 3.