Jerusalem Hosts Early Yoga Sessions Ahead of International Day of Yoga
Jerusalem hosted a significant yoga session at Mamilla Mall ahead of the International Day of Yoga, emphasizing the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing.' The event, organized by Indian and Israeli partners, highlights the practice's widespread popularity across Israel.
Highlights
- •Jerusalem hosted large-scale yoga sessions at Mamilla Mall to promote the upcoming International Day of Yoga.
- •The event featured yoga under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' and included live Bansuri music.
- •The Indian Ambassador to Israel highlighted how yoga acts as a 'Psychological Iron Dome' for mental health.
- •Israel has a robust yoga community with over 1,100 registered teachers and various popular styles like Ashtanga.
Ahead of the upcoming International Day of Yoga, enthusiasm is building in Jerusalem as residents participate in early awareness and practice sessions. A significant collaborative event was recently held at the well-known Mamilla Mall, which overlooks the historic Old City, drawing hundreds of eager participants to engage in a shared wellness experience.
The event was expertly led by instructor Yael Yitzhak-Idan, featuring an immersive atmosphere enhanced by live Bansuri music performed by Ofra Avni. This initiative was part of a larger, coordinated effort involving the Jerusalem Municipality, the Embassy of India in Israel, and the Yoga Teachers Association of Israel to promote the benefits of this ancient practice.
Promoting Health and Well-being Through Yoga
The theme for this year's observation is "Yoga for Healthy Ageing." India's Ambassador to Israel, J P Singh, emphasized the relevance of this theme, noting the essential role yoga plays in facilitating a graceful and healthy aging process. Ambassador Singh also highlighted findings from the Hillel Yaffe Medical Centre, which described regular yoga practice among healthcare professionals as a "Psychological Iron Dome" for its ability to bolster mental resilience during stressful periods.
The popularity of International Day of Yoga activities across Israel has been remarkable. Over the past several weeks, the Indian mission has worked closely with various local municipalities to host public sessions in cities such as Tel Aviv, Dimona, Petah Tikva, and Herzliya. These gatherings have extended into educational institutions, reaching schools and universities with great success.
Yoga Culture and Growing Participation
The reach of these wellness activities continues to expand, with additional sessions planned for Ashdod, Beersheba, and Caesarea. These events will lead up to the primary celebration scheduled for June 21 at the Tel Aviv-Yafo port, which is expected to feature a musical evening and the performance of 108 sun salutations.
The deep-rooted connection to yoga within the local population is evident, as the practice is now integrated into various school curriculums and kindergartens. With over 1,100 registered instructors nationwide and numerous centers dedicated to various disciplines like Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Vijnana, and Iyengar Yoga, the discipline has firmly established itself in the local lifestyle. The session concluded with cultural elements, including a classical Indian dance performance and an informative Ayurvedic tea workshop, further bridging the cultural connection between the two nations.
