Pacific Nations Celebrate International Day of Yoga with Enthusiasm

Celebrations Across the Pacific

Wellington, June 21: On Saturday, various Pacific nations, including New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga, commemorated the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) with a significant turnout of participants.

In New Zealand, over 150 yoga practitioners from local, Indian, and international communities gathered to celebrate this special day.

The event, filled with energy, took place at the High Commission of India in New Zealand, organized in partnership with Heartfulness, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, and Art of Living.

Former New Zealand Governor Anand Satyanand graced the occasion as the chief guest.

The Indian High Commission in New Zealand shared vibrant moments from the celebration on social media, showcasing the enthusiasm at the iconic Beehive, the New Zealand Parliament.

Meanwhile, the Indian High Commission in Papua New Guinea, in collaboration with the Active City Development Programme (ACDP), hosted a Yoga Day event at Ela Beach in Port Moresby, attracting over 250 participants from diverse communities.

Papua New Guinea's Governor Powes Parkop attended as the Chief Guest, sharing his personal journey of transformation through yoga.

Mukesh Kumar Ambasta, Charge d'Affaires of the Indian High Commission in Papua New Guinea, emphasized the importance of this year's IDY theme, 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health', highlighting the link between individual wellness and the health of our planet.

In Tonga, around 60 yoga enthusiasts participated in the Yoga Day celebration at the Tanoa International Dateline Hotel in Nuku'alofa, organized by the Indian High Commission and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre of Fiji, in collaboration with the Tongan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Tongan Health Minister Ana Akaola was also present at the event.

In Fiji, the Indian High Commission and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre hosted the Yoga Day celebration at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.

The Indian High Commission in Suva expressed gratitude to Biman Prasad, Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, for attending as the Chief Guest. They thanked all yoga enthusiasts, including diplomats, the diaspora, and media representatives, for making the event memorable.

Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad shared on social media, stating, "As we celebrate International Day of Yoga, let us recognize yoga's ability to heal, unite, and inspire. The theme 'One Earth, One Health' reminds us to nurture ourselves and our planet. Just a few minutes of yoga daily can change lives."