Yoga is a 5,000-year-old physical, mental and spiritual practice having its origin in India, which aims to transform both body and mind. On December 11 in 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21st as the International Day of Yoga (IDY). India deeply appreciates Lebanon’s support, as a co-sponsor, to its Resolution at the UNGA, which was adopted unanimously with a record 177 co-sponsors.
For the first IDY in 2015, Government of India brought out a logo with theme – ‘Yoga for Harmony & Peace’, and Yoga Day was celebrated all over the world. Embassy of India, Beirut has been proactively celebrating International Day of Yoga for the last 3 years in collaboration with several local organizations. The first public celebration of 3rd IDY was organized by the Embassy in partnership with several Yoga experts / exponents at the iconic and popular location at Zaitunay Bay in Beirut on 18 June. Lebanese Prime Minister HE Saad Hariri’s Advisor for Women’s Affairs, Madame Abir Chbaro was the Chief Guest at this event. On 24 June, Embassy of India, Beirut organized, in cooperation with the Municipality of Jbail-Byblos and a number of Yoga experts / exponents, the second public celebration of the 3rd IDY on the beach of Byblos Sur Mer Hotel in the historic and picturesque city of Byblos. There was large and enthusiastic participation in the event which was addressed by Ambassador Sanjeev Arora and Mr. Ziad Hawat, former President of Jbail-Byblos Municipality. The Embassy also fully supported the celebration of 3rd IDY by the Indian Battalion (INDBATT) in UNIFIL at INDBATT Hqs on 21 June, in which a large number of INDBATT officials and local dignitaries and other attendees participated.
Embassy of India continues to promote yoga as a holistic way of life in a sustained manner. Embassy of India is glad to partner in Beirut Yoga Festival and will be putting up a stall. As a friendly gesture, the Embassy has gifted yoga kits with yoga mats, T-shirts etc along with other items to the organizers of Beirut Yoga Festival.