Embassy of India

Reykjavik, Iceland

10th International Day of Yoga

21st June 2024

      The 10th “International Day of Yoga” (IDY) was celebrated by the Embassy of India, Reykjavik on 19^th and 21^st June 2024 at Tjarnarsalur Radhuss Reykjavikur (Reykjavik City Hall) and Botanical Gardens respectively. The Yoga day celebration was conducted by India based yoga teacher from ICCR in partnership with Reykjavik City Hall and local Yoga Studios. The yoga teacher had prepared a yoga demonstration of yoga asanas . The performance displayed his yoga skills and agility which was liked and appreciated by all. There was a marked increase in the number of participants for the events this year. The participants included Indian community members, Icelandic nationals, Ambassadors of other missions, Yoga and meditation teachers from yoga studios in Iceland , visitors and tourists who were present at the venue during the event.

2. The event began with a brief introduction about Yoga from the yoga teacher. Cd’A Anisha Tomar addressed the gathering and spoke about Yoga for self and society . The event started with the Common Yoga Protocol led by the yoga teacher and followed by all. The yoga session was concluded with a meditation and reciting of the Shanti Mantras. An exhibition of books on Yoga and Ayurveda was organised in city hall alongside the IDY event. After the event healthy snacks and juice were provided for the guests and participants. The local Icelandic Newspaper Morgunblaðið and Heimildin both carried an article on “Yoga for Self and Society” written by Cd’A. With the slogan of “Bringing Yoga closer to the Arctics”, CYP sessions were organised in iconic places in Iceland such as Djupavik in the West Fjords and Akureyri, “Northern Capital of Iceland”.

3. A total of 1000 people participated in all the events conducted throughout June. This is a large turnout considering the small Icelandic society. The events raised interest amongst the local population towards the practice of Yoga, meditation and holistic living. Other than the two main events the mission organized various other Common Yoga Protocol events (CYP) as a precursor to IDY at the following locations:

(Please find pictures attached below)