The prestigious Museumplein neighbourhood of Amsterdam is set to host the biggest International Yoga Day celebrations ever seen in the Netherlands on June 17, which will see the participation of a large number of Dutch and Indian dignitaries.
The celebrations, being organised at the initiative of the Embassy of India will be a whole day wellness festival with mass yoga demonstrations, meditation sessions, music, dance, and vegetarian as well as vegan food.
The celebrations will be opened by the Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, the Mayor of Amsterdam Jozias van Aartsen, spiritual guru His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the Ambassador of India to the Netherlands, Venu Rajamony.
Following the inauguration, there will be a group session of traditional Indian yoga, followed by a talk and meditation session led by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Yoga demonstrations will then be interspersed with cultural programs of Indian dance and music for the rest of the day.
Well-known Dutch yoga teacher, Johan Noorloos of The New Yoga School, Amsterdam will conduct a workshop followed by Patty Jogenmaets of Dolfijn Wellness Amsterdam who will lead a special family yoga session for parents and children.
Food trucks providing vegetarian and vegan food and non-alcoholic beverages will cater to the visitors throughout the day.
The grand finale in the evening will be a music concert called "The Soul Shanti Concert" featuring violin maestro Dr. L. Subramaniam and Bollywood playback singer Kavita Krishnamurthy.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution on December 11, 2014, at the initiative of India, declaring June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.
The resolution calls upon governments and people all over the world to observe the day in an appropriate manner and to raise awareness of the benefits of practising yoga.
It notes the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices.
The resolution also points out that global health is a long-term development objective, yoga provides a holistic approach to health and well-being and wider dissemination of information on the benefits of yoga would be beneficial for both physical and mental health of the world population.
It has been customary to hold the celebrations in the Netherlands on Sunday (June 17) before June 21.
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