Melbourne residents are being invited to take part in a free community celebration of the United Nations International Day of Yoga this Sunday, with organisers highlighting the role yoga can play in supporting healthy ageing and overall wellbeing.
Hosted by the Consulate General of India in Melbourne, the event will be held at Carousel in Albert Park on 21 June as part of the global observance of International Day of Yoga, which is now marked in more than 180 countries.
This year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, reflects growing international interest in ways to support physical and mental wellbeing as populations age. Organisers say the event is designed to be accessible to people of all ages and experience levels.
The celebration is being supported by the Australia India Society of Victoria (AISV), one of Victoria’s longest-running community organisations. International Day of Yoga was established by the United Nations in 2014 following a proposal from India that received backing from 177 member states. Annual events have since been held across the world, promoting yoga as a practice linked to health, mindfulness and community connection.
AISV President Anou Khanijou McPherson said yoga continues to appeal to people from diverse backgrounds because of its broad approach to wellbeing.
“Yoga offers a holistic approach to wellbeing that supports physical health, mental clarity and emotional resilience. This year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, reminds us that healthy ageing is not simply about living longer, but about maintaining balance, vitality and quality of life throughout every stage of life,” she said.
Ms Khanijou McPherson said the annual observance had become a global celebration of a practice that resonates across cultures and generations.
“International Day of Yoga celebrates a practice that has transcended borders, cultures and generations. This year’s theme reminds us that wellbeing is a lifelong journey, and that yoga offers a universal pathway to greater health, harmony and connection for people of all ages.”
Yoga has been the subject of extensive research in recent years, with health experts pointing to potential benefits including improved flexibility, balance, strength and stress management. Medical professionals generally regard yoga as a useful complement to healthy lifestyle habits, while noting that outcomes can vary depending on an individual’s health circumstances and level of activity.
The first International Day of Yoga was held on 21 June 2015 in New Delhi, drawing almost 36,000 participants from 84 nationalities and setting Guinness World Records, including for the largest yoga class at the time.
The Melbourne event will run from 8.15am to 9.45am at Carousel, Albert Park. Attendance is free, although registration is required due to limited capacity.
The event is supported by the Australia India Society of Victoria, Eagle Peak Conveyancing, Ayurveda Yoga Wellness Clinic, Foot Solutions and Dropout Chaiwala.
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