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Health Lite Blogs

Breathing for Balance

By allowing individuals to focus on their breathing, Pranayama helps in alleviating stress and anxiety. With this, one can nurture a sense of inner calmness and develop resilience to deal with life’s challenges…writes Raman Mittal

The day-to-day demands of the contemporary world can take a toll on our mental health, causing stress, anxiety, and depression. When left unaddressed, these conditions can lead to a severe impact on our general well-being.

While experts suggest a host of measures to mitigate mental health challenges, Pranayama, or Yogic Breathing, has carved a distinctive reputation for its significant positive effects on mental health. The ancient practice of Pranayama allows individuals to connect more deeply with their breath and witness an elevated sense of inner peace and relaxation.

Let us further delve deeper into the unprecedented advantages of integrating Pranayama into our daily lives.

Understanding Pranayama

Pranayama encompasses a range of approaches to help individuals control their breath and enhance their overall well-being. The practice is often paired with meditation and different yoga postures. Its fundamental principle is that the breath acts as a bridge between the mind and body, harmonising the two. By controlling their breath, individuals can accomplish a more profound sense of calm and balance in their lives.

Mental health benefits of Pranayama

Numerous scientific researches across the globe have validated the significant effect of Pranayama on mental health, including-:

Lowered stress

By allowing individuals to focus on their breathing, Pranayama helps in alleviating stress and anxiety. With this, one can nurture a sense of inner calmness and develop resilience to deal with life’s challenges.

Elevated mood

Pranayama is also highly recognised for its ability to uplift mood and mitigate the symptoms of depression. It fosters an optimistic environment, replacing negative beliefs and emotions with positivity and happiness, improving overall mental well-being.

Improved focus

Pranayama can be a vital tool for improving concentration and focus in today’s world of endless distractions. By training the mind to focus on the present moment, allows practitioners to perform their daily tasks with improved efficiency and precision. Thus, by making it a regular part of their routine, individuals can achieve higher productivity in all areas of their lives.

Enhanced self-awareness

Regularly practising Pranayama can also help in developing an increased sense of self-awareness. This heightened self-awareness enables us to comprehend our thoughts and emotions better, leading to personal growth and self-improvement.

A few techniques of Pranayama that can be easily incorporated into our daily routine:

Bhramari: The Bhramari Pranayama method involves producing a humming sound while inhaling and exhaling through the nose. This popular technique is known to relieve stress and promote a feeling of calmness.

Nadi Shodhana: This technique involves breathing rhythmically via alternating nostrils, allowing individuals to accomplish inner balance and lower stress levels. Additionally, the alternating flow of air via the left and right nostrils promotes the alignment of vital energies, cultivating a sense of tranquillity.

Kapalbhati: Practising Kapalbhati involves rapid and strong inhales and exhales via the nose. This exercise can boost focus and concentration, making it an ideal tool for individuals aiming to bolster mental clarity and productivity.

Embracing Pranayama as a beginner

To begin practising Pranayama, finding a quiet and comfortable place to sit or lie down is crucial. Once you have located your spot, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to help relax and calm your mind. Then, choose a Pranayama exercise that resonates with you and start practising. It is essential to listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too much.

ALSO READ-Any connection between breathing and diet?

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Health Lite Blogs

Enhance Your Well-being with Good Posture

Proper posture facilitates breathing and food digestion, reduces the risk of neck, shoulder, and back pain, and preserves balance and flexibility…writes Dr. Rebecca Pinto

“What will happen when you reach an older age?” This is what we often get to hear in traditional homes just because the youth is spending more time on gadgets- be it slouching on a sofa and chilling with Netflix or sitting in the office for late hours. Our elders often say this, “As long as your spinal cord remains straight, things are set in your life.

This shows how important it is to have good posture!!!

It is essential to be aware of your posture and to make certain you are not hunching over or excessively leaning forward. Maintaining balance and alignment in your skeleton and muscles while consciously releasing tension is what is meant by good posture.

Let us understand how one can maintain a Good Posture!!

Why is proper posture so important?

Maintaining Posture while doing different activities is essential for your spinal cord.

Advantages of having a good posture!!!

Proper posture facilitates breathing and food digestion, reduces the risk of neck, shoulder, and back pain, and preserves balance and flexibility.

Conversely, poor posture can limit a person’s range of movement, which eventually makes it challenging to exercise and go about daily tasks. It is crucial for efficiency as well because poor posture might result in movement patterns that demand more energy from your body.

The following advice will help you with your posture:

Maintain a straight posture: It can be done by keeping your feet flat on the ground and your shoulders back and down. Please do not cross your ankles or legs.

Take breaks: Every thirty minutes, get up and stretch if you spend a lot of time sitting down.

Organize your workspace: Ensure that your chair and computer screen are at the appropriate heights.

Exercise: Getting regular exercise will help your muscles get stronger, and your posture get better.

How do exercises help in improving your Posture?

Some simple exercises help you in the long term. In busy times, if one adopts such a routine of some stretches and exercises – It can help them to improve their posture.

Planks:

Start by lying down on your stomach. After that, adjust your body so that your weight is supported by your forearms and toes.

Lower the body and release the pose after holding this posture for a few breaths. Ensure you take breaths to avail the maximum benefit of this pose.

Remember to pay attention and maintain the tightness in your abdominal and core muscles.

A Bridge Pose:

With your feet flat on the ground and your knees bent, lie flat on your back.

After that your hands will be facing downward, and then place your arms by your sides.

Breathe out, raise your hips off the floor, and plant your feet and arms firmly in the earth.

Ensure your feet and thighs are in line with one another.

After five to ten breaths, hold the position, then release it, and drop your hips back to the floor.

Throughout the pose, take enough breaths deeply and relax your shoulders

Back Extension:

With your arms bent and your legs straight, lie in a position where your stomach faces downwards.

Keep your hands on either side of your face, your neck should be straight.

Use your arms to gently raise your upper body while arching your back,

Also, keep your forearms flat on the floor and your head and neck straight.

After a short period of holding this posture, slowly return the body to its original position.

Some Bonus Tips for you to maintain a good posture!!!

Sit and stand more comfortably by wearing braces or shirts that gently draw the shoulders back.

Physical activity might assist in developing the muscles required to uphold proper posture.

Adjust computer screens and keyboards so that they support good posture. Work tables and desk chairs should also be at the proper height.

Excess weight can strain the muscles and cause the body to become misaligned.

Make sure you have enough support for your back, thighs, and buttocks when you sit down. If needed, place a small pillow behind the back and make sure the thighs and hips are parallel to the floor.

Reminder – Are you sitting straight – If not!!!

Sit Straight!!!

Also, keep in mind that having good posture involves feeling well as well as looking nice. Thus, sit up straight and radiate health and confidence!

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Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Unlocking Wellness: Yogic Techniques for a Calm Morning

A meditative start to the day sets the tone for a serene mindset that can mitigate stress. Maintaining silence, even if only for a few moments, allows the mind to attune itself to the present moment…reports Asian Lite News

The early hours of the day are a special time and the practice of mindful morning habits during this time can do wonders to keep your body and mind free of stress and enhance your wellness. While exercise, meditation, and proper nourishment are well-acknowledged in stress management, there are some wonderful yogic techniques also.

Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, the director of The Yoga Institute shared with IANSlife some morning activities you could bring into your personal routine to nurture your well-being and to set a positive trajectory for the day ahead.

Early Rising 

In India, the auspicious time approximately an hour and a half before sunrise is known as the Brahma Muhurta or the Creator’s Time. It is observed that at this time, our potential to be creative is at its peak. If you want to acquire new knowledge, to sharpen your skills, or even to enhance your health, you must do so in this creative time. In this magical time when the day begins, the universe is like a womb filled with cosmic energy. This energy can be easily absorbed if you are awake at this time. Early rising allows you to start your day with a sense of calmness, setting the stage for a stress-free morning.

Solitude

A tranquil morning provides the space for the cultivation of solitude, a realm where introspection and self-discovery converge. Communing with oneself through practices meditation or reading scriptures nurtures emotional resilience and self-awareness. The sanctuary of solitude nurtures the spirit, fortifying it against the cacophony of the external world’s stresses. A meditative start to the day sets the tone for a serene mindset that can mitigate stress. Maintaining silence, even if only for a few moments, allows the mind to attune itself to the present moment.

Chanting 

Chanting mantras or sacred sounds is a powerful yogic technique that resonates with the body’s energy centers, or chakras. By uttering specific sounds, you can release tension and promote a sense of harmony. The ‘Om’ mantra, for instance, is known for its vibrational qualities that calm the mind and reduce stress. Chanting this mantra during your morning routine can create a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

Jal Neti

Jal neti is cleansing of the nasal passages with water. It stimulates the nerve endings and cools down your brain. Jal neti should be followed by Kapalabhati. Do 30 rounds of kapalabhati to open your energy channels. This practice not only helps clear the sinuses and improve respiratory health but also has a soothing effect on the nervous system, alleviating stress and promoting mental clarity.

Movement

Physical activity, when woven into the fabric of the morning routine, is excellent for stress reduction. Engaging in a session of yoga, a brisk walk, swimming or a team game releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood enhancers. Any exercise in the morning is known to enhance cognitive function and regulate cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone. This brings a balance to your body’s intricate chemistry and fills uplifts your spirits in a state of euphoric well-being.

Journaling

Maintaining a gratitude journal is a powerful morning habit. Take a few minutes each morning to jot down three things you are grateful for. This practice shifts your focus away from stressors and cultivates a positive mindset, setting a harmonious tone for the rest of the day.Cultivating gratitude transmutes stress into serenity. As the morning light bathes the world in its gentle glow, taking a moment to acknowledge the blessings that envelop your life sets a positive perspective. Maintaining a gratitude journal or engaging in daily affirmations kindles a sense of contentment.

Digital Detox

In an age of perpetual connectivity, the quiet morning hours serve as a perfect time to detach from the digital realm. This digital detox window allows for genuine engagement with the self and the physical environment. By keeping away from the inflow of emails, messages, and notifications, you can give your mind the luxury of uninterrupted reprieve. This will help you to reclaimyour mental space and avert the stress that arises from incessant digital interactions.

Mindful Planning

Having a structured plan for the day can forestall stress-induced chaos. Keep a journal to outline tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and establish realistic goals to get a sense of control and organization. With this habit, you can handle responsibilities with poise, while reducing the potential for undue stress.

These practices offer profound benefits that extend beyond mere stress reduction. If you accept these practices with an open heart and a willingness to explore, you can definitely achieve a more peaceful, centered, and stress-free life. Along with these mindful morning habits, you must also have a nourishing breakfast and then start your work. Remember, avoid wasting time, day dreaming, eating, or doing stressful activities in these early hours. Such things will only drain your energies. 

As the morning sun ascends, beckoning the realms of possibility, let the wisdom of yogic precepts and mindful practices lead you to a balanced existence.

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Health Lite Blogs

Asanas to try for posture correction

Certain yoga postures can help stretch, strengthen, and balance your muscles…reports Asian Lite News

We are all guilty of neglecting our posture when concentrating on our cellphones or working long hours. Poor posture and slouching pose major health risks. And by addressing your posture concerns, they can be prevented. Poor posture can be caused by a variety of things. However, the majority of the time, our propensity to stoop and slouch results from muscular weakness or stress brought on by the body remaining in the same posture repeatedly. Certain yoga postures can help stretch, strengthen, and balance your muscles, while there are undoubtedly improvements you can make to your everyday routine, such as taking regular breaks from sitting and setting up your work chair for ideal body alignment.Here we look at a few yoga asanas for posture correction.

Balasana (Child’s pose)

The first posture we’ll take is the child’s pose, which will curve our shoulders forward and put us in a position so that when we truly open up, our bodies will be more eager to do so. Sit back on your heels in the child’s posture, bringing your arms alongside your body and allowing your head and shoulders to fall to the floor.

Dhanurasana (The Bow)

The entire body is raised simultaneously by this asana. You bring your legs and trunk up together to form a curve, much like an archer string a bow. This preserves the suppleness of the spine and tones your back muscles, enhancing your vitality and posture. The digestive system is kept healthy and abdominal fat is decreased by balancing the weight of your body on your abdomen.

Navasana (Boat Pose)

The boat pose improves your hip flexors. This pose tones all the organs stimulate the neurological, hormonal, digestive, circulatory, and muscular systems, and dispels lethargy. Deep relaxation and the removal of nervous tension are the two main benefits.

Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)

This simple backbend will aid your back and abdominal muscles to get stronger. Additionally, it is beneficial for stimulating the thyroid gland. By doing this yoga, you can control your energy levels and metabolism. It expands the chest and supports back strength.

Virabhadrasana B (Warrior Pose)

Leg muscles get stronger and more sculpted with this yoga. The leg and back muscles become more elastic, the abdominal organs are toned, and it also eases tightness in the calf and thigh muscles. Along with strengthening the core, it also aids in pelvic alignment.

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Health Lite Blogs Travel

Exquisite retreats to study and engage in yoga

Soneva Soul is a new, transformative wellness concept that blends thousands of years of ancient healing wisdom with the latest science and innovation…reports Asian Lite News

Yoga is much more than just body bending and twisting, it has the potential to help you discover your true self.

India, the country where this beautiful practise originated, is brimming with exquisite yoga retreats where you can study and engage in yoga. Some of the most exclusive ones include:

Amanbagh, Rajasthan, India

Yoga and Mindfulness Retreat

With its ancient forts and tiger-inhabited wilds, Rajasthan is renowned for its beauty, nowhere more concentrated than in the Aravalli Hills in the garden oasis that is Amanbagh. Once the staging area for royal tiger hunts, today the rose-hued cupolas and vaulted entrances of the resort’s Mughal-inspired structures soar from the greenery utterly peaceful and consummately private.

Since its inception in ancient India, yoga has been adopted globally as a transformative pathway to a stronger body and a calmer mind. Here in the practice’s motherland, Amanbagh’s bespoke programme of movement and meditation is designed to offer those new to yoga a comprehensive introduction, and to enhance the practice and understanding of more experienced yogis.

The Immersion begins with an in-depth consultation with Amanbagh’s resident Ayurvedic physician to determine individual health goals, identify internal obstacles, and develop a balanced daily practice itinerary. Over a minimum of four nights, private movement and meditation classes are supported by a personally optimised nutrition plan based on the sattvic diet, focusing on fresh, organic foods rich in prana, or life force.

Check out: https://www.aman.com/resorts/amanbagh/wellness/immersions/yoga-mindfulness

Soneva Soul, Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, Maldives

Mindful Movement


Soneva Soul is a new, transformative wellness concept that blends thousands of years of ancient healing wisdom with the latest science and innovation. Guided by the principle of ‘lifestyle evolution’, the experienced therapists, medical experts and wellness specialists create personalised wellness experiences that empower you to realise your utmost potential, achieve your long-term wellness goals and reconnect your mind, body and soul.

Relax and unwind in the serenity of Soneva Soul, spanning two wellness complexes at Soneva Jani — the original over-water Spa and our new Island Spa. Indulge in transformative wellness experiences, from our yoga pavilion and meditation platform commanding panoramic views across the turquoise lagoon, to our open-air treatment rooms bathed in the soothing soundtrack of ocean waves. Relax and unwind with indulgent rituals at the Over-water Spa, or explore raised walkways that wind their way through the treetops at the Island Spa, with relaxation areas, consultation rooms, and suites dedicated to state-of-the-art integrative medicine therapies and functional fitness. A yoga pavilion and meditation platform sit high above the treeline, commanding panoramic views across the sparkling turquoise lagoon, while open-air treatment rooms are bathed in the soothing natural soundtrack of ocean waves or the gentle sea breeze rustling through the leaves.

Start each day with a salute to the rising sun with group or one-to-one yoga and meditation sessions on the soft white sands. Re-align your wellness goals with your lifestyle through the help and support of our resident experts, alongside visiting wellness specialists and healers from around the globe. Throughout the year, we also welcome a line-up of leading names from the world of sport and fitness through the Soneva Stars programme, from legendary tennis and football players to champion free divers.

Check out: https://soneva.com/soneva-soul/

SwaSwara, A yoga retreat at Gokarna beach, Gokarna

Inspired by the first sound of creation, OM, the resort in Gokarna on Om Beach is a perfect setting to enable one to hear the voice of the inner self’. SwaSwara in Gokarna, India, offers healing holidays that connect the body, mind and soul through yoga & ayurveda. Set in wilderness on the shoreline of the Konkan Coast, SwaSwara is cast in the colours of the earth and its form and spirit celebrates simplicity and purity, in keeping with our ethos of a well-being holiday. SwaSwara is a sanctuary for your Prakruti or the innermost nature of an individual – that special blend of qualities and features that grant it uniqueness! Its goal is to offer a time away from all the clutter in your life and transport you into a nurturing space that is calming, renewing and exhilarating for you and your loved ones.

At SwaSwara there are classical Yoga and Meditation sessions mediated by qualified practitioners. The Yoga offered at SwaSwara is Hatha Yoga and it is a form that focuses on physical suppleness and flexibility. It maintains that the basis for spiritual well-being lies in strengthening the body, which in turn benefits the mind. While food, Yoga and art take care of the body and mind. We have included Meditation to address the inner self and complete the unity. The guided Meditation practices at SwaSwara instill serenity and peace in you, which in turn makes it easy for the body and mind to converge in a spirit of harmony and total wellbeing.

More information: https://www.cghearth.com/wellbeing.aspx?id=4&title=SwaSwara

Prakriti Shakti, Panchalimedu Hills, Kerala

Prakriti Shakti was started in 2018, which offers naturopathy healthcare, another system of holistic healing with roots in indigenous wisdom.

Yoga and Naturopathy complement each other as a holistic healthcare system, they enhance each other’s healing capabilities. Every day during the morning Yoga therapy session, ailments related to the respiratory system, reproductive organs, metabolism, joint health etc. are addressed. Based on your treatment plan, the doctors create a personalised schedule that includes a combination of Asanas, Kriyas and meditation.

Yoga Therapy — https://www.prakritishakti.com/yoga-therapy/

ALSO READ-‘Yoga is an integral part of my fitness regime’

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Kerala Lite Blogs

Underwater Yoga session in Kerala on int’l Yoga day

This ground-breaking initiative brought together the timeless practice of Yoga and the invigorating environment of water…reports Asian Lite News

 As part of International Yoga Day, the Indian Army at Pangode Military Station, organised a underwater Yoga session in Kerala.

In a captivating display of physical and mental agility, soldiers from various units, alongside local civilians, showcased their extraordinary abilities by participating in an awe-inspiring underwater Yoga session.

The underwater Yoga was performed by the well trained ‘Amphibious Warriors’ of Pangode Military Station under the guidance of expert Yoga instructor and free diver Jyothi Singh from Bond Water Sports Pvt Ltd.

New Delhi : Pangode Army battalion personnel perform yoga underwater on the occasion of International Yoga Day on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (Photo: IANS)

This ground-breaking initiative brought together the timeless practice of Yoga and the invigorating environment of water.

The event aimed to promote holistic well-being, strengthen the mind-body connection, and demonstrate the military’s commitment to embracing diverse approaches to physical fitness.

The underwater Yoga session exemplified the indomitable spirit and resilience of soldiers.

ALSO READ-‘Yoga is an integral part of my fitness regime’

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Bollywood Lifestyle Lite Blogs

‘Yoga is an integral part of my fitness regime’

The actress said that she doesn’t believe in any restrictions when it comes to “what to eat”. However, she makes a point to regulate the portion size…reports Asian Lite News

Actress-entrepreneur, Shilpa Shetty is known for her insane fitness levels. One may wonder and be curious about what constitutes her fitness regime. Well, now, the actress has shared that Yoga forms a huge part of her fitness routine and that for strength and toning, weight training “does the job” for her.

The actress said that she doesn’t believe in any restrictions when it comes to “what to eat”. However, she makes a point to regulate the portion size.

Shilpa Shetty

Shilpa was the first actress to come out with a yoga DVD video a decade ago when health and fitness hadn’t gone mainstream like it has today. She also actively posted workout videos and spoke about healthy life. The actress would always encourage people around her to do the same and today she’s one of the top choices when it comes to fitness.

On the occasion of International Day of Yoga, the actress spoke about the importance of Yoga in her life as she said, “I believe that yoga is an integral part of my fitness regime as it helps me stay calm, relaxed, and focused. Yoga has helped me stay mentally balanced, which is vital to my overall well-being. For strength and toning weight training does the job”.

She further mentioned, “I also ensure to eat well and never restrict myself with food. Food is fuel for the body and I take care of the portion. I have also understood that food is never a problem but it’s the portion you eat and the quality that matters”.

Meanwhile, on the work front, she will be seen in ‘Sukhee’ and ‘Indian Police Force’.

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Lite Blogs

Healthy meal to fuel your body

Smoothies are a perfect and nutritious way to start your day. Blend a banana, spoonful of yoghurt, scoop of plant-based protein powder, almond milk and a dash of honey/ maple syrup…reports Asian Lite News

Every year on June 21, the world observes International Yoga Day as a reminder to live an active and healthy lifestyle. It is crucial to choose a healthy meal that will fuel your body, encourage awareness, and support your yoga practise. With these five delicious, invigorating, yet practical breakfast options, you can start your day off correctly and honour the advantages of yoga:

Yogi’s Oats Powered Smoothie: Smoothies are a perfect and nutritious way to start your day. Blend a banana, spoonful of yoghurt, scoop of plant-based protein powder, almond milk and a dash of honey/ maple syrup. A spoonful of almond or peanut butter will give it an added twist. This protein-packed smoothie is also a great source of fibre and vitamins, and will give you the energy to embrace your yoga practice with vitality.

Nourishing Muesli Bowl: Indulge in a wholesome muesli bowl to energise your body for your daily workouts. Combine a generous serving of Yoga Bars’ Classic Fruit & Nut Muesli with your choice of milk or yoghurt. Let it sit for a few minutes to soften. Enhance the flavours by adding sliced fresh fruits like bananas, berries, or diced apples. This nutrient-rich breakfast will provide a satisfying crunch while keeping you fuelled post your yoga sessions.

Wholesome Oats Pancakes: Select a nutrient-rich choco-almond oats variant and blend it into a fine powder. Mash a ripe banana until smooth in a bowl and add a scoop of blended oats, almond milk or any milk of choice. Stir well until you achieve the desired consistency, creating a thick rich pancake batter. Cook the pancakes and serve them with toppings, such as sliced fruits, a dollop of yoghurt, some honey/ maple syrup, or a sprinkle of nuts. The oats contribute to a satisfying texture, while the combination of flavours and toppings create a delightful variety and indulgence to your meal.

Energising Breakfast Bars: Energising Yoga Bars for breakfast bars provide a convenient and nourishing option for those busy mornings when time is of the essence. Else, look for high-protein and high-fibre options that are also soy-free and gluten-free, as they are readily available in the market. These bars are perfect as pre- and post-workout snacks and serve as healthy meal replacement options. Grab one on the go and experience the benefits of a wholesome and satisfying breakfast that supports your active lifestyle.

ALSO READ-Yoga festivals to explore the art of yoga

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Lite Blogs

Yoga festivals to explore the art of yoga

If practising yoga amidst the Swiss Alps is your dream, then the Inspire Yoga festival might be just the place to be. Experience a weekend of yoga and self-discovery immersed in nature at the beautiful mountain location of Verbier in Switzerland…reports Asian Lite News

Yoga Festivals are a harmonious celebration of uniting renewal, strength and community while preserving its heritage. It is an unparalleled experience where people immerse themselves in meditative exercise and spirituality to connect with their surroundings with the aim to gain inner peace.

Yoga festivals offer an opportunity to learn various forms of yoga from instructors, spiritual leaders and wellness experts from across the world no matter what the experience level or interest

Here are six yoga festivals curated by Booking.com from around the globe which can help you find tranquillity and explore the art of yoga. Whether you are starting yoga or years into your practice there is a festival that will vibe with you.

Norwich Yoga Festival, Whitlingham Lake, Norwich, England, August 5th, 2023

A city which is enveloped by a fusion of modern and traditional influences, Norwich, England is centred around celebrating wellness. Focusing on giving attendees a distinctive experience, the Norwich Yoga Festival aims to bring together a huge range of activities. The yoga festival offers a wide selection of events from exercising your body to nourishing your mind, including Pilates, Earth Elemental Yoga, Rocket Yoga, Breathwork and Norfolk Yoga Therapy. Additionally, you can explore Norwich with the Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour to learn about the city’s highlights, as the city has something to offer for everyone.

Inspire Yoga Festival, Verbier, Switzerland, August 25th – 27th, 2023

If practising yoga amidst the Swiss Alps is your dream, then the Inspire Yoga festival might be just the place to be. Experience a weekend of yoga and self-discovery immersed in nature at the beautiful mountain location of Verbier in Switzerland. The festival offers participants of all levels the opportunity to rejuvenate by exploring classes, workshops, holistic therapies, meeting new people and sharing experiences while being immersed in the beauty of the Swiss Alps. The festival is like a pilgrimage in the mountains, featuring activities such as Nidra Yoga, Movement Medicine, Sound Healing and others for relaxation. Rejuvenate, relax and feel inspired.

Mountain Yoga Festival, St. Anton, Austria, August 31st – September 3rd, 2023

Surrounded by the beautiful Alps, the Mountain Yoga festival is held at St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria often known as the “cradle of alpine skiing”. This festival is a union of yoga enthusiasts and nature lovers from all over the world. Held over 4 days, the festival is designed to find the right balance for everyday life with selected hikes in the Alberg region, mountain yoga, meditation and workshops. Participants can practise yoga, dance, laugh, learn, hike, sit still and connect with each other during their time here. Soak in the mountain sun, breathe in the fresh air from the mountains and enjoy your time off in the Alpine environment.

Kirtan Bhakti Festival, Barcelona, Spain, September 16th – 17th 2023

Within the hustle and bustle of the city, one can also experience peace at the Kirtan Bhakti Festival held in Barcelona in September this year. With music, dance and training sessions, the festival combines yoga with kirtan and endeavours to spread the Vaishnava legacy of Kirtan, Bhakti and Bhava. You can also explore Barcelona with the Full-day Tour of Barcelona’s Iconic Landmarks, and learn more about the historic capital of Catalonia which is full of artwork, museums, attractions and vibrant restaurants. A captivating seaside with boundless culture, renowned architecture and history, Barcelona is a great place to attend the yoga festival and spend some quality time exploring the city.

Lamu Yoga Festival, Lamu, Kenya, October 25th – 29th, 2023

From sunrise yoga sessions on pristine beaches to moonlit meditations beneath the stars, Lamu Yoga Festival is a celebration of yoga, culture and tranquillity and takes place in the coastal region of Kenya. Discover the allure of Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its charming architecture and captivating history. With no cars in sight and away from the chaos, the festival creates a true escape from everyday hustle and bustle. While in Kenya, experience the local culture and traditions through an awe-inspiring opening ceremony on the beach, a traditional Kenyan dinner, a scenic sailing trip, and a mesmerising bonfire to close your journey.

International Yoga Festival, Banks of Ganges, Rishikesh, India, March 2024

A week-long celebration of yoga and meditation, the International Yoga Festival attracts thousands of people from around the world to the birthplace of yoga. Nestled amongst the Himalayas, on the banks of the holy Ganga the international Yoga festival takes place annually in Rishikesh, fondly known as the yoga capital of the world. This celebration, with over 70 hours of yoga classes helps participants connect with themselves and their spiritual practice.  Additionally, explore the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, the largest ashram in Rishikesh, which welcomes hundreds of thousands of festival attendees from India as well as abroad.

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-Top News London News

People perform yoga at Trafalgar Square  

Joyce, another foreign national and yoga enthusiast, who is also connected with Sadhguru’s ISHA Foundation, told how yoga guided her in choosing the right path in life…reports Asian Lite News

People from different walks of life performed yoga at Trafalgar Square in Central London to celebrate the International Day of Yoga and recounted its benefits on multiple fronts.

The event was organised by the Indian High Commission in the UK and supported by the Mayor of London. The Deputy High Commissioner of India to the UK, Sujit Ghosh called the experience ‘delightful’ and appreciated new people starting yoga.

Sujit Ghosh said, “It was a delightful experience this morning. Yoga is all about harmony, harmony with the inner self and harmony with the outer world. It was a great experience people were very happy and we got many new people to commit to yoga and making it part of their normal routine”.

Murailah from Finchley, north London, who is a yoga enthusiast, also came forward to teach yoga to other people. “It was a nice experience to do yoga in such beautiful surroundings. In the last 10 years, I discovered yoga and my love for yoga. I also wanted to share it with people. I came here myself to teach yoga. Yoga connects with my spirit, with my mind, with my heart,” she said.

Indian national, Komal Mehta who is a yoga trainer talked about the health benefits of yoga. “We went through the Yoga protocol, issued by the AYUSH ministry. We wanted to show its benefits, there are so many health benefits. The experience was fantastic. I can’t believe, so many people turned out in the rain. Everyone from children, and older people participated and did the yoga,” she said.

Joyce, another foreign national and yoga enthusiast, who is also connected with Sadhguru’s ISHA Foundation, told how yoga guided her in choosing the right path in life.

“It was a great privilege to learn about ancient tools of transformation. Yoga has helped us at various levels, at the physical, mental, emotional level and also at the spiritual level. I was looking for directions, and yoga has helped me choose the right path,” she said.

Inderpal Ohri Chandel, an Indian national and yoga enthusiast said that by doing yoga, people are also spiritually connected.

“It was an immensely proud moment to be here, and representing yoga and our culture. While doing yoga in a group, you are not just physically connected, but also spiritually connected to roots. We are feeling refreshed,” she said.

Notably, this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the International Day of Yoga celebration at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

India in London in the tweet stated, “Yoga lovers from around London have gathered at the historic @trafalgar square to celebrate the International Day of Yoga, spreading positivity and tranquillity.”

In another tweet, the High Commission of India in London stated, “Some more glimpses of 9th #IDY2023 at the iconic Trafalgar Square, London.”

“Trafalgar Square London. Common Yoga Protocol in progress! The theme of this year “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” the High Commission of India in London further said.

The International Day of Yoga has been celebrated worldwide annually on June 21 since 2015, following its inception in the United Nations General Assembly in 2014.

Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in ancient India.  (ANI)

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