The 21st June marks International Day of Yoga, when large-scale yoga classes and celebrations are set to take place around the world, including the UK. India Tourism and the High Commission of India are inviting UK-based yoga enthusiasts to take part in the celebrations at Potters Fields Park (next to Tower Bridge) in central London on Sunday, 19th June 2016.

A full day of free yoga sessions will be on offer, hosted by India Tourism and the High Commission of India and organised in collaboration with some of the world's most inspirational yoga instructors. Yoga practitioners will gather in Potters Fields Park from 8:30am – 5:30pm.  The day's activities will open with a welcome speech from the Indian High Commissioner, H.E. Mr. Navtej Sarna. In addition to yoga, classical Indian dancers and musicians will also be on hand to entertain the crowds throughout the day.

Following the initial opening, a series of 30-minute classes will be delivered to showcase the many benefits of yoga on the mind, body and soul. Suitable for children, families and beginners as well as experts, the classes are open for all to join in. Regardless of preference, participants can enjoy the following classes, covering the vast and various styles of yoga: 

09:00 – 10:00      Inauguration Ceremony
10:00 – 10:30      Sun Salutation by British Wheel of Yoga
10:30 – 11:00      Pranayama by Patanjai
11:00 – 11:30      Hatha Yoga by Coolherbals
11:30 – 12:00      Meditation by Art of Living
12:00 – 12:30      Warrior Sequence: Dynamic Yoga by Chi Kri
12:30 – 13:00      Dhyana by World Yoga Festival
13:00 – 13:30      Asanas by Sivananda
13:30 – 14:00      Hatha Yoga by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh UK
14:00 – 14:30      Raja Yoga – Yoga for the Mind by Brahma Kumaris
14:30 – 15:00      Family Yoga by Special Yoga Foundation
15:00 – 15:30      Power to Create Success (a guided meditation by Sadhguru) by Isha Foundation
15:30 – 16:00      Yoga Postures by DSYM
16:00 – 16:30      Raja Yoga by Heartfulness Sahaj Marg Meditation
16:30 – 17:00      Kundalini Yoga by SKY TRUST UK (Simplified Kundalini Yoga Trust UK)                    
17:30                  Programme ends

India Tourism and the High Commission of India promise to make the day a truly special experience. There will be Henna stands, refreshment stalls and complimentary water stations on-site and yoga partners will be showcasing yoga products available for purchase. Yoga mats will also be provided on the day courtesy of India Tourism and the High Commission of India. As a token of gratitude, the first 300 guests will also be able to take home a limited International Day of Yoga T-shirt to remind them of this unique celebration.  

With sweeping views of the River Thames and a string of iconic sights along London's North Bank, from the Tower of London to the Gherkin and the Walkie-Talkie, this year's host venue creates the perfect backdrop for finding tranquillity and unity. 

In 2014, while addressing the 69th regular session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the Honourable Prime Minister of India Mr Narendra Modi urged the world to adopt an International Day of Yoga: “Yoga is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition. It embodies unity of mind, body and soul; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature and a holistic approach to health and well-being. Yoga is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with ourselves, the world and nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help us to deal with climate change. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day".

This is the second year of International Day of Yoga celebrations in the UK, following 2015 when numerous events took place across the UK, as well as in 177 other countries. This year, International Day of Yoga will be celebrated by more than 20 yoga and cultural institutions across the UK.

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For further information on International Day of Yoga 2016 national and regional events, visit: www.idyinuk.com
For further information on India Tourism, visit: www.incredibleindia.org
Find out the latest on social media by following @IntYogaDayUK

Media Enquiries:
McCluskey International
Fiona Anderson / Frankie Gibson
T: 020 8747 2170
E: incredibleindia@mccluskey.co.uk 

Mr. Raj Sunani
India Tourism London
T: 020 7437 3677
E: raj@indiatourismlondon.org