International Yoga Day Celebrated in Lumbini

Lumbini, June 20, 2024

Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, Jokh Bahadur Mahara, emphasized that yoga is a path to health and wellness. Speaking at the International Yoga Day event organized at the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini by the Indian Embassy and the Lumbini Development Trust on Thursday, Chief Minister Mahara highlighted the significance of yoga. He described yoga not only as a physical exercise but also as important for mental peace, self-exploration, and overall health.

"Yoga helps us attain self-knowledge, maintain mental balance, and awaken a sense of unity and compassion," he said. He also mentioned that yoga enhances immunity and mental resilience. Chief Minister Mahara assured that the Lumbini Province government is committed to promoting the health and well-being of its citizens. He urged everyone to acknowledge the benefits of yoga and incorporate it into public health initiatives and daily life.

"I call upon everyone to experience the transformative power of this ancient practice," Chief Minister Mahara said. He expressed his happiness and joy at being able to address International Yoga Day at the birthplace of the peace messenger, Gautam Buddha. Acknowledging the cultural ties between Nepal and India, Chief Minister Mahara thanked the Indian Embassy on behalf of the Lumbini Province government.

 

Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, stated that celebrating International Yoga Day at Buddha’s birthplace promotes tourism. He mentioned that the celebration of Yoga Day in Lumbini began last year and will continue to be observed annually on June 21. He highlighted various programs conducted by the Indian Embassy to promote Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.

Sanuraja Shakya, Member Secretary of the Lumbini Development Trust, noted that just as Buddha's path leads to liberation from suffering, the practice of yoga according to Eastern philosophy benefits people in the modern era. He expressed willingness to continue collaborating with the Indian Embassy to globally promote Lumbini. He emphasized the need to make Lumbini a primary destination for Indian tourists and drew attention to the necessity of establishing an organized integrated immigration office at the Sunauli border, pointing out the issues faced by tourists.

Before the event, Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava visited the Maya Devi Temple. Dr. Hari Dhoj Rai, Chief of Information and Public Relations at the Lumbini Development Trust, briefed him about Lumbini. The event saw the presence of former ministers Hridayesh Tripathi and Devendra Raj Kandel, Mayor Sajruddin Khan of Lumbini Cultural Municipality, yoga gurus and practitioners from Rupandehi, Kapilavastu, and Nawalparasi associated with Patanjali Yoga, industrialists, businesspersons, and local residents.

 

International Yoga Day is celebrated annually on June 21. This year's theme is "Yoga for Health." The Indian Embassy, Lumbini Development Trust, BP Koirala India-Nepal Foundation, and Patanjali Yogpeeth Nepal jointly celebrated the day on Thursday. Dignitaries, including the Chief Minister, participated in yoga exercises during the event. The United Nations calls for the observance of International Yoga Day on June 21 every year.