Yoga mats filled the courtyard of the Royal Textile Academy today as Bhutan celebrated the International Day of Yoga. Themed “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, over 400 participants, including government officials, Indian embassy representatives, and yoga enthusiasts, joined the event in Thimphu. Elsewhere, the day was also marked across the country, reaffirming Bhutan’s commitment to mark the day annually.
In Thimphu, the morning began with a traditional warm-up session by the Sowa Rigpa team from the National Traditional Medicine Hospital. It was followed by the common yoga protocol, which is a standard yoga routine, conducted by a yoga master at the Nehru-Wangchuck Cultural Centre.
“When you practise yoga every day, just like the food you eat daily, it becomes an essential part of your life. When you incorporate some yoga asanas, a bit of pranayama, or a few minutes of meditation, then this package of 20 to 25 minutes of yoga is very helpful to maintain health, prevent diseases, and promote your overall wellbeing,” said Vijay Kumar Singh (PhD), Yoga Master, Nehru Wangchuk Cultural Centre.
The celebration was not limited to physical postures. The integration of Sowa Rigpa or traditional medicine deepened the message of holistic health.
“In our country, non-communicable diseases are increasing year by year. To prevent such diseases, our Sowa Rigpa yoga, which is quite similar to foreign yoga, can be very helpful. Sowa Rigpa and yoga are deeply connected, and if practised every day, it not only keeps the body and mind healthy in this life, but it is believed that it also helps in attaining enlightenment in the next life,” said Ugyen Thinley, Drungtsho, National Traditional Medicine Hospital.
As part of the event, certificates were awarded to the winners of the Yoga Asana Competition that was held last month.
“Personally, for me, yoga is like a prayer that I try to perform every day. Even if I cannot do it for hours, I try to do at least one or two poses a day, and it helps me keep calm. Though yoga has many benefits for the body and mind, for me, it is mainly for my mind and my peace, primarily,” said Neetu Acharya, Participant.
“It’s my first time participating in such a big event, the International Yoga Day. So, physically and mentally, what I felt after this session is that my body and my mental health became one with nature. I feel that I would be able to practise this yoga session once or twice a week,” said Karun Gurung, Participant.
Beyond Thimphu, yoga sessions were organised in all 20 districts. In Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, Sarpang, Bumthang, and Chhukha, the day was also marked with sessions led by the Central Monastic Body, where monks, along with students and the general public, participated.
In Thimphu, the Laytshog Lopen emphasised the significance of yoga for spiritual and mental well-being and also announced the establishment of a yoga centre at Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Kinley Bidha
Edited by Kipchu
