Yoga for unity: Durban gears up for the 11th International Yoga Day
A previous event at the amphitheatre along Durban's beachfront.
Image: Supplied
Next Saturday, the amphitheatre along Durban's beachfront will play host to the 11th International Yoga Day, a much-anticipated event that aims to bridge cultural divides through the practice of yoga.
More than 3 000 practitioners are expected to come together under the auspices of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation, highlighting the global and inclusive nature of this ancient discipline.
This year's theme, 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health, and Oneness,' encapsulates a vision of collective wellness that transcends racial, cultural, and generational boundaries.
'It is going to be a scenario of children, youth, and elders practising side by side,' said Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu, president of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation.
'Healthcare workers, local yoga instructors, diplomats, and township-based wellness advocates will all move to the same breath, symbolising unity amid diversity — an echo of South Africa's constitutional promise and rainbowism.'
The event promises to be a significant gathering, attended by a host of dignitaries, including KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, Health Minister Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, local councillors, Hindu religious leaders, and Zulu cultural ambassadors.
'This year's event promises to be more than an exercise in yoga," Mabheka Zulu added.
"It will be a strategic convergence of identity, diplomacy, and development. Yoga is not Indian, Zulu, Christian, or Hindu. It is universal. It is a spiritual and health gift to all humanity.'
Participants can look forward to a morning of peace and unity, as the event will run from 8am to noon. For further details about International Yoga Day, interested readers can visit www.sivanandaworldpeacefoundation.co.za.
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- The South African
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International Yoga Day takes place tomorrow, 21 June. To mark the day, various South African cities will host public yoga events. Celebrations in 2024 saw 8000 yoga practitioners converge at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. This year, there are events in multiple of the country's main cities. Originating in ancient India, yoga is now a popular practice around the world. It's no different in South Africa, with hundreds expected to join the celebrations this upcoming weekend. The United Nations recognised International Yoga Day in 2014. Then, in 2016, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recognised yoga as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage. The 2025 International Yoga Day takes place under the theme 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health'. Consul General of India in Cape Town, Ruby Jaspreet, told IOL that 'yoga' is the Sanskrit word for 'union': 'It's a timeless practice that brings harmony between body and mind, and between humans and nature.' Celebrations for International Yoga Day will take place across South Africa over the weekend of 21-22 June. Most of them are hosted by the local Indian consulates with involvement from different organisations. Some of the country's top landmarks will play host to events: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Town: 21 June Cradle of Humankind, Maropeng: 21 June North Beach Amphitheatre, Durban: 21 June Union Buildings, Tshwane: 22 June Furthermore, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli will open the Durban event, which is organised by the Sivananda World Peace Foundation. He told The Deccan Herald: 'As we celebrate this special day, we acknowledge the profound impact that yoga has on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Yoga unites us, fosters peace and harmony, and inspires us to live in balance with ourselves and nature.' Those wanting to join in the events will find details on the social media accounts of their local Indian consulates. Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
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International Day of Yoga will be observed on Saturday. Image: Supplied The 11th annual International Day of Yoga, set to take place at the Durban Amphitheatre on Saturday, has received a wave of goodwill messages from across South Africa's political, diplomatic, and civic leadership. Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu, the President of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation and chief organiser of the event, said: "High-profile endorsements include those from His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini; KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli; the Speaker of the KZN Legislature; national and provincial health leaders; and South Africa High Commissioner to India, Bangladesh and Nepal, Professor Anil Sooklal." He added that His Majesty King Makhosonke Mabhena and Her Royal Highness Queen Sekuthali Mabhena from the Amandebele Kingdom had confirmed their attendance yesterday. Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu said the event was expected to draw more than 5 000 yoga practitioners under the theme 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health, and Oneness'. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading "The annual observance will showcase how yoga has grown from a once-niche pursuit into a mainstream lifestyle, embraced across race, culture, and generation in post-apartheid South Africa. "Clad in white, yellow, and green shirts to symbolise peace, energy, and the environment, participants from schools, universities, temples, mosques, churches, community and private studios will create a collective canvas of wellness and mindfulness on Saturday. "It is going to be a scenario of children, youth and elders practising side-by-side. Healthcare workers, local yoga instructors, diplomats, and township-based wellness advocates will all move to the same breath, symbolising unity amid diversity - an echo of South Africa's constitutional promise and rainbowism." He said this year's event promised to be more than an exercise in yoga. "It will be a strategic convergence of identity, diplomacy, and development. Yoga is not Indian, Zulu, Christian or Hindu - it is universal. It is a spiritual and health gift to all humanity. International Day of Yoga is becoming a living statement of intent, that wellness is not a privilege but a right, that health is a collective effort, and that cultural diversity can be a source of harmony rather than division." The event, which is free, will be held from 9am until noon. THE POST
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Spring vygies in full flower at Kirstenbosch Gardens. Picture: Alice Notten, Kirstenbosch Spring vygies in full flower at Kirstenbosch Gardens. Picture: Alice Notten, Kirstenbosch Image: Picture: Alice Notten, Kirstenbosch THE International Day of Yoga organised by the Consulate General of India is expected to draw hundreds of participants, including yoga experts, fitness groups, meditation practitioners, and members of the Indian, local, and international communities on Saturday. The 11th edition, themed 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health' is expected to take place at the scenic Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Speaking ahead of the occasion, Consul General of India, Ruby Jaspreet reflected on the origins and global relevance of the day. 'The idea for an International Day of Yoga was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly with the highest number of co-sponsors ever—more than 175,' she said. June 21, the summer solstice and longest day in the Northern Hemisphere, was chosen for its spiritual and seasonal symbolism. Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit word meaning 'union,' is deeply rooted in India's ancient traditions, explained Jaspreet. 'It's a timeless practice that brings harmony between body and mind, and between humans and nature. In India, we see it as a holistic approach to wellness and spiritual growth, one that promotes the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—'the world is one family'.' The Cape Town leg of this year's International Day of Yoga will have Health and Wellness MEC Mireille Wenger as the Chief Guest. The event will start at 9:00 AM with registration links shared on the Consulate's social media profiles. 'We invite everyone to join us in pledging for a healthier, more conscious lifestyle—for ourselves and for the Earth.' Cape Times
