Jeddah: The Consulate General of India, Jeddah organised the 4th International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2018 at International Indian School, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Yoga enthusiasts including Diplomats of other countries, Saudi friends, Indian Community members, School children, Media persons etc. participated in the event.
The programme was started with the lighting of the traditional lamp by the CGs of India, Sri Lanka, China, South Korea, Nepal, Uzbekistan and others. The message of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on the occasion of International Day of Yoga was also screened. Thereafter, Consul General of India to Jeddah, Shri Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh addressed the gathering in which he highlighted the Indian origin of Yoga, its benefits and appealed the participants to continue their enthusiasm towards Yoga and develop it in their daily exercise. Followed by his speech, Consul General also participated in the yoga session and did Sirsasana (Headstand). He has been practicing Yoga for the last 26 years.
His speech was followed by that of Dr. Ala Al Shareef, a Community Medicine Practitioner on her “experience of Yoga”. Thereafter, A Mass yoga practice session was conducted under the supervision of a Yoga Guru from Arab Yoga Foundation that included an overview of the benefits of yoga, demonstration of the important Asanas and postures. The programme was properly arranged to spread awareness of yoga in all aspects, both for the beginners as well as the practitioners. The programme lasted for about two and half hours.
Relay of Yoga demonstration, conducted in Dehradun, India which was led by Hon’ble Prime Minister was also screened during the programme.
As a precursor to the main event, a Yoga Vistar was held in the Red Sea Beach in the backdrop of the iconic 300 mtr – high King Fahd Fountain, Jeddah. The event attracted the interest of several Saudis and some of them also participated with lots of enthusiasm.