The picturesque Baku Boulevard, overlooking the iconic Baku Eye, Flame Towers, and Deniz Mall, hosted a mesmerizing yoga extravaganza.
The event, organized by the Embassy of India in Azerbaijan, was not just a celebration of the International Day of Yoga; it was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the harmony that can be achieved through the practice of yoga.
A trio of accomplished yoga teachers – Kanan Mammadov, Irada Aliyeva, and Elchin Guliyev – led the grand finale. They guided approximately 200 yoga enthusiasts from different walks of life, eager to explore the serenity and tranquillity offered by yoga.
With the beautiful backdrop of the Baku Eye, the event commenced with the resounding rendition of "Vande Mataram," a patriotic Indian song by Vasumathi Badrinathan, a talented classical music singer from India.
The Ambassador of India to Azerbaijan, Sridharan Madhusudhanan, welcomed the participants. "The practice of yoga is not just a physical exercise; it is a holistic approach that brings harmony to individuals and communities," he said. Ambassador Sridharan Madhusudhanan, his wife, Vaidehi Sridharan, and the yoga teachers presented the latest version of the Common Yoga Protocol in the Azerbaijani language. This beginners' guide will encourage newcomers and assist regular practitioners in deepening their yoga practice.
After the yoga session, the audience was treated to a colourful dance and music performance of the Bihu dance from Assam, led by Dreamly Gogoi.
Following the event, delicious Indian snacks were served, offering a taste of India's rich culinary diversity.
Since its establishment in 2014, the International Day of Yoga has been observed worldwide on June 21 every year.
Reflecting on the grand yoga finale held at the Baku Eye, it was clear that the event had not only promoted the essence of yoga but had also deepened the cultural ties between India and Azerbaijan.