A corner of the large-scale yoga performance celebrating the 10th International Day of Yoga in Binh Thuan province on June 9. VNA/VNS Photo Nguyễn Thanh

 BÌNH THUẬN More than 600 yoga instructors, practitioners, and enthusiasts from Bình Thuận and neighboUring localities gathered in the central province’s Phan Thiết City on June 9 morning for a large-scale yoga performance celebrating the 10th International Day of Yoga.

The event, themed “Yoga for Women Empowerment,” was co-organised by the Bình Thuận Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and the Consulate General of India in HCM City. It aimed to enhance sustainable tourism development based on cultural similarities between Việt Nam and India.

The mass performance looked to promote a positive lifestyle, encouraging physical exercise to balance the mind and alleviate stress, while also fostering community cohesion.

Bùi Thế Nhân, deputy director of the department, said that International Yoga Day in Bình Thuận also marked the 52nd anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations and the 17th anniversary of their strategic partnership. It contributed to strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the province and the Indian Consulate General as well as between the Vietnamese and Indian people.

On December 11, 2014, the United Nations (UN) designated June 21 as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131.

According to the UN, the ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity. The word ‘yoga’ derived from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness. VNA/VNS