More than 1,000 yoga enthusiasts participate in the annual International Yoga Day celebrated at the Nguyễn Huệ Street pedestrian plaza in HCM City at the Nguyễn Huệ Street pedestrian square in HCM City on June 21. – VNS Photo Hồng Linh

HCM CITY – Over 1,000 yoga practitioners, both foreigners and locals, performed yoga at 6 AM during International Yoga Day at the Nguyễn Huệ Street pedestrian square in HCM City on June 21.

“Yoga for Self and Society” was organised by the consulate general of India in HCM City and the HCM City Union of Friendship Organizations as part of a series of activities commemorating the 52nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Việt Nam and India.

The yoga enthusiasts were guided by Prakash Athrayil from The Art of Living Center in Việt Nam.

Prakash Athrayil and some of his students is guide participants in yoga postures during International Yoga Day at the Nguyễn Huệ Street pedestrian square in HCM City on June 21. – VNS Photo Hồng Linh

Madan Mohan Sethi, the Indian consul general in HCM City, said the annual International Yoga Day is organised to raise awareness about the benefits of yoga, which include connecting people, balancing their lives, and maintaining both mental and physical well-being.

 Nguyễn Nam Nhân, deputy director of the city Department of Culture and Sports in HCM City, said International Yoga Day is an annual event in HCM City that attracts a large number of participants. This helps raise awareness and responsibility among people for the overall health of the community, he said.

Locals and foreigners of all ages, including children, perform yoga during the annual International Yoga Day celebrated at the Nguyễn Huệ Street pedestrian plaza in HCM City at the Nguyễn Huệ Street pedestrian square in HCM City on June 21. – VNS Photo Hồng Linh

He hoped the event would continue to serve as a bridge to further strengthen cultural ties between the two countries and spread the practice of yoga to a broader audience, thereby enhancing the mental well-being of the people.

The event was also held in 40 other cities and provinces across the country such as Đà Nẵng, Quảng Ninh, Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu, and Quảng Bình. – VNS