Hanoi celebrates 2nd International Yoga Day

The event was jointly organised by the Embassy of India in Vietnam, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hanoi People’s Committee and the Buddhist Sangha of Vietnam. 

Addressing the occasion, Pratibha Mehta, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam said this is the second time Vietnam has joined in celebrating the International Day of Yoga, which she said will contribute to improving public health and community solidarity. 

Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Parvanthaneni Harish highlighted the benefits of practicing Yoga, saying that besides improving health, Yoga helps build a peaceful world and strengthen the relations between Vietnam and India. 

In 2016, the Embassy will work with relevant bodies in Vietnam to conduct classes on Yoga and Indian tradition dances, the Indian Ambassador said. 

Similar activities will be organised from June 26 to July 2 in six cities across the nation, namely Hanoi, HCM City, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Nha Trang and Vinh, with the expected participation of around 10,000 Yoga fans. 

Vietnam was one of the first countries to co-sponsor the United Nations General Assembly Resolution creating International Yoga Day.

So far, 177 out of 193 UN member states have co-sponsored the resolution, creating a new record for the highest number of co-sponsoring countries for a UN resolution to date.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi first called for the adoption of June 21 as International Yoga Day while addressing the UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014. The resolution accomplishing this soon followed.

Last year, 8,000 people participated in the first International Yoga Day in Vietnam.