Embassy of India in Bangkok and Chulalongkorn University organised the mass outdoor yoga event at the university’s landmark, the lawn at the front of the Royal Statues of King Chulalongkorn and King Vajravudh. Thai Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul and Indian Ambassador to Thailand Harsh Vardhan Shringla and President of Chulalongkorn University Prof.Pirom Kamolratanakul, M.D., attended the event joined by over 7,000 people.
The number of participants is higher than expected by the embassy at 5,000 people. It indicated that yoga is popular in Thailand. Cambodian and Russian ambassadors and diplomats from other countries also participated in the event. Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India.
The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. International Yoga Day aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga. Yoga postures, demonstrated and practiced today, are not too difficult for beginners such as camel pose, which helps relieve back pain. Yoga is beneficial to improve body flexibility and blood circulation as well as to relieve stress. The United Nationslast September declared June 21 as the World Yoga Day following a proposal by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
