The embassy celebrated the 8th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on 21 June 2021 at the iconic French garden of Jardin d’essai du Hamma (botanical garden spread over a 32-hectare), a popular landmark which was created by the French in 1831. The backdrop had the Martyrs monument which is the most recognized national and motif symbol in Algeria as it commemorates the sacrifices of Algerians who gave their lives for freedom from France during the colonial struggle.
Yoga is popular in Algeria though the country is an Islamic republic. This is the first time that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad accorded its approval for organizing the IDY 2022 in a public place, after the Mission’s persistent efforts. This is also the first time IDY has moved to an outdoor venue at a prominent public place(earlier events were organized mostly on Chancery premises).
Around 160 yoga enthusiasts, of all ages and from different walks of life participated in the event. The diplomatic corps was also well represented. The event commenced at 0815 hours with the message of Ambassador, Gaurav Ahluwalia, welcoming the participants to celebrate IDY 2021 and also emphasizing the significance of Yoga in day-to-day life.
A guided Yoga session based on the Common Yoga Protocol led by four prominent yoga teachers, belonging to different schools of yoga, was conducted for the yoga participants. Each yoga teacher conducted a 15 minutes session of the yoga of their specialization. A total of one hour of yoga sessions was very well received by the Yoga enthusiasts.
Following the Yoga demonstration, Ambassador presented Certificates of Appreciation to the four yoga instructors, Mr. Osmane Djamel, Ms. Souheir Louahala, Ms. Hayet Hamlaoui, Ms. Aida Merabet, and Mr. Abdelmadjid Moulay Dehbi. Indian snacks were served at the end of the event.
IDY 2022 celebrations were a big success as this was the first outdoor yoga event organized in a prominent landmark of Algeria with the approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Algeria. The attendance of 160 yoga enthusiasts is a very encouraging number and Mission will build upon the groundwork laid with this year’s celebrations to further promote yoga in this country. The event was covered prominently on social media and on some prominent TV channels. Enclosed are some photographs that were taken on the occasion.