Many yoga enthusiasts came together to celebrate the largest ever International Yoga Day, held this time in the Dam Square of Amsterdam organized by the Embassy of India to the Netherlands
The historical Dam Square Amsterdam was witness to the largest ever yoga celebrations in the Netherlands on Sunday, June 16. A great multitude of people gathered in front of the Royal Palace on the Dam Square in the heart of the capital city of the Netherlands to mark the International Yoga Day. There they enjoyed many central yoga sessions, food stalls offering a diverse pallet of vegan and vegetarian food and drinks and different interesting workshops.
The event was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Mr. Jai Ram Thakur. Himachal Industries Minister Bikram Singh, the Ambassador of India, H.E. Mr. Venu Rajamony, International Cricket Star Suresh Raina, Dutch actor, model and photographer Ms. Micky Hoogendijk; Mr. V.K. Arora, Chairman and Managing Director of LT Foods and Dr. Deepak Mittal, Chairman, International Tractors Ltd. took part in the opening ceremony.
This is the first time the Dam Square is host to a public event related to India. The Square is the historical centre of Amsterdam with the neoclassical Royal Palace, the 15th-century Gothic Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), the Madame Tussauds Amsterdam and the National Monument erected in 1956 for the victims of World War II. Special permission to celebrate the International Day of Yoga at this historical venue was provided by the City of Amsterdam and arranged by the Indian Embassy.
Representatives of the Royal Dutch Army also joined the celebrations for the first time. They participated in the common yoga session and also led the public in a special yoga workshop. The Dutch Ministry of Defense has recently introduced yoga exercises for armed forces to enrich their training program and reduce stress. Yoga is taught weekly at various barracks and yoga instructors have been recruited to strengthen the physical and mental fitness of soldiers.
The morning began with a big group session of traditional Indian yoga led by Dr Amit Khanna, Yoga expert at The Gandhi Centre in The Hague, which saw participation by cricketer Suresh Raina, Indian and Dutch dignitaries, Ambassadors of different countries, former Deputy Mayor of The Hague Rabin Baldew Singh and many others. The yoga workshops were conducted by the Royal Dutch Army, well-known Dutch yoga guru Johan Noorloos of The New Yoga School, Amsterdam and a Sahaja Yoga Meditation by Mr. Sander Notenbaert & group. These workshops were followed by a Yin Yoga session which was led by Ms. Anita Smith.
Yoga sessions were interspersed with cultural performances. Indian dance and music created a perfect atmosphere for yoga. The Tandav Group and Ms. Keyakar & Group performed Indian Folk Dance and modern dance while Djahan Manuela & Group presented a combination of South Indian martial arts which is called ‘Kalaripayattu’ combined with dance and music.
In a parallel venue The Yoga Hut hosted competitions in sun salutations and yoga pose challenges alongside with special sessions on therapeutic yoga. A stall put up by the Maharishi Ayurveda Centre provided advice on yoga, wellness and healthy living. Five special food trucks provided vegetarian and vegan food as well as vegan ice cream for the participants and onlookers to enjoy.
The grand finale was a performance titled ‘Soul Shanti Concert’ featuring BMI Goes India whom created an unique combination of classical sitar and modern electronic dance music. Popular Bollywood DJ Don, supported by local musicians from Team Madras Chorus, joined BMI goes India adding a Bollywood Beat segment to the finale.
The concert was a perfect culmination of an entire day of festivities promoting wellness, healthy eating, yoga and meditation. International Yoga Day will also be celebrated across 31 cities in the Netherlands on June 21- which will include yoga workshops, meditation sessions, and concerts. The General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed 21 of June the International Day of Yoga.
