The Roots of Yoga | Video made by Didi for International Yoga Day 2021

June 21 is International Day dedicated to the practice of Yoga around the world, and this year, in Bucharest, it was celebrated with an event organized by the Morningstar Center, with the support of the Embassy of India in Romania, Albania and Moldova.

After this long period in which classes could not be held in person, the event was a special occasion for yoga lovers to reconnect, and also to rediscover another perspective on this practice. Thus, the event brought together a rich variety of traditions and some of the best Yoga teachers in Bucharest, giving participants access to the depth of Yoga philosophy, which has become increasingly popular in recent years and which is most often viewed simplistically, as a form of fitness.

Didi had the joy of opening the event with a video, made by her together with Dada Rasatmakananda, about the important contribution that Yoga offers the world in terms of personal inner peace, inclusive acceptance of diversity and social well-being. The video was made out of a desire to honor the roots and the contribution that Yoga has brought to the whole world.

Going forward, even after the event, we want this video to reach as many people as possible, who can thus explore the wealth of wisdom and the practical processes of inner transformation that Yoga can offer.

After the screening, the event continued with a speech by His Excellency Rahul Shrivastava, Ambassador of India to Romania, for the official opening of the 7th edition of the International Day of Yoga, the fastest-approved International Day by the United Nations.

The event continued with 3 workshop sessions, led by Yoga instructors from various traditions, such as Satyananda Yoga with Mangaldharma Avisek, “Breathe Well” with Hitesh Bhatt, Yoga of Presence with Carlos L’ Abbate, Ashtanga Yoga with Irene Zaarour, an Intro to Transcendental Meditation with Adela Herea and Ayurveda with Angelica Mitrea.

Our Didi A. Devapriya from the Morningstar Center led a session on Bhakti Yoga, introducing the yogic practice of kiirtan and lalita marmika, which opens the heart and gently leads to a state of inner joy. It was a cheerful and interactive session.

The International Yoga Day event concluded with a “Yoga Perspectives” session – group discussions, questions and answers with George Petre, Didi A. Devapriya, Irene Zaarour, Carlos L’Abbate, Avisek Mangaldharma, Adela Herea and Hitesh Bhatt. This was one of the highlights of the whole day, giving participants the chance to interact with the teachers and receive answers to their questions from a variety of viewpoints. The teachers were all very open, relaxed and authentic, leading to a very refreshing and engaging session.

Thank you all for participating, and we hope the event will inspire as many people as possible to rediscover, through Yoga, inner balance and stillness. Namaskar!