Yoga is an ancient physical and mental 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.
Today it is practiced in various forms in Hong Kong, around the world and continues to grow in popularity.
Recognizing its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga.
The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness in Hong Kong and worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.
With this effort, the Andiappan Yoga Community aim to raise money to support its various projects in providing free yoga classes to different groups within Hong Kong – the elderly, breast cancer survivors, overseas domestic workers, the homeless, university students, and low-income families/housewives, among others.
The fifth annual International Day of Yoga will be celebrated at the Podium of Cyberport Hong Kong on Sunday, 23 June 2019, with a “Yoga Session with Yoga Masters.”
Not only will this event increase the understanding of “yoga for all”, but the event also hopes to honor and celebrate the volunteer leaders and all the volunteers who have tirelessly donated their time and effort in actively teaching within our yoga community.
Let us join hands and share your love of yoga with the ones you love.
Date: 23rd June 2019, Sunday
Venue: The Podium (Outdoor), Cyberport, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
9:30 to 10:30 – Opening Ceremony and yoga demonstrations
The opening ceremony is open to all (complimentary)
Please join us to mark the official opening of the day’s celebration
Feast your eyes on a yoga demonstration by the AYC Founder Dr. Yogananth Andiappan and the AYC volunteers.
10:30 to 11:20 – Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskaram)
Open to all levels
Sun- Salutation (Surya Namaskaram) is one of the most widely practiced sequences in yoga. It is a set of 12 – 16 poses which can be performed in a repetitive sequence. The practice of this dynamic sequence helps the mind focus on one thing alone – the movement of the body synchronized with the breath. This will help to quiet the mind as well. By practicing Sun Salutation, we learn to expand our awareness of the body and the energies whirling in it. One can enjoy detox and slimming benefits with a regular practice of this sequence.
11:30 to 12:20 – Kids Yoga
Open to children from 3 years old onwards
This class has a specially developed sequence of yoga postures for children, which are taught in a playful environment that encourages them to use their natural flexibility. The class has been designed to help improve children’s health, concentration, memory, and confidence, as well as enhance their mind-body coordination and performance in other sports.
12:30 to 13:20 – Partner Yoga
Bring your yoga buddy or we will partner you up
Partner Yoga is becoming popular due to its fun and engaging nature. It helps build trust and confidence between partners, families, friends, and colleagues.
This class is open to all levels. If you would like to join but do not have a partner, as we will pair you up with someone in the class! Each partner pay a mat fee
13:30 to 14:20 – Yin Yoga
Open to all levels
Most forms of yoga practiced today are Yang, they emphasize muscular movement and contraction. By contrast, Yin Yoga targets the connective tissue of the hips, pelvis and lower spine. Yin postures are held for a couple of minutes. The intention of Yin Yoga is to stimulate circulation in less flexible areas, typically in the joints closest to the core of the body: the hips, lower back, and sacrum area. By increasing circulation, Yin Yoga encourages energy flow in the body.
14:30 to 15:20 – Back care Yoga
Open to all levels
This class involves a sequence of yoga postures and alignment techniques that strengthen back muscles and help attain a proper posture, preventing and resolving back problems. The class is specifically designed for traveler and executives who spend long hours sitting in one position and are prone to lower back pain and stiffness.
15:30 to 16:20 – Upside Down
Open to all levels
This class is for those who are interested in learning the basics of upside-down postures. The instructor will be incorporating techniques and preparations that bring in the strength and stability required for inverted poses. Whether you are beginner without experience in inversions or a veteran practitioner in search for a breakthrough in your practice, this class offers a great opportunity and venue for you to further your journey in Inverted poses. Tips and techniques in inversion basics, as well as approaches to many different variations, will be covered in this class.
16:30 to 17:30 – Kirtan and Closing
This event is open to all (complimentary)
Kirtan is the art of group chanting in the musical tradition of India. The lyrics are usually in Sanskrit or Hindi. A beautiful voice is not essential to Kirtan but more about singing from the heart. Simply listening attentively to the music may uplift, inspire and even heal the listener to some degree.
Join us and sing from the heart.