International Day of Yoga 2019: Events in London

Established in 2015, International Day of Yoga is celebrated on the 21st June each year. In the Northern Hemisphere, this is the longest day of the year and the day of Summer Solstice; because of this, the date has special significance in yogic tradition. And so, on Friday 21st June this year, yogis around the world will put on their yoga caps and gather together to celebrate yoga. In this article, we explore some of the International Day of Yoga events in London.

Sri Sri Yoga Yogathon – The Sun Never Sets

10:00 am

Potters Fields Park, Tower Bridge Rd,
London SE1 2AA

The first event on the list is the Sri Sri Yoga Yogathon. Titled ‘The Sun Never Sets’, the unique event depicts the timelessness of yoga. Just like the sun, yoga is an ancient yet ever-changing concept, spreading light and hope to all that walk its path.

During the Yogathon, yogis will aim to complete 108 rounds of Sun Salutations. For those that don’t know, Sun Salutations are a series of 12 yoga poses designed to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. The powerful yoga poses deliver a wholesome workout to develop physique, muscle strength and reflexes. Additionally, research shows that Sun Salutations also benefit the mind. Some of the renowned benefits include improved confidence and concentration and also lowered anxiety and stress.

Dogs Raise a Paw for Kindness

6:30 pm

The Curtain
45 Curtain Road
London
EC2A 3PT

Interestingly, it’s not only humans that can benefit from yoga! Known as Doga, dog yoga classes can be found in most major cities. If you want to celebrate International Day of Yoga with your furry friend, this is the event for you.

Dogs Raise a Paw for Kindness is not only a time to celebrate yoga, but also a time to give gratitude for the unconditional love and companionship of our dogs. During the event, yogis and their dogs will aim to raise £50k for animal protection overseas. With the hashtag #WeDogaForLove, the event will take place in 9 participating countries. In London, there are two sessions to choose from: The Standard Doga Session and the VIP Doga Experience. The former includes a 1-hour Doga session with instructor Mahny Djahanguiri. Practitioners are asked to arrive at 6 pm for a 6:30 pm start. The VIP Doga Experience runs from 8 pm till 9 pm and includes a 1-hour Doga session, a glass of Verve Cliquot Champagne and one raffle ticket. Practitioners should arrive at 7:45 pm for an 8 pm start. While you’re welcome to bring your dog along, you do not need a dog to participate. If you do choose to bring your furry friend, make sure that he’s vaccinated and neutered before the event.

Indian Traditional Sciences iYoga Workshop

4:00pm

Victoria Tower Gardens
Millbank
London
SW1P 3JA

The All Party Parliamentary Group – Indian Traditional Sciences, will celebrate International Day of Yoga in the centre of Westminster. Titled ‘iYoga’, the program will include a number of different yoga teachers and guru’s, each sharing a piece of their practice and knowledge. The event begins at 4:00 pm and runs for 4 hours, coming to a close as the sun sets over the Houses of Parliament.

Kanan Yoga Bliss Session – Light Your Inner Bliss

6:30 pm

John Lewis Westfield London
Ariel Way
London
W12 7GF

If dynamic movement isn’t your thing, you may prefer the Kanan Yoga Bliss Session. Titled ‘Light Your Inner Bliss’, the event is based around Yoga Nidra and held in the Discovery Room of John Lewis Westfield London. Designed as a pure form of relaxation, Yoga Nidra is a powerful and transformative yoga style. Research suggests that one session is the equivalent of 2 hours of deep sleep. As space is limited, there are only ten spots available for each session. To avoid disappointment, we advise booking your place prior to the event. Yoga mats will be provided by John Lewis, so all you need to bring is a blanket, an eye mask, and some loose comfortable clothing.

APPG International Day of Yoga Symposium

6:30 pm

8, South Audley Street
London
W1K 1HF

APPG International Day of Yoga Symposium is designed to further the understanding of yoga as an approach to aid health, pain, disease management, and holistic well-being. According to recent studies, yoga can complement conventional medical treatment, particularly non-communicable and psychosomatic diseases. During the event, speakers will discuss the benefits of yoga in preventative health and wellness, mental stress and associated disorders, and pain and disease management. A number of medical experts will present their research on the benefits of the practice and explain how it can be used to achieve health, happiness, and life balance.

Maha Om Chanting London

7:30 pm

Hugh Cubitt Centre
48 Collier St
London
N1 9QZ

The final pick on the list is Maha Om Chanting. Open to all ages, the event focusses on Om Chanting circles and their benefits. Om Chanting circles are done using a special combination of seating in concentric circles, conscious chanting of Om, and the presence of a Chanting Organiser. Practitioners are encouraged to bring bottles of water into the circle to be transformed with the same energy. After the session, these can be taken away as healing water. According to yogic texts, Om is the highest sound or vibration and the source of all other sounds. As illness is believed to be an imbalance in the body’s vibration, Om Chanting is often used to heal the body. While there is little scientific evidence to support this, many people have had powerful experiences during Om Chanting circles.

In Summary

Whether you’re interested in a canine filled Doga session or you’d prefer to try Om Chanting, the International Day of Yoga events in London have something for everyone. Before heading out for the day, remember to pack your yoga bag with some light snacks and a fresh bottle of water. This will keep you hydrated and energised as you celebrate the holistic practice.