Christchurch celebrated International Yoga Day on Saturday, 24 June, with two sessions held at Te Hapua: Halswell Centre. The event was organised by Bhartiya Samaj Canterbury and Canterbury Indian Women Group in association with the High Commission of India in Wellington.
The organisers had invited two Yoga specialists to conduct the two sessions.
The event started at 10:30 in the morning with a welcome and brief introduction by Surinder Tandon, president of Bhartiya Samaj Canterbury.
The first session was led by Dr Padmavati Maharana, a yoga instructor with over 10 years of experience. Dr Maharana has a post-graduate diploma in Yoga therapy and a PhD in Yoga titled Effect of Integrated Yoga Module on Leadership Development. She currently runs her studio in Rangiora, offering classes to the people of North Canterbury.
The session began with some basic asanas or yoga poses, such as the sun salutation and mountain pose. Dressed in a saree, Dr Maharana demonstrated each pose and provided background information on its benefits. She also led the class in breathing exercises, explaining the importance of proper breathing in yoga.
The class then moved on to more challenging poses, such as the warrior pose and the bridge pose. Dr Maharana offered modifications for these poses so that everyone could participate, regardless of their fitness level.
Marzi, a Yoga Alliance-qualified yoga teacher, conducted the second session.
Marzi, originally from Iran, was introduced to yoga's transformative power at the young age of 19. In 2013, she relocated to New Zealand to pursue a Ph.D. in Medical Imaging. Following the submission of her thesis, Marzi decided to teach yoga alongside her professional career.
She runs her Christchurch-based studio, Yoga Alignment, and offers rejuvenating yoga retreats and online yoga sessions, catering to individuals seeking balance and wellness in the physical body, mind and heart.
Marzi began the session by acknowledging attendees' participation in Yoga International Day.
"The international day of yoga is a precious time to quite the mind chatters just for some moments to be aware of your body, your temple, your vehicle, your mind and your heart. It is the right time to set a regular plan to remind yourself to lubricate your joints, light up your nerves, balance your chemicals and hormones and freshen your mind. This leads you to feel unification and allows you to settle in your heart and connect to where you came from. So get ready to take the first step on this mindful path, a journey from you to you," Marzi said.
She then spoke about the anatomy and physiology of the physical body and how yoga can heal and strengthen various body joints and muscles. Her explanation was clear and easy to understand for a wide range of audiences. This was very informative for attendees and they enjoyed understanding the medical and biomedical impact of yoga on their bodies. She then led the class through a series of asanas, focusing on poses that promote mobility, flexibility and balance.
The sessions were well appreciated by the attendees- many of whom were beginners, keen to learn more about yoga and its benefits. Some were more experienced and looking for a new challenge. The event was a great opportunity for community members to come together and share their love of yoga.
After the event, refreshments were served to the attendees.
Concluding the event, Tandon, said, "It was good to see so many community members keen to take up yoga for improving their health and well-being. It is heartening to see that members of different communities, irrespective of culture and faith, are taking up yoga."
Archna Tandon, President of the Canterbury Indian Women Group, added, “The event was a testament to the power of Yoga, which not only promotes healing of the mind and body but also fosters social cohesion and harmony.”