Stretch, sweat and soothe

Sangeet Natak Akademi is organising a multi-dimensional festival titled Yog <g data-gr-id="36">Parv</g> on June 21, announced by UN General Assembly as International Yoga Day. The festival highlights the essence, philosophy and virtues of yoga for spiritual uplifting, healing and holistic development that influences all aspects of life — physical, mental and spiritual through partaking and direct public participation in various events. 

The festival encompasses over 300 selected works of art, dance and music performances, workshops, and other presentations by 150 plus <g data-gr-id="31">artistes</g> from across India and overseas.

“Yuj — to unite is the root word for yoga. Performing arts is understood in the context of Yoga as <g data-gr-id="44">Naad</g> yoga, Asanas, Mudras, Pranayam, Bandhas, Kriyas and Dhyana (meditation). In both <g data-gr-id="47">disciplines</g> the practice combines physical exercise, has meditative and spiritual pursuits that connect humanity. 

Yog Parva is a festival to celebrate the International Day of Yoga by presenting performing and visual arts, wellness <g data-gr-id="45">haat</g>, organic cafe and many other activities to spread the value of Yoga,” says Helen Acharya, secretary, Sangeet Natak Akademi. 

The exhibition Yoga Chakra – Tradition and Modernity, will highlight an <g data-gr-id="41">all encompassing</g> philosophy of <g data-gr-id="42">life sustaining</g> practices across ages, cultures and continents for meditation and stress relief. It will showcase illustrated manuscripts, paintings, photographs, books, interactive installations, digital work, and films. 

The other aspects of the festival that is integral to the concept of yoga include dance performances, music concerts, theater, lecture demonstrations, discourses, talks, workshops, meditation sessions, consultations with Yoga experts as well as an interactive arena to experience a host of herbal remedies and organic cuisine from across the country. 

Other institutions like — National Museum New Delhi, Indira Gandhi National Centre for Art New Delhi, Lalit Kala <g data-gr-id="37">Akademy</g> New Delhi, Indian Museum Kolkata, Allahabad Museum will be highlighting the importance of this traditional Indian practice that is more than 5000 years old. The best of <g data-gr-id="38">art works</g> that bring out the essence of the spirit of Yoga will be showcased. 

“The act of creating art itself is a yogic practice for the <g data-gr-id="40">artistes</g> and the <g data-gr-id="39">rasikas</g> reflected in the vast corpus of visual arts. The project focuses on the philosophy and dynamics of Yoga, as a way of life, for an interface between mind, body and soul that continue to engage artists across cultures and eras,” says Sushma K Bahl (curator cultural projects).

The exhibition will provide a wholesome experience to visitors giving them an opportunity to feel and understand the concept of Yoga as it is practiced today, encompassing the traditional within the contemporary context of modern lifestyles. 

The festival will be a celebration for enhancing our lifestyle by providing focus on how to improve our wellness and good health through different aspects of Yoga. So mark your <g data-gr-id="30">calender</g> and head over!