Netherlands celebrates 'Yoga Day' with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Just a few days ahead of the International Yoga Day, hundreds of yoga enthusiasts took to mats and stretched, bent and twisted their bodies in multiple complex postures at an event in the Netherlands on Sunday.

Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and Ambassador of India to the Netherlands Venu Rajamony inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp.

The event was organised by the Indian embassy at the Netherlands Museumplein of Amsterdam. A large crowd, including Dutch and Indian dignitaries, gathered at the museum square to experience the wellness festival.

Further, a group yoga session was conducted that was followed by a talk and meditation session led by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Later, cultural programs were held showcasing Indian dance forms and musical sessions.

Dutch-based yoga teacher Johan Noorloos of The New Yoga School conducted a workshop followed by a special family yoga session by Patty Jogenmaets of Dolfin Wellness centre. The session was attended by both parents and their children.

A number of food trucks, stationed at the event, provided both vegetarian and vegan food, and non-alcoholic beverages to the attendees.

The event concluded with a musical gig named 'the Soul Shanti Concert,' featuring violin maestro Dr L. Subramaniam and Bollywood playback singer Kavita Krishnamurthy.

International Yoga Day has been celebrated every year from 2015-2017 at the Atrium of the City Hall of the Hague with around 1000 people participating.