International Yoga Day celebrations 2018 in the Netherlands kicks off in Amsterdam

The largest ever celebration of International Yoga Day in the Netherlands organized at the initiative of the Embassy of India has kicked off in the prestigious Museumplein of Amsterdam this morning of June 17. Several thousands have assembled in this museum square to experience the whole day wellness festival.  A large number of Dutch and Indian dignitaries are also participating.

The Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Ms. Cora van Nieuwenhuizen; spiritual guru His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar; and Mr. Venu Rajamony, Ambassador of India to the Netherlands inaugurated the event with the traditional lighting of the lamp. 

A group session of traditional Indian yoga was followed by a talk and meditation session led by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.  Later in the day the yoga demonstrations will be interspersed with cultural programs of Indian dance and music.  Well known Dutch yoga teacher, Johan Noorloos of The New Yoga School, Amsterdam will conduct a workshop followed by Patty Jogenmaets of Dolfijn Wellness Amsterdam who will lead a special family yoga session for parents and children. 

Food trucks providing vegetarian and vegan food and non-alcoholic beverages are all set to cater to the bustling visitors throughout the day. At the promotional stall of the Tea Board of India, guests will have the opportunity to taste different types of India tea – Darjeeling, Assam, Sikkim & Nilgiris. Jet Airways will have a raffle for two return tickets from Amsterdam to one of their destinations in India.  

The grand finale in the evening will be a music concert called “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.  This year it is an al fresco event in Museumplein, Amsterdam, which is the museum quarter and the cultural hub of the city.