Yoga fever grips China ahead of International Yoga Day
Yoga fever today gripped China ahead of the third International Day of Yoga as thousands of enthusiasts performed ‘asanas’ in the Communist nation where scores of events have been lined up to organise the second biggest celebrations of the day in the world after India.
Though yoga, which originated in India, has become immensely popular over the years in China vying with ancient indigenous physical fitness martial art form Tai Chi, it got an official sanction when Chinese Premier Li Keqiang joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi here in 2015 at a joint event during the latter’s visit. China also backed India’s move in the UN to make June 21 as International Yoga Day, giving a fillip to hundreds of yoga clubs and organisations.
Beijing’s iconic Great Wall as well as numerous parks, lakes and resorts across China have become venues for the both official and unofficial yoga events being held with active support of the Chinese government. A first yoga college has come up outside India with joint collaboration of India and China in Yunnan Minzu (Nationalities) University in Kunming, which has also lined up several yoga events.
“Since UN declared yoga day, June 21 has become a yoga festival day in all …read more