On June 21 the world will have a reason to unite and humble itself. We can find it in the International Day of Yoga – the ancient practice and teaching that focuses on the unity of body, mind and spirit. The United Nations officially declared 21 June as the International Day of Yoga back in 2014. The choice of the date is not accidental at all – it is the day of the summer solstice. In Yoga traditions, the solstice symbolizes the balance between light and darkness, which makes it an ideal moment for inner peace and vitality.

For the 11th consecutive year, millions of people – from the bustling streets of New York to the shores of Bali, will take part in joint yoga sessions, workshops and meditations.

"Yoga is the most ancient healing system, the most ancient form of psychology and our main task is to translate the ancient language of yoga into the modern language of science," Dr. Stefan Ilchev, Chairman of the Bulgarian Yoga Therapy Association said in a conversation with Petya Kalnakova for the "Radio Sofia" program of the Bulgarian National Radio.

"When is the time for yoga? When we experience symptoms of chronic stress. And what are they? These are fatigue, heaviness in the body, chronic pain, reduced endurance in daily work, negative thoughts and depressive states, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia, etc. These are all harbingers of approaching chronic diseases. So, when we experience such a state, it is high time to turn to yoga as a healing system," Dr. Stefan Ilchev says.

Yoga in Bulgaria: A Growing Tradition

June 21 is becoming an increasingly important event for the Bulgarian yoga community. This is also seen in the program of the International Day of Yoga, which this year includes a number of initiatives organized throughout the month of June in nearly 40 settlements in this country. The motto this year is "Yoga for One Earth, One Health", which emphasizes the deep interrelationship between individual well-being and the health of our planet.

The main event of the program is planned for June 21 in the National Palace of Culture from 10:00 to 18:00. The celebration in Sofia will be opened personally by Ambassador of India H.E. Arun Kumar Sahu. Throughout the day, scholars-practitioners, graduates of various yoga schools, will give lectures on various topics concerning the essence of yoga. Stands with specialized literature, vegetarian and Indian food and souvenirs will be located in the lobby in front of the hall and in the open spaces of the National Palace of Culture. Certified teachers will demonstrate practices in which anyone can participate and try to achieve inner peace and harmony. On Sunday, June 22, at Sofia's Alexander Nevski Square from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, a Common Yoga Protocol will be held.

Traditionally, the International Day of Yoga is also marked in other cities in Bulgaria, such as Plovdiv, Pazardzhik, Svilengrad, Burgas, Varna, Ruse, Veliko Tarnovo, Gabrovo, Pleven, Pernik, Kyustendil, Gotse Delchev, etc. All events are free and open to anyone who wishes to discover the spiritual through their body.

Editor: Vesela Krasteva

Publication in English: Al. Markov

Photos: BTA, freepik.com, yogabg.com, pexels.com, time.com