For the 7^th consecutive year, the world celebrates International Yoga Day. The official date is June 21, but events dedicated to the holiday usually start days before. As in 2020, it will be celebrated at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic continues to change the lives and livelihoods of people worldwide, we read on the UN website. Emphasizing the damage to physical and mental health, this year's celebration of International Yoga Day focuses on "Yoga for Prosperity" - how yoga practice can improve the overall health of each of us.

In Bulgaria and in different countries around the world a few days ago mass yoga practices were held outdoors and online.

The central event in Bulgaria will be held on June 20, between 16:30 and 20:30. The place chosen by the organizers is the space in front of the National Palace of Culture in Sofia. Presentations, practices in hatha yoga, pranayama, relaxation, etc. are provided.

The International Day of Yoga has been celebrated in other towns and cities in Bulgaria since 2015, when the Plovdiv Cultural Institute spontaneously joined and began to organize a synchronous celebration there. This example is followed by schools and yoga practitioners in a number of other cities - Svilengrad, Burgas, Varna, Ruse, Veliko Tarnovo, Gabrovo and Pernik. Over the years, the number of participating cities has increased, and some villages have joined. This year the holiday is celebrated in 43 settlements, in compliance with all anti-epidemic measures.

The celebrations of the International Yoga Day in Bulgaria are held under the patronage of the Ambassador of the Republic of India HE Mr. Sanjay Rana. The event is organized by the Embassy of the Republic of India in cooperation and with the direct participation of a number of governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Written by Albena Bezovska

English Rositsa Petcova