Yoga gets a Dubai twist with Baba Ramdev

Dubai World Trade Centre became the centre of attraction for the fitness enthusiasts across the city on Saturday with Indian Consulate hosting Yoga Day, a celebration of health, happiness and harmony.
Being Saturday an off day for many residents, it became easier for them to attend the initiative hosted in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council.
Around 6pm, people started walking in and soon the whole venue was packed with more than 20,000 attendees. Approximately 600 volunteers from SOTS (Service of the Society), Rajayoga Centre and Bharat Thakur Artistic Yoga Centre were present to manage the crowd. The entry was restricted to people with the verified registration cards and VIP cards. First session of Yoga started at 7.30pm in Hall numbers 1,2,3 and 4 and second session was reserved in hall numbers 5,6,7 and 8 for the Muslim attendees who joined after Iftar.
People from different nationalities, religions and age groups were present to learn the yoga techniques from the epitome of the practice, Baba Ramdev.
Dona, a Sri Lankan national, said: "This is the second time I am coming to attend the yoga event with my husband. We are practising yoga since 2011 and are very excited to be a part of such a healthy movement."
Vivek, who walked in with his two little daughters, explained how yoga has become a part of his family's routine affair. He also elaborated how his six-year-old daughter Heer teaches yoga to her younger sister Hetavi, who will be soon completing four years.
Jacky, a wellness professional from Philippines, was attending a yoga event for the first time. "I came here on reference of a friend; it's an amazing way to get fit. I will definitely start following it now onwards," she said.
Shahnawaz, who was a volunteer, highlighted yoga is the best form of exercise. "I am practising this for many years but as a volunteer I am attending it for the first time. Despite being a Muslim, I practise it because it never stopped me to follow my religion."
The event was also attended by Apparel group CEO Nilesh Ved, Cosmos Group chairman Ram Buxani, Nikai Group chairman Paras Shradhapuri and other major businessmen. Primary and secondary grade students from Indian High School came to learn the lessons of Yoga. Members of 'Kevala' group, which specialises in Kriya Yoga, came to explore more about the practice. Silvia, a member of the group, said: "I am a follower of Kriya Yoga for five years and came here to specially learn more about the practice. Baba Ramdev is here and what more one can ask for. I am looking forward to meet him."
Baba's Yoga Mantra
Yoga Guru shared some quick tips for the professionals who can practise while driving a car or sitting in the office. He suggested breathing exercise is the best for those who cannot spare much time for the practice. He also called for making yoga a routine affair.
Baba Ramdev visited Burj khalifa before heading for the yoga event. He also admired Dubai, saying, "I came here in 2009. But now, the city is completely changed. This place has always been beautiful and is enhanced now. I am happy to be a part of the movement."
On Bollywood and Baba's connection, he said that he has taught yoga to Bollywood legends such as Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Amitabh Bachchan and now Salman Khan has also become my fan - he is good chap.
ankita@khaleejtimes.com

Thousands of residents who turned up at the world trade Centre to mark international yoga Day exercised as one as they emulated the different yoga poses at the event. — Photos by Rahul Gajjar