What I learnt from joining hundreds at International Yoga Day celebration in Nairobi
At exactly 7:45 am, the programme commenced with welcome remarks and a brief but insightful history of yoga. One speaker explained that yoga derives from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’, meaning to join or unite — a reference to the union of mind, body, and soul.
This morning, I had the pleasure of attending the 11th International Day of Yoga, held at the Sikh Union Club along Forest Road, Nairobi. The event was organised by the High Commission of India in Kenya in collaboration with the Hindu Council of Kenya and several other partners.
This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” brought together people from all walks of life in a vibrant celebration of wellness, unity, and mindfulness.
I was up by 6:00 am. As an introvert who usually practises yoga at home, attending such a public gathering was well outside my comfort zone. But my restless spirit, and a nudge from my friend Edwin Michieka, founder of Diplomats for Health in Resilient Community (DFHRC), who had shared details of the event earlier in the week, gave me the push I needed.
By 6:50 am, I had arrived at the Sikh Union Club, greeted by a calm, sunlit morning- the perfect weather for an open-air yoga session.
A long queue had already formed at the entrance, comprising men, women, children, and even elderly participants. The oldest being 70 years old and the youngest around 10 years old. Kenyans from all backgrounds, Indians, and Sikhs in their distinct turbans all gathered there.
Participants attended the 11th International Day of Yoga, held at the Sikh Union Club along Forest Road, Nairobi. (Photo: Margaret Wanjiru)
The event was free and inclusive. Each participant received a blue yoga mat, a commemorative T-shirt, and bottled water. Some people arrived by car, others on foot.
At exactly 7:45 am, the programme commenced with welcome remarks and a brief but insightful history of yoga. One speaker explained that yoga derives from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’, meaning to join or unite — a reference to the union of mind, body, and soul.
More than a series of physical postures, yoga is a holistic life practice. It originated over 5,000 years ago in ancient India, rooted in the Vedic tradition and later codified in texts like The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
As a discipline, yoga combines asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), dhyana (meditation), and ethical principles such as ahimsa (non-violence) and satya (truth), offering a path not only to physical wellness but also to mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual growth.
Yoga, traditionally, was practised as a means of calming the fluctuations of the mind, thereby fostering deeper self-awareness and union with higher consciousness.
Modern science now increasingly validates these ancient teachings. Studies show that regular yoga practice can reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, improve immunity, and enhance cognitive function. It is also used as a complementary therapy for anxiety, depression, PTSD, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
Yoga is not a religion
Speakers stressed that yoga is not a religion, but rather a science of well-being, a discipline that harmonises body, mind, and spirit. It offers a framework for physical fitness, mental clarity, emotional stability, and resilience against modern lifestyle ailments.
“A point I wish more Kenyans understood is that yoga isn't about religious beliefs unless one chooses to explore it that way. At its heart, it’s about being present with your body and mind, focusing on breath, posture, and awareness,” said Michieka.
He emphasised that yoga is a form of self-care, a powerful tool for preventative health, and adaptable for all ages and fitness levels.
They also clarified that asanas are not merely stretches, but specific postures that target internal organs, improve digestion, reduce anxiety, or help regulate blood pressure. Even seemingly simple poses such as Tadasana (Mountain Pose) or Vrikshasana (Tree Pose) are about grounding the mind while energising the body.
Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, shared her yoga journey, which began in 2023. She credited the practice for giving her the mental clarity needed to navigate the demands of public service and spoke passionately about its role in combating lifestyle diseases and promoting wellness tourism in Kenya’s natural landscapes.
"I'm inviting both Kenyans and international visitors to explore Kenya’s serene environments for yoga retreats and wellness getaways," she said.
Participants attended the 11th International Day of Yoga, held at the Sikh Union Club along Forest Road, Nairobi. (Photo: Margaret Wanjiru)
We then moved into the main yoga session — a guided practice led by highly experienced instructors stationed at the front, middle, and rear of the expansive grassy field.
These instructors were not just demonstrators; they were attentive facilitators, moving around to offer corrections, adjustments, and encouragement. Their calm yet authoritative energy helped create a nurturing and focused environment.
At intervals, they paused to explain the benefits of each pose, how to breathe properly, and how each movement enhanced both physical and mental health.
Even first-timers were able to follow with ease, while seasoned practitioners found opportunities to deepen their practice. The instructors — graceful, poised, and reassuring — encouraged everyone to stay present, breathe deeply, and let the outside world fall away, if only for a moment.
From the energising stretch of Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) to the rooted balance of Vrikshasana and the complete surrender of Savasana (Corpse Pose), each sequence was designed to restore, strengthen, and centre both body and mind.
What struck me most was the inclusivity. Whether seated at the front or the back, participants were supported. Elderly attendees and beginners were encouraged to modify poses or rest when needed.
Personal connections
One of the most memorable moments for me was meeting Shelly Okeno, a 27-year-old yoga enthusiast who had placed her mat beside mine. She shared that yoga had become a cherished personal practice, particularly helpful for her mental health during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Yoga allows me to connect with myself before I face the world or decompress before I sleep,” she said.
Her story reminded me that yoga is not just about flexibility or fitness — it’s about connection, resilience, and healing.
After the session, participants mingled, enjoyed complimentary snacks, and took group photos in front of the event’s vibrant backdrop. The event began to wind down around 9:45 am, though many lingered, basking in the sunlight and shared energy.
As someone who almost didn’t attend, I’m immensely grateful I did. This experience reaffirmed that sometimes, stepping outside your comfort zone leads you directly to the moments your soul has been quietly yearning for.
I returned home not just with a free yoga mat and T-shirt, but with a heart full of gratitude, a quieter mind, and a renewed commitment to my yoga journey.
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