Global unity celebrated at Maropeng on International Yoga Day
Image: Supplied
IN a powerful fusion of ancient tradition and human heritage, thousands gathered at the Cradle of Humankind last Saturday to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) under the theme 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health'.
The event, hosted by the Consulate General of India in Johannesburg, took place at Maropeng, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds the fossils of humanity's earliest ancestors — a symbolic backdrop for a practice that bridges millennia.
This year's theme underscored the urgent connection between personal well-being and planetary health, echoing the site's message of shared human ancestry. 'Yoga is not just exercise — it's a discipline that unites mind, body, and environment,' said a Consulate spokesperson. 'Where better to celebrate this than at the birthplace of humanity itself?'
Maropeng, meaning 'returning to the place of origin' in Setswana, is home to fossils dating back millions of years. By hosting the event here, organisers aim to merge India's 5 000-year-old yogic tradition with Africa's narrative of human evolution — a bold statement on unity in a fractured world.
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The mass yoga session, led by expert instructors, will be open to all, regardless of age or experience. But the day goes beyond physical postures. 'This is about reconnecting with ourselves, each other, and the Earth,' said one organiser. Amid rising global tensions and environmental crises, the event pushes yoga as a tool for inner peace, social cohesion, and ecological consciousness.
The choice of Maropeng is no coincidence. As climate disasters escalate and conflicts divide nations, the IDY celebration positions yoga as an antidote to modern fragmentation. 'We're all from the same origin,' said a local participant. 'Yoga reminds us of that bond.'
The Consulate has called on community groups, wellness advocates, and the public to take part in what promises to be a historic gathering. As the sun rises over the Cradle of Humankind, attendees will stretch, breathe, and meditate — not just as individuals, but as part of a collective journey toward healing, balance, and a healthier planet.
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IOL News
24-06-2025
- IOL News
Global unity celebrated at Maropeng on International Yoga Day
IN a powerful fusion of ancient tradition and human heritage, thousands gathered at the Cradle of Humankind last Saturday to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga. Image: Supplied IN a powerful fusion of ancient tradition and human heritage, thousands gathered at the Cradle of Humankind last Saturday to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) under the theme 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health'. The event, hosted by the Consulate General of India in Johannesburg, took place at Maropeng, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds the fossils of humanity's earliest ancestors — a symbolic backdrop for a practice that bridges millennia. This year's theme underscored the urgent connection between personal well-being and planetary health, echoing the site's message of shared human ancestry. 'Yoga is not just exercise — it's a discipline that unites mind, body, and environment,' said a Consulate spokesperson. 'Where better to celebrate this than at the birthplace of humanity itself?' Maropeng, meaning 'returning to the place of origin' in Setswana, is home to fossils dating back millions of years. By hosting the event here, organisers aim to merge India's 5 000-year-old yogic tradition with Africa's narrative of human evolution — a bold statement on unity in a fractured world. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The mass yoga session, led by expert instructors, will be open to all, regardless of age or experience. But the day goes beyond physical postures. 'This is about reconnecting with ourselves, each other, and the Earth,' said one organiser. Amid rising global tensions and environmental crises, the event pushes yoga as a tool for inner peace, social cohesion, and ecological consciousness. The choice of Maropeng is no coincidence. As climate disasters escalate and conflicts divide nations, the IDY celebration positions yoga as an antidote to modern fragmentation. 'We're all from the same origin,' said a local participant. 'Yoga reminds us of that bond.' The Consulate has called on community groups, wellness advocates, and the public to take part in what promises to be a historic gathering. As the sun rises over the Cradle of Humankind, attendees will stretch, breathe, and meditate — not just as individuals, but as part of a collective journey toward healing, balance, and a healthier planet.
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Presley Chweneyagae: Mourners gathered at Mmabatho like they did in 2018 for HHP
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IOL News
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Join the celebration: A special yoga event for seniors in Durban on International Yoga Day
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