Cecilia E.L Mendy
The International Day of Yoga will be celebrated in The Gambia on 21 June 2026 under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, organisers have said.
The event is being organised by the Indian Social and Cultural Association (ISCA) in collaboration with the Embassy of India in Dakar and the Honorary Consulate Office in The Gambia. It will be held at the MRC grounds, following a pre-yoga session at Maya’s Yoga Studio in Senegambia.
ISCA Vice President Anu Amruth said the theme highlights the long-term benefits of yoga in supporting physical mobility, joint health, and overall wellbeing, particularly as people age.
She said yoga remains a form of exercise that can be sustained throughout life, adding that it also supports mental health, stress management, and general wellness.
Amruth noted that International Day of Yoga is observed globally on 21 June each year, with the Government of India promoting the practice through its embassies and cultural missions worldwide.
ISCA Treasurer Deeana Rajwani said the annual celebration has been held for about a decade in The Gambia, with support from the Indian Embassy in Dakar and participation from both the Indian community and Gambians.
She said this year’s event at the MRC grounds will be free and open to the public, adding that yoga is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels.
Rajwani said the focus on healthy ageing aims to encourage wider participation in physical activity and promote wellness across all age groups.
Founder of Maya’s Yoga Studio, Maya, said her initiative was driven by a passion for yoga and its health benefits, adding that she hopes to see the practice become more popular in The Gambia.
She said yoga should be embraced as a daily wellness activity, noting its benefits in reducing stress and improving mental clarity.
Maya also called for the inclusion of yoga in school programmes, suggesting short sessions during breaks or physical education classes to help students adopt healthier lifestyles.
She encouraged wider community participation in the upcoming celebration, saying the event aims to promote health, wellbeing, and unity through yoga.