Several events have been lined up across Egypt as it gears up to celebrate the third International Day of Yoga. According to India’s  Ambassador to Cairo Sanjay Bhattacharyya, this year’s celebrations will extend to Alexandria and Ismailia in addition to Cairo.

The events have been organized by the Indian Embassy in collaboration with the Egyptian government. The Ambassador said that the preparations are for spreading the message of yoga which is essentially about peace and harmony and how it promotes the universal sense of camaraderie of friendship.

This time , it is going to be special as there is a strong connection between the spirit of yoga and the spirit of Ramadan, said the Ambassador. He also said that there are plans to organize a couple of flash mobs; one at the Pyramids, one at Qasr el-Nil (downtown) and one at Tahrir Square.  Arrangements are being made to bring children from an orphanage to join in the Day of Yoga celebrations.

Squash player Nour El-Sherbini, who is ranked second worldwide has been invited as the chief guest during Alexandria’s celebration of the Yoga Day. The Ambassador explained that  Nour’s presence at the event will be a very big message from within Egypt to practice yoga.

A meeting was held on Sunday, where the focus was laid on different aspects of Yoga and how it unifies all facets of the individual – body, mind and soul- to achieve a balanced life. Eminent speakers and practitioners shared their thoughts and experiences on different aspects of Yoga and discussed the role and importance of Yoga in modern life.