Azernews.Az

By Laman Ismayilova

Nowadays yoga is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow as a sport and a lifestyle.

The International Yoga Day is celebrated annually on June 21 and was declared to be internationally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December 11, 2014.

The day is observed in many countries, including Azerbaijan.

A master class of Indian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Sanjay Rana was held in the territory of Yanar Dag, a mountain burning on natural gas, located approximately 27 km north of Baku.

The event was organized by The Art of Living, Trend Life reported.

Yanar Dag is a natural gas fire which blazes continuously. Flames jet into the air 3 metres (9.8 ft) from a thin, porous sandstone layer. Unlike mud volcanoes, which are widespread in Azerbaijan, there is no seepage of mud or liquid at Yanar Dag and its flame burns steadily.

Many legends are associated with Mount Yanardag. Since ancient times, fire worshipers from India and Iran have gathered in these places. In the 13th century, Italian traveler Marco Polo witnessed natural flames in a mysterious fire temple.

Azerbaijan's celebrities, dancer Oksana Rasulova and poet Zahra Badalbeyli who have been fond of yoga for many years also attended the event.

"It is a unique day, created to unite hundreds of people with the single goal of being healthy, strong, energetic and happy. Yoga provides harmony of thoughts and actions, demonstrating a holistic approach to human health and well-being," said Oksana Rasulova.

"Life is full of many interesting things. And you have to be healthy in order to see and experience everything, feel and understand it. Healthy mind in a healthy body. This is the main thing that yoga gives us. It is very deep and multilayer. You may not go into its philosophy, but while practicing yoga headache, back pain, arrhythmia and various diseases would go away. Just look at everything soberly, and not through an imposed veil. Balance and harmony are necessary for everyone and yoga is the most pleasant way for it!" said Zahra Badalbeyli.

Yoga is a series of exercises that combines physical, mental, and spiritual practice.

The origins of Yoga may date back to pre-vedic Indian traditions.

The word itself is derived from Sanscrit and means to join or unite.

Traditional yoga has a meditative and spiritual core in addition to the physical exercises.

It combines physical poses, controlled breathing, and meditation or relaxation. Yoga may help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and lower your heart rate.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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