Finding Balance in Kadriorg: World Yoga Day with the Indian Embassy
Some of the most beautiful moments come when we simply show up and participate in something larger than ourselves. World Yoga Day, organized by the Embassy of India in Estonia, was one of those moments.
The journey actually began a few days before the main event, when we gathered at the Embassy hall for a special chair yoga session. In a world where most of us spend hours hunched over desks and laptops, this choice felt incredibly thoughtful. Chair yoga – accessible, practical, and perfect for the realities of modern working life. We learned stretches and poses we could actually incorporate into our daily routines, movements that counteract all those hours of sitting. It was a reminder that wellness doesn't always require grand gestures; sometimes it's about small, sustainable practices that fit into our real lives.
Among us was Lipsa Panda, one of our IEWS members whose dedication to yoga inspires the rest of us who prefer a little extra sleep. She wakes up at 5 AM every single day to practice yoga – a commitment that speaks to how deeply this ancient practice has become part of her life. For those of us who hit the snooze button more than once, her discipline is a gentle reminder that everyone finds their own path to wellness, in their own time and rhythm.
Then came the main celebration in Kadriorg. If you've ever been to Kadriorg Park, you know there's something inherently peaceful about those gardens. Historic, beautiful, and somehow removed from the bustle of the city even though you're right in the heart of Tallinn. It was the perfect setting for what yoga is truly about – finding stillness, connecting with your breath, and being present.
Practicing yoga outdoors, surrounded by greenery and the sounds of nature, felt worlds away from a typical fitness class. The grass beneath our mats, the breeze moving through the trees, the collective energy of people from different backgrounds all moving together – it reminded us that yoga transcends cultural boundaries. It's a practice India has gifted to the world, and here we were in Estonia, embodying that universal connection.
What struck us most was the diversity of people who showed up. Young and old, Indian and Estonian, seasoned yogis like Lipsa and complete beginners – everyone was welcome, everyone belonged. That's the essence of what both yoga and IEWS stand for: creating spaces where differences fade and our shared humanity shines through.
We're grateful to the Embassy of India for organizing such a meaningful celebration and for reminding us that integration happens not just through big events, but through these quiet moments of shared practice and mutual respect.
