Yoga festivals have become phenomenally popular across the globe, and on Friday, Abu Dhabi will play host to its first: the Happiness & Yoga Festival.
This one-day event will bring together yoga and meditation experts as well as motivational speakers from around the world.
“The festival concept is new to Abu Dhabi,” says the festival director Angela Pashayan. “So, naturally there are inherent challenges when there is no reference for people to relate to. However, I’m convinced that the capital is ready for this.”
Visitors can experience several different forms of yoga, including vinyasa flow, hatha and the more challenging ashtanga, taught by leading local and international instructors.
The founder of Odaka Yoga (an innovative combination of traditional postures with martial arts and Zen), Roberto Milletti, will be giving a demonstration on Friday morning. There will also be live panel discussions plus an inspiring talk by the author, healer and motivational guru, Gloria Ramirez.
“One of the highlights will be the mass opening and closing classes, where everyone comes together, creating a powerful unifying energy,” says Pashayan.
Here are five reasons to peace out at the Happiness & Yoga Festival in Abu Dhabi.
1 Enjoy a welcoming, uplifting atmosphere. After all, the yogic mantra Om Shanti is basically a prayer of peace. Om is a Sanskrit word that is considered to be the primordial sound of the universe while shanti means peace. When chanted at the correct frequency, the soothing vibration Om Shanti is said to have healing powers.
2 You can try as many yoga classes as you like for the price of admission, so it’s an ideal opportunity to discover what style suits your personality. Some forms are more up-tempo, rigorous and structured, whereas others place more emphasis on pranayama (breathing techniques) and deliver on an emotional level.
3 Want to look fashionable on and off the mat? Browse through racks of stylish leggings and tops at the festival. The Hot Box Kit (www.thehotboxkit.com) has a stall offering an array of hip labels including Teeki, a trendy, eco-friendly brand that uses recycled plastic bottles (yes, that’s right) in their yoga pants.
4 Expect more than just yoga classes at this festival. As well as meditation sessions, you can listen to several talks that range from Mindfulness on the Job to Yuen Chinese Energetics (which essentially looks at how you can remove unwanted obstacles from your life and awaken your intuitive powers).
5 Happiness is something all humans seek and yet sometimes despite material comforts, it can remain elusive. Don’t miss the key speaker Ramirez’s insider tips on how to sustain rather than sabotage your own happiness. Her mantra is “decide to be happy and stay happy no matter what”.
• Tickets for the Happiness & Yoga Festival cost Dh325, at Park Rotana, Abu Dhabi on April 4. For more information, visit www.happinessandyogafest.com
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