Yoga in Qatar: A growing trend in wellness and well-being
With its myriad physical and mental benefits, yoga is gaining in popularity in Qatar. Instructors and practitioners of this ancient art spoke to News Trail about its transformative power.
Published: 25 June 2024
By Godwin Isaac K
DOHA: Millions worldwide celebrated the 10th International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2024, a day dedicated to promoting the ancient practice of yoga and its myriad benefits. In Qatar, more than 2,000 people gathered at the Asian Town Stadium on that day to celebrate yoga.
As the assembled yoga enthusiasts and instructors stretched themselves out on the grassy ground, breathing in and out in measured movements, what was in evidence, in addition to their keen interest in this ancient practice, was another important point – the growing popularity of yoga in Qatar, which has been abundantly helped by the observance of the International Day of Yoga for the past 10 years.
Yoga instructors say that there has been a growing interest in yoga in Qatar in recent years. Yoga studios and instructors have sprouted across the country, offering residents a place for self-discovery and well-being.
Historically, yoga’s association with Hindu and Buddhist traditions posed challenges for its acceptance in the Gulf region. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift.
“I started doing yoga six months ago. I came to know about it through my friends and now I love doing yoga and that’s why I am here at this yoga event,” Soukaina Baldane, a 31-year-old marketing manager from Morocco, who participated in the Yoga Day event, told News Trail.
“I found that I am more relaxed, calm, and composed after I started doing yoga because my work does stress me and yoga is the best stress relief that I have found and I’m doing it to relax myself,” she added.
“Yoga provides valuable tools to enhance the effectiveness of any healing process within the body,” said Vibhali Kaustubh Raut, a 41-year-old yoga instructor in Qatar. Raut’s organization, Yoga with Vibha, started eight years ago with a single student.
Today, she teaches a diverse group, from children to senior citizens. Raut’s journey began at the Yoga Institute in India, where she completed her instructor training, followed by courses in therapeutic and pregnancy yoga. She now dedicates herself full-time to teaching yoga.
“Yoga is becoming more popular not only in Qatar but also globally, I have people of many nationalities in my class who show a lot of interest in learning this art. The only challenge here is the climate, which led us to shift to online classes. Yet, everyone continues to participate because no one wants to stop doing yoga,” she says.
“Physically, it enhances strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, and body awareness. Mentally, it improves concentration and provides a sense of calmness,” she added.
Sudha Menon, a 48-year-old yoga instructor at Sukriti Yoga (Dancing with Souls), noted the diverse interest in yoga within Qatar as not only Indians, but people from very different nationalities, show interest and come to learn.
“I’ve been practicing yoga for the last 15 years, and for the past six years, I’ve been a full-time freelance yoga trainer in Doha. Yoga is a holistic wellness programme that promotes both mental and physical well-being. So, I, sincerely request that all should practice this for their mental and physical well-being. so that we can avoid the hospital bill and, all people should have optimum health”.
Yoga improves strength, flexibility, and balance, promoting overall physical well-being and reducing the risk of chronic conditions. Practicing yoga enhances focus and concentration, while reducing stress and anxiety, leading to a calmer and more balanced mind.
“Yoga is everywhere and everybody knows about it. It has become a part of life here, with many non-Indians participating regularly. Qatar’s open culture has greatly supported this growth. The main challenge is the heat, which has driven us to offer online classes, ensuring that people can practice yoga comfortably at home,” said Parvinder Bhurji, a 41-year-old yoga instructor who heads the yoga program at the Indian Sports Center under the Indian Embassy in Qatar.
Sharad Tiwary, a 41-year-old firefighter with the Civil Aviation Authority in Qatar, began practicing yoga six months ago. He highlighted the difficulty many residents face in finding time for physical activities due to busy schedules. “Yoga is the best way to stay fit and relaxed, especially since it can be done at home. For me, yoga has been incredibly beneficial, helping me feel less stressed and more active.”
With a mix of traditional and modern approaches, yoga continues to offer a path to holistic health and well-being, resonating deeply within the hearts and minds of people in Qatar and around the world.
