Israelis practice 108 sun salutations for International Yoga Day

Israelis gathered at Tel Aviv port on Sunday (June 21), equipped with their yoga mats to mark International Yoga Day. 

Performing the traditional practice of '108 sun salutarions', a traditional yogic meditation meant to mark the transition of the seasons, during this year's summer solstice, for many attendees, the mass practice offered vital mental relief and community connection alongside the physical exercise.

"It has a lot of meaning to all the yogis around the world, and especially in Israel, and especially in times like this, when we are looking for some comfort and some compassion and connecting to people and doing things that are good for our soul and of course for our body." said long time yogi, Galit Karen. 

"It unites people from everywhere, and I wish it could be the same in our world."

The event was led by EllaYoga in cooperation with the Embassy of India in Israel.

International Yoga day was established in 2014, by the The United Nations (UN) on June 21, the day is marked by the mass practice of yoga and other healthy activities across the world.

Production: Rami Amichay, Amir Cohen, Andreea Popescu/Reuters