Global unity celebrated at Maropeng on International Yoga Day

IN a powerful fusion of ancient tradition and human heritage, thousands gathered at the Cradle of Humankind last Saturday to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”.

The event, hosted by the Consulate General of India Mahesh Kumar in Johannesburg, took place at Maropeng, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds the fossils of humanity’s earliest ancestors — a symbolic backdrop for a practice that bridges millennia.

This year’s theme underscored the urgent connection between personal well-being and planetary health, echoing the site’s message of shared human ancestry. “Yoga is not just exercise — it’s a discipline that unites mind, body, and environment,” said a Consulate spokesperson. “Where better to celebrate this than at the birthplace of humanity itself?”

Maropeng, meaning “returning to the place of origin” in Setswana, is home to fossils dating back millions of years. By hosting the event here, organisers aimed to merge India’s 5 000-year-old yogic tradition with Africa’s narrative of human evolution — a bold statement on unity in a fractured world.

The mass yoga session, led by expert instructors, was open to all, regardless of age or experience. But the day goes beyond physical postures. “This is about reconnecting with ourselves, each other, and the Earth,” said one organiser. Amid rising global tensions and environmental crises, the event pushes yoga as a tool for inner peace, social cohesion, and ecological consciousness.

The choice of Maropeng was no coincidence. As climate disasters escalate and conflicts divide nations, the IDY celebration positions yoga as an antidote to modern fragmentation. “We’re all from the same origin,” said a local participant. “Yoga reminds us of that bond.”

The Consulate had called on community groups, wellness advocates, and the public to take part in what promises to be a historic gathering. As the sun rises over the Cradle of Humankind, attendees will stretch, breathe, and meditate — not just as individuals, but as part of a collective journey toward healing, balance, and a healthier planet.