n a unique celebration of wellness and cultural diplomacy, the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), in collaboration with the Embassy of Ethiopia and with support from the Ministry of AYUSH, hosted a special edition of Harit Yoga titled Coffee and Harit Yoga at the Ethiopian Embassy in New Delhi. The event was held as a precursor to the International Day of Yoga 2025.
The initiative brought together yoga, sustainability, and traditional Ethiopian hospitality. H.E. Ambassador Fesseha Shawel of Ethiopia welcomed attendees, highlighting yoga as a gift from India that fosters unity and holistic health. He emphasized how cross-cultural collaborations like these strengthen global bonds.
Former Union Minister Alphons Kannanthanam spoke on the spiritual strength of yoga and urged for global compassion and unity. H.H. Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni Ji lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts in globalizing Yoga Day, emphasizing yoga’s role in building peace and resilience.
The event featured a guided yoga session by Ministry of AYUSH-certified trainer Mr. Lalit Madan, followed by a plantation drive underscoring the Harit Yoga initiative’s focus on environmental stewardship.
A traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony added cultural richness to the event, fostering dialogue on wellness tourism and India-Africa ties. Dignitaries such as Dr. Blossom Kochhar, Dr. Sanjanaa Jon, Mr. Subhash Goyal, and Ms. Payal Swami also shared insights on the intersection of health, sustainability, and diplomacy.
FHRAI’s Assistant Secretary General, Ms. Payal Swami, stated, “Harit Yoga is a celebration of wellness rooted in tradition and sustainability, fostering meaningful cross-cultural exchanges.”