On Saturday, 21st June 2025, the lush Parc de la Cerisaie in Lyon came alive with the harmonious convergence of International Yoga Day and Fête de la Musique. Organized by L’Association Frehindi, this open-air celebration was held under the esteemed patronage of the Consulate General of India in Marseille, supported by ICCR and the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
This event marked another significant milestone in our journey as a cultural bridge. Notably, L’Association Frehindi recently gained prominence during the Paris 2024 Olympics, where we played a pivotal role in supporting activities at the India House—a cultural hub created in partnership with the Reliance Foundation and the Indian Olympic Association. Our volunteers received specialized training to introduce visitors to India’s rich heritage, while our team facilitated hospitality, logistics, and cultural programming, reinforcing our commitment to Indo-French exchange.
🕰️ Program Highlights – A Morning of Mindfulness & Melody
This thoughtfully curated program offered participants a journey through mindfulness, cultural immersion, and community connection—reflecting Frehindi’s ongoing mission to build bonds between India and France.
| Time | Segment | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 – 09:30 AM | 🌸 Welcome & Registration | Participants were warmly welcomed with a traditional tilak and rose water spritz. |
| 09:30 – 09:45 AM | 🪔 Opening Address | The organizers and dignitaries introduced the event, reflecting on the significance of International Yoga Day and Fête de la Musique. |
| 09:45 – 10:45 AM | 🧘♂️ Guided Yoga & OM Chanting | A serene yoga session led by a certified instructor, enhanced by collective OM chanting and tranquil music in the open air. |
| 10:45 – 11:00 AM | ☕ Pause & Refresh | Attendees enjoyed a brief interlude to rest, hydrate, and connect with fellow participants. |
| 11:00 – 11:40 AM | 🔊 Talk: Yoga & Sound Healing | A guided meditation, immersive OM chanting, and an enlightening talk on the mental and spiritual benefits of Raja Yoga. |
| 11:40 – 12:00 AM | 🍛 Prasadam & Group Photo | The event concluded with a light sattvic prasadam, herbal tea, a group photograph, and a closing moment of gratitude. |
🙏 Heartfelt Thanks
- We extend our deepest gratitude to the Consulate General of India – Marseille for their unwavering support and constant encouragement. Their presence and endorsement brought immense value and authenticity to our celebration in Lyon, helping us create an inclusive space that truly reflected India’s global spirit.
- A special thanks to ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) and the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, for their continued cultural patronage. Their commitment to promoting India’s soft power through heritage, wellness, and intercultural dialogue was beautifully embodied in this unique Indo-French celebration of Yoga and Music.
- Our sincere appreciation to Sandra Vogt, who led the yoga session with grace and expertise, helping participants of all levels feel connected and centered. A warm thank you also to our wonderful meditation and chanting guides — Martine Mayer and Christine Godreau — whose presence and serene guidance made the experience truly enriching.
To our dedicated volunteers and enthusiastic participants — your energy, smiles, and heartfelt efforts transformed this vision into a vibrant reality. Whether it was guiding guests, managing logistics, performing soulful chants, or simply arriving with open hearts, you were the true soul of this gathering.
Together, we celebrated not just Yoga Day and Fête de la Musique — but a deeper sense of global community, mindfulness, and harmony.
🌐 Want to join us next time?
Stay tuned to our website and social media for upcoming cultural and educational events across Europe.
📧 Email: haru@frehindi.com
📞 WhatsApp: +33 6 01 36 09 96 | +33 6 65 10 85 87
🌐 Visit: www.frehindi.or
Let’s continue our work in peace, culture, and mindful living—together!
