International Yoga Day 2023: Yoga while drinking alcohol! The practice of 'Bear Yoga' is increasing around the world

 International Yoga Day 2023: Yoga while drinking alcohol! The practice of 'Bear Yoga' is increasing around the world

Beer Yoga(Getty)

The discussion about 'Beer Yoga' is increasing worldwide. However, this particular type of yoga has created mixed reactions. On International Yoga Day, let's find out what Beer Yoga is and what its benefits are.

Wednesday (June 21), International Yoga Day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in a yoga assembly organized for the first time at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. And on this International Yoga Day, there is a growing discussion about 'Beer Yoga.' The term 'Beer Yoga' might sound intriguing. 'Beer' is an alcoholic beverage, and 'Yoga' is the practice of physical exercise. There is no direct connection between these two distant elements. However, 'Beer Yoga' combines these two components. It involves doing yoga exercises while holding a can of beer. Occasionally, sipping from the can is also allowed. 'Beer Yoga' is gaining popularity in various countries like the United States, Europe, and even in many cities in India. However, this has upset some Indian citizens. According to them, this traditional practice in India is not just about physical exercise but also has spiritual significance. They accuse 'Beer Yoga' of tarnishing this heritage.

A few weeks ago, a video of a yoga class in Denmark went viral on social media. In the video, participants were seen holding cans of beer in their hands during the yoga class. They were performing yoga poses while holding the cans. It was also observed that they would occasionally take a sip from the cans after completing a pose. It was known that the discussion about Beer Yoga has been going on in Denmark for the past four years. However, this new form of exercise originated in the United States in 2013 and has become popular in various countries worldwide since then. According to those who regularly practice Beer Yoga, it combines the traditional yoga postures with the enjoyment of consuming a beverage. Generally, Beer Yoga classes are held in breweries or places where alcohol is produced.

However, some critics claim that Beer Yoga is extremely unhealthy in a context where traditional yoga practices focus on maintaining a healthy mind and body. They argue that the jovial atmosphere of Beer Yoga cannot be achieved in traditional yoga practices. On the other hand, supporters of Beer Yoga believe that combining alcohol and physical exercise brings diversity to the traditional practice. Due to the consumption of alcohol, participants engage in more casual conversations, light-hearted discussions, and storytelling instead of serious yoga exercises. As a result, social bonds among the participants become stronger easily.

The origins of Beer Yoga have not been extensively discussed. However, it is believed that the first Beer Yoga event was organized during the 'Burning Man' festival in Nevada, United States, in 2013. Since then, in the past decade, classes of this new form of exercise have started in many countries around the world. In 2015, an organization named 'Beer Yoga' was established in Oklahoma, United States.