In a unique celebration of wellness and global camaraderie, 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 and MDNIY, hosted a special edition of Harit Yoga at the Ethiopian Embassy in New Delhi. Titled Coffee and Harit Yoga, the event was a serene prelude to International Day of Yoga 2025, beautifully weaving together yoga, environmental consciousness, and cultural exchange.
H.E. Ambassador Fesseha Shawel of Ethiopia inaugurated the evening with a heartfelt message, emphasizing yoga’s power to inspire peace and unity. He highlighted the synergy between India’s tradition of yoga and Ethiopia’s rich coffee heritage as a symbol of wellness and global connection. Former Union Minister Alphons Kannanthanam echoed these sentiments, noting that while coffee energizes the body, yoga connects us to the universe, calling for global compassion and consciousness.
Spiritual leader H.H. Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni Ji praised Prime Minister Modi’s global promotion of International Yoga Day, underscoring how yoga cultivates inner peace and holistic well-being. The event also featured a symbolic plantation drive where dignitaries planted saplings as part of the Harit Yoga initiative, reinforcing the message of environmental responsibility and sustainable living.
The yoga session, led by Ministry of AYUSH-certified trainer Mr. Lalit Madan, guided attendees through calming asanas, deep breathing, and mindful movement, fostering a tranquil and reflective atmosphere. Following the session, guests experienced the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, engaging in conversations about wellness tourism, sustainable lifestyles, and stronger India-Africa relations.
Among the prominent guests were Shri Gurpreet Singh, Former OSD to AYUSH and Defence; Mr. Garish Oberoi, Honorary Treasurer, FHRAI; Mr. Subhash Goyal, Founder Chairman, STIC Travel Group; Dr. Blossom Kochhar, Chairperson, Aroma Magic; Dr. Sanjanaa Jon, filmmaker and philanthropist; and Ms. Payal Swami, Assistant Secretary General, FHRAI.
Dr. Kochhar commended the blend of wellness and tradition, stating, “The fusion of yoga and Ethiopian coffee ceremonies beautifully demonstrates how cultural practices can unite for holistic well-being.” Mr. Goyal emphasized how such events bolster India’s position as a global wellness hub, promoting both tourism and diplomacy. Dr. Sanjanaa Jon highlighted the event’s message of unity beyond borders, and Ms. Payal Swami reaffirmed FHRAI’s commitment to celebrating yoga through sustainable, meaningful exchanges.
