International Yoga Day: An Exclusive Conversation with Yoga Trainer Lalit Parihar

Yoga originated in India as an ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice. It involves a combination of physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation, and ethical principles. International Yoga Day, observed annually on 21st June, sees people from around the globe engaging in diverse yoga-related tasks. These activities include group yoga sessions, workshops, seminars, and demonstrations. The objective of this day is to promote understanding and appreciation for the advantages of Yoga.

On International Yoga Day, we had an exclusive conversation with Lalit Parihar. He is also known as thebluecityyogi in the digital world and is a certified Yoga trainer from Jodhpur, Rajasthan. His primary goal is to promote and popularize the practice of Yoga, and he has dedicated himself to sharing his passion with the global audience through various digital platforms such as Snapchat. Lalit has encouraged numerous individuals to incorporate Yoga into their daily lives by creating motivational videos and inspiring talks.

Here are the edited excerpts from the exclusive and delightful interaction:

How did you first discover your passion for Yoga, and what inspired you to become a Yoga trainer?

I discovered Yoga during the lockdown period when I had ample free time. Through various yoga pages and influencers on digital media, I encountered the captivating flexibility and body movements they showcased. It intrigued and motivated me, prompting me to embark on my town yoga journey. I consider my digital community a significant source of inspiration because of their immense love and support, which led me to keep going, and that's when I decided to turn my passion for Yoga into my profession.

Yoga is often associated with physical flexibility, but how does it promote mental and emotional well-being? 

While Yoga is commonly known for its physical benefits, its impact is far beyond that. I believe that Yoga offers a holistic approach to one's well-being. It nurtures the connection between the mind, body, and emotions. Combining physical postures, breath control, meditation, and mindfulness, Yoga promotes mental and emotional balance, leading to a harmonious and fulfilling life. 

How did you get started creating content on Snapchat? 

I began using Snapchat in February 2022 because I was keen to explore how the platform would shape up for me and further help me amplify the benefits of Yoga to an untapped audience base. I created Yoga and fitness content that was both motivational and inspiring. As my content gained traction, I began to monetize my content. This platform has had a significant impact on my content and my career.

Are there any specific dietary recommendations or lifestyle habits that complement a Yoga practice and enhance its benefits?

A well-rounded Yoga practice often goes hand in hand with dietary recommendations. However, food choices and habits vary from person to person, and there's no one right way for all. I recommend mindful eating with a balanced, rich diet that includes appropriate portions of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats. I strongly recommend keeping yourself hydrated at all times. It is vital for maintaining optimal physical and mental performance. 

As we celebrate International Yoga Day, what message or encouragement would you like to share with people interested in exploring Yoga as a holistic practice?

Firstly, I wish all the readers a Happy International Yoga Day. I cannot stress how vital Yoga is in a person's life. I strongly recommend you imbibe Yoga in your routine and be patient and kind to yourself through the process. I utilize my digital platform to promote and train Yoga enthusiasts and emphasize its importance, and platforms such as Snapchat, among others, have helped reach the masses.

What do you consider to be your unique style or approach to creating Snapchat content?

I really enjoy using Snapchat to put my content forward. The lenses that Snapchat has is a fantastic way to make your content fun, engaging, and interesting. Its colour grading feature on my go-to while creating content, as it brings my videos to life. As I mentioned before, my content reflects my personality, and that's what I try to do. Through my videos on Spotlight and Stories, I motivate people to include Yoga in their daily regime. It helped me reach a wider audience, allowing me to connect with like-minded people interested in fitness and wellness. That's my unique style.