In Hong Kong, Kenya, California... Yoga is going global

Annie Samson

Hong Kong, Jun 19 (PTI) For an Indian visitor to Hong Kong, some of the clothes displayed in local shops look familiar with the words 'Yoga' embossed on them. They are distinctively different from the traditional fashion on sale carrying bold Chinese characters.

Loose fitting, the clothes are a new attraction both for the locals and tourists thanks to the growing curiosity about Yoga in Hong Kong, Taiwan and mainland China along with the rest of the world.

In a society that associates itself with the martial art Kung Fu, the ancient practice of breathing from India is also making its presence felt with the most visible pointers being the clothes seen in shop windows.

For Hong Kong resident Sunil Deepchandani and his family, Guru Ramdev and his teachings hold a great significance. "My parents came to Hong Kong about 50 years ago and I was born here. We are settled here but we regularly view Babaji's programmes on TV," says the 30-year-old businessman who deals in electronic goods.

As far as Hong Kong is concerned everything that is related to Yoga is selling. "Anything from yoga mats, yoga pants, yoga towels and everything that has to do with yoga is raking in good business," he says.

Even in mainland China, Yoga is popular and people are aware of who Baba Ramdev is. The guru, whose demonstrations are beamed live daily worldwide, drew enthusiastic crowds during his recent visit to China and Vietnam.

Ramdev told PTI in an earlier interview aboard luxury cruise liner Superstar Virgo that he was finalising plans to set up a centre in Hong Kong.