In the bustling heart of India’s capital, New Delhi, a unique yoga trend is captivating both fitness and feline enthusiasts alike. Within a sunlit studio in the Vasant Kunj district, as ambient music drifts through the air, yoga practitioners unfurl their mats and prepare for an hour of relaxation, but with a furry twist. Kittens, with their playful and curious demeanor, meander among the attendees, occasionally taking catnaps on the mats or watching with intrigue as people transition from one yoga pose to another.
This innovative combination of yoga and furry companionship isn’t exclusive to India. Across the globe, “animal-assisted” yoga sessions featuring goats, dogs, and now kittens have gained popularity, offering attendees an opportunity to relieve stress in a unique and joyful environment.
Dubbed “distracted yoga” by Mona, the brains behind these delightful sessions organized under the banner “The Paw Hour,” the classes offer a unique opportunity for participants to break away from daily stresses. “Our attendees often take a pause from their work schedules to join these sessions,” Mona elaborates. “By the time they roll up their mats, their faces are adorned with big smiles.”
Unlike traditional yoga classes that focus intently on precision and discipline, these sessions lean more towards relaxation and mental rejuvenation. The kittens, unscripted in their antics, might weave around attendees or even settle into a nap on a practitioner, eliciting chuckles from the group. Co-organizer Noor, who preferred anonymity, remarked, “It’s transformative to witness attendees arrive burdened with worries and depart feeling revitalized.”
Chandreyee Sarkar, one of the many drawn to these special yoga sessions, expressed her admiration for the unique concept. “I’ve come across dog-centric yoga events before, but a session with kittens was a first for me. As an ardent cat lover, it was an offer too good to refuse.”
“The Paw Hour” isn’t just about yoga; it’s a noble mission. By partnering with cat rescuers, the initiative aims to increase awareness about pet adoption. These sessions often culminate in heartwarming tales of kittens finding loving homes, as narrated by yoga instructor Surbhi.
Given the immense popularity of these sessions, with each one in Delhi being highly sought-after, Mona divulged plans to expand. “We’ve received a cascade of interest and are contemplating organizing similar events in Bengaluru and other major Indian cities.”
This wonderful fusion of yoga and feline companionship demonstrates the endless possibilities when wellness meets compassion, making it not just an exercise for the body, but also for the soul.
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