The global trend of integrating furry companions into yoga sessions has gained immense popularity. These unique classes, often featuring adorable goats and friendly dogs, have become a major attraction for individuals seeking stress relief and a refreshing twist on traditional yoga practices.
Clad in workout attire and equipped with foam mats, a lively assembly of yoga enthusiasts congregated at a studio situated in the southern region of India’s capital city. Their yoga experience took an endearing twist as kittens gracefully roamed the sun-soaked space in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. The session commenced with a serene ambience accompanied by soft melodies, as some feline friends cosied up on the mats while others observed the practitioners with curious gazes during their transitions between yoga poses. This charming convergence of yoga and furry companions is part of a widespread trend seen across the globe, where sessions featuring not only kittens but also goats and dogs have become a magnet for individuals seeking relaxation and a novel approach to yoga practice.
“Distracted yoga, we call it,” Mona, the mastermind behind the sessions organized under the banner of “The Paw Hour,” explains with a chuckle. She adds, “We often have people stepping away from their work routines to join our sessions and then return to their tasks. These classes have an enchanting effect, often leaving participants with wide smiles that stay.”
The yoga experience is designed to be self-paced, focusing on fundamental stretches that foster a tranquil environment, ideal for participants seeking a reprieve from their daily stresses. Within this serene setting, kittens playfully navigate the spaces between rows of practitioners, sometimes even finding a cosy spot on participants themselves, occasionally dozing off and eliciting shared laughter from the entire group.
“People enter carrying their stress, and they leave rejuvenated,” co-organizer Noor, who preferred not to share her full name, comments with a smile.
For participant Chandreyee Sarkar, the main attraction that led her to register for the session was the presence of the kittens.
“There are numerous dog yoga events, but this is the first time I’ve come across one that involves cats. Being a cat person, I couldn’t resist attending,” one participant mentions.
Through The Paw Hour initiative, they have partnered with individual cat rescuers, not only to create an enjoyable yoga experience but also to facilitate cat adoption and raise awareness about the importance of adopting pets. The organizers find themselves flooded with inquiries and adoption requests after nearly every session.
Yoga teacher Surbhi adds, “This class is a room full of smiles, often culminating in heartwarming stories of kittens finding their forever homes.”
Mona, who prefers to be identified by her first name only, shares that all the kitten yoga sessions conducted in Delhi this year have experienced significant demand.