Lamu bets on Yoga festival to revive tourism

Yoga enthusiasts will converge for the second edition of the Lamu Yoga Festival starting March 12 to16.

According to one of the event’s organisers, Ms Monica Fauth, the county government is committed to supporting the event. Lamu Governor Issa Timamy recently unveiled the strategy  to promote Lamu as the island of festivals.

In Lamu, Yoga — a combination of physical postures and spiritual engagement with different practitioners, maintains its organic symbiosis with humility and wellness of the island.

County Culture, Tourism and Trade Executive Samia Bwana said she will be participating in the event dubbed #JustYogaItPhotoChallenge. The challenge offers a free ticket to the festival with all expenses covered when one takes and posts a photo holding a yoga pose and dares five friends to do the same.

250 participants

This year’s festival will take place in Lamu town, Shela and Manda islands, targeting 250 participants and 16 teachers of various types of Yoga. It includes the Bikram Yoga practiced in a room heated to 40 degrees Celsius and humidity of 40 per cent, which is ideal for Lamu. This session will be hosted by Bikram Yoga Nairobi.

The festival is organised by volunteers who share a common desire, enriching the community with healthy practice. “Lamu is a ready-made and complete wellness spot. From the moment you arrive in the county, visitors can feel it. No cars, no shoes, no stress – just a kikoi and t-shirt, walk around barefoot, eat fresh and healthy food and take in the great energy,” said Monica

“Even if you don’t practice yoga, guests can leave the stress of daily life in Nairobi, Mombasa or whichever part of the world.”

Monika, who has been residing in Lamu for the last 15 years began teaching Yoga on the beaches of  the island says it offers stress free longer-healthier life, adding that the festival provides an opportunity for residents continue with their hospitality. The festival is partnering with Safari Doctors.

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