Pragya Kothari

My teaching style: Hatha based vinyasa, focusing on the breath and observing the physical and metal transformation in progress. The aim is to find a place within oneself where peace and strength reside together.

About me: I was born and raised in Rishikesh, a small Himalayan town, notoriously famous with spiritual seekers and yoga addicts and widely regarded as the birthplace of Yoga. Growing up to the sound of the river at my doorstep and the wind carrying sweet notes of the forest, I am a true sucker for the outdoors. Yet, I am a global citizen who has lived in 5 different countries and innumerable cities. These two very different but interconnected worlds both feel like home. I love tropical fruits just as much as red wine, a good summer run as much as an evening spent karaoke-ing to Queen and full moon nights just a much as sunny noons at the beach.

I am inspired by: I am a people person, drawing my energy from the crowd. The people around me uplift my spirits and motivate me to go the extra mile, sometimes in spoken words and often with that unspoken language of the living.

Most memorable yoga experience: It started with an unexpected call when one my favorite studios, 4 years ago, asked me to demo/interview at lunch time class. Sure, the studio was just a few kms away and I had an hour to make it but I had an unexpected visitor - Murphy with his infamous law- “If something can go wrong, ti will go wrong and at the worst possible moment.” My bus arrived late, then it broke down, finally on a new bus, I was finally at my stop, but then I missed it! By this time I was already 3 minutes late to the class. I got off at the next stop and sprinted to the studio and found the class packed with expectant faces. My nervousness and breathlessness suddenly vanished and my mouth involuntarily blurted I’m so sorry I’m late and out of breath but now that I’m here, I’m Pragya and this is going to be amazing because I just feel it So, let’s get straight into it- Ommm... it was the best class I have ever taught to date, the tranquility, the energy and the breath- it was pure magic that noon at yogaloft!

Favorite Ice cream flavor: Vanillaaah! Its so versatile and provides perfect pairing with almost anything. Name it? Peanut butter, chocolate and fruits.