This year, Melbourne will welcome the Yoga Aid Challenge a popular fundraising event for local and international charities back to the city.

The event has already raised $500 000 worldwide for charity in eight separate countries and is well placed in the hearts of Australians by far the largest participators and fundraisers for these events, a phenomenon accounted for by the dramatic increase in popularity of Yoga for Australians.

However, this year Melbournites will be able to participate in something a little different. The event is being held in coordination with the Parliament of World Religions, an interfaith conference with delegates from all over the world and representing various religious and spiritual perspectives.

The event itself will take on a different format to embrace this aspect of the Challenge. International and local leaders from the Parliament and from various faiths and religious disciplines will lead the Challenge, which will consist of both asana (poses) and other spiritual practices such as chanting.

Charities for this year include the MS Society, Nelune Foundation, Barnardos and Football United.