NEW YORK CITY (TIP): The 7th International Day of Yoga was celebrated by Consulate General of India in partnership with a number of community organizations. There was excitement in the build-up to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) as a number of curtain raiser events were organized in the month of June.
Celebrations started on June 1st with the World Yoga Festival organized by the World Yoga Community. The Indian Cultural Association of North America organized IDY community awareness programs on June 5 and June 12th at the Consulate General of India.
GOPIO Manhattan in partnership with the Indian Panorama, Indian American Forum and Happy Life Yoga celebrated the International day of Yoga through a digital event on June 19th.
The Town of Greenburgh (NY) and the Indian Cultural Association of North America organized a Yoga session on June 19th. The Hindu Temple Society of North America, Queens celebrated International Yoga Day through a virtual event on June 20th.
The main celebration of the 7th International Day of Yoga (IDY) by the Consulate General of India in New York was held on Sunday, June 20, 2021 at the iconic location of Times Square. The Consulate partnered with the Times Square Alliance for this grand celebration. Leading Yoga teacher Ms. Ruchika Lal from the Art of Living Foundation conducted Yoga and meditation session.
The day-long yoga festival with the theme of ‘Solstice in Times Square 2021’ was attended by more than 3,000 people where yogis, with their yoga mats and flexible bodies, filled Times Square to mark the start of summer.
“As we celebrate yoga at the iconic Times Square – at the crossroads of the world, let us remind ourselves of the truly global embrace of yoga. Yoga was born in India but is part of global heritage today. Yoga is about health, well-being and about living in harmony with nature. Yoga is a way of life, and we must try to practice it in its entirety, for a peaceful society and for a greener planet,” Randhir Jaiswal, Consul General told ANI.
“It was an incredible experience leading yoga, pranayama and meditation at Times Square NYC. Seeing thousands of yogis experience stillness amidst the chaos of the city that never stops,” said Ruchika Lal who participated in the event.
In keeping with this year’s global theme – Yoga for Wellness – as coined by the United Nations (UN), the event showcased holistic health, Ayurvedic and nature-based wellness products from Tribes India (TRIFED) and other Indian companies. The stalls attracted a large number of visitors, eager to learn about the uniqueness of Indian Tribal, Ayurvedic and natural products. The day-long yoga celebration offered experienced yogis and first-timers alike the chance to bring a yoga mat to the iconic public space and participate in a free yoga class. The Consulate General handed a bag of products from TRIFED and some wellness products produced in India as well.
“I love to practice Yoga at Times Square every year on Solstice. I want to thank the Consulate for this gift,” a participant said.
There were several other yoga sessions held throughout the day. These sessions were very well received by the participants. The day-long event was attended by more than 3000 people. In keeping with this year’s theme, Yoga for Wellness, the Times Square event showcased holistic health, Ayurvedic and nature-based wellness products from Tribes India (TRIFED) and other Indian companies. The stalls attracted a large number of visitors, eager to learn about the uniqueness of Indian Tribal, Ayurvedic and natural products. A large variety of traditional knowledge-based products from Aspirational Districts in India such as the Araku Valley Coffee, Millets, Bamboo craft and Handloom Textiles were showcased. These products generated a lot of excitement amongst the visitors. On the same day, another major celebration of IDY was organized at the Liberty State Park in New Jersey with the Statue of Liberty in the background. This celebration was led by Federation of Indian Associations (FIA). Famous Yoga instructor Thara Natalie led the Yoga Session. Noted Singer Jay Sean and Public Speaker Nina Davuluri participated in the event to support the cause of yoga and wellbeing.
On June 21st, the Consulate in partnership with the Council of Indian Organization in Greater Philadelphia celebrated IDY at Dilworth Park, Philadelphia. Four Yoga teachers conducted the Yoga sessions which was attended by a number of young people. Along with Consul General Randhir Jaiswal, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick and Congressman Dwight Evans also attended the event. Both Congressmen appreciated the efforts of promoting Yoga for Wellness. On the occasion, Governor Tom Wolf extended his good wishes. The event was also attended by representatives from City Council and the Mayor’s office. In keeping with our efforts to take Yoga to different communities, the Consulate partnered with Sanskriti of NJ, a noted community organization, to celebrate IDY in Livingston, NJ. The event was attended by Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill and the Mayor of Livingston. During the event a number of Yoga workshops were organized, and a range of healthy and sustainable lifestyle products were showcased.
In his remarks on the occasion, Consul General referred to Yoga as a universal practice. He highlighted the unifying force of Yoga and its immense benefits. He also said that Yoga was born in India but is a part of our global heritage today. Yoga is about health, about well-being and about living in harmony with nature, he stated. He also noted that Yoga was not just a set of physical exercises but a way of life that fosters a peaceful society and a greener planet.
On the occasion of 7thInternational Day of Yoga, mYoga App, jointly developed by World Health Organisation (WHO) in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH has been launched. The app is available on Google Play store as well as on Apple app store. It provides authentic information on yoga in multiple languages.
In December 2014, United Nations had unanimously adopted a resolution to mark June 21st as the International Day of Yoga (IDY). June 21st is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and has special significance in many parts of the world. Since then IDY has been celebrated as a major event in hundreds of cities enhancing awareness about multifaceted benefits of yoga to individuals, families and societies.
State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, India Tourist Office, TATA Sons, Aromazeia Essential Oils and Forest Essentials also contributed to this year’s IDY.
(Based on a press release)
Be the first to comment