Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice, for humankind, that originated in India thousands of years ago. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.

Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity.

Recognizing its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131. 193-member nations approved the proposal with a record of 177 countries establishing Summer Solstice as the IDY.  Since then the IDY has been celebrated annually by member countries of the UN with great enthusiasm.

The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.

Yoga had gained worldwide popularity due to its immense health benefits. It is in keeping with that thought that the theme of the event this year is ‘Let Yoga Govern Your Life.’

“Yoga” derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.

To celebrate the 4th International Day of Yoga (Yoga Day) on 16th June 2018, the Indian Consulate had a Yoga Day event at the historic Governor’s Island, New York.  About 200 were in attendance.  People of all ages enthusiastically celebrated the day.

The historic setting of Governor’s Island, a 72-acre island in the New York harbor, in many ways exemplified the eternal values of yoga.  Perhaps, signifying the global influence of yoga, the famous skyline of downtown Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty formed the backdrop of the event.

US Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney was the chief guest for the event.  While complimenting the organizers, she spoke of the benefits that yoga has on contemporary lifestyles.  The event featured performances from the Hindu Temple, Indian Cultural Association, Mallakhambh Federation, Sam Katz (David Lynch Foundation), The Art of Living Foundation, The Isha Foundation, the World Yoga Community and the Battery Dance Company.

The performances included demonstration of yoga mudra, salutations, common yoga protocol, Yoga asanas on the pole, Transcendental Meditation, desktop yoga, Yogic music and musical performances from the Salon Di Virtuosi and a dance performance by the Battery Dance Company.

Various organizations have independently celebrated the International Day of Yoga (Yoga Day) in New Jersey since 2015, the year of its inception.  In 2018, the 4th Year of Yoga Day, for the first time, many like-minded organizations had formed a coalition to celebrate the Day with more fervor and strength. So was born the concept of a Yogafest NJ 2018!

As a continuation of Yoga Day celebrations, many events were held in the NJ and NY areas between June 21 and 24.

Yogafest New Jersey 2018

On 24th June 2018, New Jersey saw one of its largest 4th International Day of Yoga Day celebrations. This year for the first time, many like-minded organizations formed a coalition to celebrate Yogafest New Jersey.

This Yogafest 2018 was held at the Gayatri Chetna Center, Piscataway, NJ. The event started with a lamp lighting ceremony in the presence of representatives of Ananda Marg (a global spiritual and social service organization), India; Consulate General of India, New York; Mayor of Piscataway and council representatives of the township of Piscataway; Representatives of Edison Township and, Representative from Woodbridge township board of Ed.

Citations for the event were presented to the partnering organizations by Townships of Piscataway and Edison.

Over 600 people attended this event. Volunteers from partnering organizations joined hands with Gayatri Parivar volunteers to organize and setup the event.

The 2-hour long free event had parallel sessions running for adults in the outdoor tent, for kids in the temple hall and for seniors in the classroom.

The yoga and meditation sessions were presented by yoga proponents from various partner organizations. There was also a demonstration from Mallakhamb.

Light snacks, lunch / Prasadam was served by the Gayatri Parivar.

The event was well covered by media: TV Asia, Ebox TV, V6 News Telugu and Telugu NRI Radio.

Partnering organizations were Gayatri Pariwar, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), Vegetarian Vision, Isha Foundation, Mallakhamb Federation of USA and Vihangam Yoga.

Further support was given by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, Sewa International, Hasya Yoga, Consulate General of India, Township of Piscataway, Township of Edison and Township of Woodbridge.

Yoga Day Celebrations in the Catskills Mountains

To celebrate and reflect on Yoga Day 2018, as in the past, the International Organization of the Brahmakumaris (BKs) hosted and organized a Yoga Retreat at Peace Village in the Catskills Mountains, New York, a 3-day event from June 21 to 23.  The theme of this year’s event was The Power of Yoga: A Day to Reclaim Your Inner Spirit.

The program was facilitated by BK Susan, Raja Yoga teacher at Peace Village.  Sr. Binny of the BKs of the Mount Abu, India, headquarters and international speaker-mentor Dr. Paula Fellingham were chief guests.  Dr. Paula Fellingham and several other Brahmakumaris from India and the USA, at the workshops, shared their experiences of reclaiming inner strength through Yoga.  BK Rick spoke and conducted a variety of excellent yoga exercises.  BK Dorothy, Program Director at Peace Village, explained and conducted a meditation of Raja Yoga, and Carrie Dugo (a local resident) and family conducted a silent healing yogic walk around the Peace Village labyrinth.  A local student continued to enhance the atmosphere with her singing bowls and powerful vibrational gong.

Toli (sweet) and blessings cards were given to every attendee as a finale to the spiritual program enjoyed by all.

Sadhguru on Yoga Day: Yoga for Soldiers

The Isha Foundation Salutes Our Soldiers

“Those who live for the nation, those who are willing to die for the nation must get the maximum empowerment that can happen” – Sadhguru

#YogaForSoldiers @BSF_India

On the International Day of Yoga, Isha Foundation salutes our Indian soldiers who are protecting the nation.

Since December 2017, over 300 soldiers have been trained by Isha Foundation to teach Hatha Yoga within the armed forces #yogaforsoldiers

Watch the following bi-lingual video, initiated by mystic-yogi Sadhguru, where the Inspector General of the Border Security Forces (BSF) and India’s brave soldiers, speak of their experiences using yoga to do their onerous task at India’s borders.

“Those who live for the nation, those who are willing to die for the nation must get the maximum empowerment that can happen” – Sadhguru

#YogaForSoldiers @BSF_India

(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health and Wellness, and Spirituality)