On the eve of the commemoration of International Yoga Day, thousands of yoga enthusiasts and practitioners gathered at the iconic Times Square here for a day-long engagement of the ancient Indian yoga practice.
The Consulate General of India in New York in collaboration with the Times Square Alliance hosted a special yoga session at Times Square on Thursday, the summer solstice, to celebrate International Day of Yoga, which is observed every year on June 21.
Despite heat warnings being issued for the New York area and daytime temperatures soaring to 93 degrees Fahrenheit (33.8 degrees Celsius), people from all walks of life and nationalities gathered early in the morning to unfold their yoga mats in the heart of New York City’s popular downtown area.
Richa Dekhne, a yoga instructor and breath meditation teacher with over 20 years of experience as a volunteer and faculty member with Art of Living Foundation, led the yoga and meditation sessions organised by the Consulate General of India in New York.
Yoga teachers and experts led a variety of meditation, exercise and breathing sessions throughout the day in Times Square, with thousands of people joining in the activities throughout the day. “As you can see, we have yoga participants of different nationalities and this will continue throughout the day today,” said Vinaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York.
Pradhan said he expects around 8,000 to 10,000 people to attend, adding that the theme for Yoga Day in 2024 will be “Yoga for yourself and society.” “I have no doubt this will be an inspiration to everyone here today and to people in various other parts of the U.S.,” Pradhan said.
“Celebrating our 10th International Day of Yoga at the iconic @TimesSquareNYC!” the consulate said in X’s post, adding that the “day-long summer solstice celebration at @TimesSquareNYC featured seven yoga sessions and nearly 10,000 participants of various nationalities, showcasing the widespread enthusiasm for yoga in New York City.”
Addressing the participants, Pradhan highlighted the benefits of yoga on both physical health and mental wellbeing, as well as its role in promoting harmony with nature, a statement from the consulate said on Wednesday. Officers and staff of the Indian consulate and Indians living overseas also participated in the yoga session.
The Consulate, together with partner organizations, hosted several yoga sessions in the run up to Yoga Day, including one at Bryant Park near the famous New York Public Library and a special women’s yoga session in Central Park led by Swami Brahmanishtananda.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed (PTI)
Location: New York, USA
First revealed: June 21, 2024 9:43 AM
