The Indian Panorama

Tag: IDY

  • International Day of Yoga celebrated in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador

    International Day of Yoga celebrated in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador

    GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): To commemorate the International Day of Yoga 2023, the Embassy of India in Guatemala organized a series of yoga events across Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. These events aimed to unite yoga enthusiasts from the Central American region and emphasize the significance of yoga in enhancing physical and mental well-being. The Embassy’s efforts were focused on promoting the practice of yoga and fostering a deeper connection between the Indian and Central American communities through these events.

    The theme for this year’s International Day of Yoga was “Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam,” which emphasizes the concept of the world as one family. Through the practice of yoga, we aimed to promote unity, harmony, and inclusivity among individuals and communities. It was a wonderful opportunity for the school children to experience the benefits of yoga and participate in this global celebration.

    Embassy of India celebrated yoga event at Mariscal Zavala attended by 2500 participants

    The major highlight of the International Day of Yoga 2023 celebrations was the grand Mega Yoga Show held at Mariscal Zavala in Guatemala City on 18th June 2023. This highly anticipated event drew a remarkable crowd of 2500 participants, comprising students, government officials, and enthusiastic members of the public. The grand Yoga event provided a platform to showcase the beauty and effectiveness of various yoga asanas, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques. It served as a remarkable opportunity to raise awareness about the profound impact that yoga can have on one’s daily life, fostering a sense of harmony and well-being. Invaluable support and cooperation from Ministry of Defence and Military personnel played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth execution of the event, from assistance in logistical arrangements to security measures. The Embassy acknowledged and appreciated their dedication and commitment to making the International Day of Yoga a resounding success. Their collaborative efforts exemplify the spirit of unity and harmony that yoga promotes.

    Yoga event at UPNFM, Tegucigalpa, Honduras

    In Tegucigalpa, Honduras, a remarkable Yoga Event was held at Universidad Pedagógica Nacional Francisco Morazán (UPNFM) on 20th June 2023. The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including students, faculty members, and local yoga enthusiasts. With an aim to promote the holistic benefits of yoga, the event featured a wide range of yoga asanas and engaging interactive sessions. Around 150 yoga participants from different parts of Honduras attended the event, showcasing the growing interest and engagement of the local community. Through the consistent organization of yoga events, the Embassy of India has successfully established a strong presence among the Honduran population, attracting yoga enthusiasts of all ages and fostering a sense of well-being and harmony.

    Embassy organized yoga gathering at iconic Santa Catalina Arch, in world heritage city of Antigua Guatemala today to celebrate IDY2023.

    The Embassy continued its efforts to organise Yoga events in different iconic places of Central America and one of the most prominent places was in the City of Antigua, which has a history of more than 500 years old. On 21st June 2023, the Embassy of India in Guatemala chose the iconic Santa Catalina Arch in Antigua, Guatemala as the venue for a captivating yoga event. The arch, a magnificent symbol of Guatemala’s rich art and cultural heritage, provided a mesmerizing setting for the participants to engage in yoga practices and embrace a serene ambiance. With the participation of approximately 100 yoga enthusiasts and local Guatemalans, the event not only celebrated the International Day of Yoga but also aimed to promote Guatemala’s cultural legacy and foster the integration of yoga into the community’s lifestyle. It was a harmonious blend of cultural appreciation and holistic well-being.

    Embassy of India in Guatemala City organized International Day of Yoga at Casa Comunal de la Colonia Guadalupe, Soyapango, El Salvador.

    In the same spirit of celebrating the International Day of Yoga, yet another remarkable venue was chosen in Central America, specifically Casa Comunal de la Colonia Guadalupe in Soyapango, El Salvador. This serene location provided an ideal setting for a memorable yoga event, attended by 400 participants. The event focused on the significance of holistic well-being and stress reduction, highlighting the transformative power of yoga through invigorating sessions and guided meditation. By choosing this venue, the Embassy of India aimed to create a harmonious environment where individuals could immerse themselves in the practice of yoga, fostering a sense of balance, peace, and inner harmony. It was a testament to the universality of yoga’s principles and its ability to transcend boundaries and connect people from all walks of life.
    In addition to the grand-scale yoga events, the Embassy of India in Guatemala organized a Yoga Gathering at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in Guatemala attended by approx. 70 participants. This event held special significance as it aimed to strengthen the diplomatic ties between the two nations through the practice of yoga. The gathering brought together embassy staff, government officials, and MoFA employees, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual understanding. Participants had the opportunity to experience firsthand the transformative power of yoga, both in terms of physical well-being and mental clarity. This intimate gathering served as a platform to showcase the shared commitment towards promoting holistic wellness and fostering a harmonious relationship between India and Guatemala.
    Furthermore, the Embassy and Government of El Salvador has taken the initiative to organize another Mega Yoga Event in El Salvador on 30 July 2023. This event holds special significance as it reflects the growing recognition and support for yoga by the government of El Salvador. By bringing together an anticipated gathering of 4000-5000 participants, this event will not only promote the practice of yoga but also serve as a platform to foster well-being and unity among attendees. It is an opportunity for the two democratic nations to come together, strengthen their bond, and celebrate the shared values of holistic wellness and mindfulness. Through this event, the Embassy aims to deepen the existing ties between India and El Salvador while showcasing the transformative power of yoga in promoting physical, mental, and spiritual harmony.

    In conclusion, the Embassy of India in Guatemala, along with its counterparts in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, successfully organized a series of yoga events to commemorate the International Day of Yoga 2023. These events brought together yoga enthusiasts, government officials, and members of the local communities to celebrate the power of yoga in promoting physical and mental well-being. The Embassy’s efforts to promote yoga as a way of life and foster cultural exchange were met with great enthusiasm and participation. The attached photographs capture the vibrant atmosphere and the spirit of unity that prevailed during these events. The Embassy remains committed to promoting the practice of yoga and strengthening the bond between India and the Central American region through such initiatives.

  • Consulate General of India, NY Celebrated International Day of Yoga at the Times Square

    Consulate General of India, NY Celebrated International Day of Yoga at the Times Square

    Participants in the Yoga session.
    A Yoga posture with Ms. Ruchika Lal.
    From L to R: Prem Bhandari, Guest of Honor Swami Avdheshanand Ji, Prof. Indrajit Saluja, and an unidentified gentleman at the IDY celebrations at the Times Square.

    Thousands, including Consulate and government of India undertakings staff  participated 

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): The 8th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was celebrated by the Consulate General of India in New York at the iconic Times Square, the cross-roads of the World, today. This year the Yoga celebrations were special, for they formed part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – 75 years of India’s Independence.

    In his remarks on the occasion, Consul General iterated the growing popularity of yoga which is as much about physical heath as it is about spiritual wellbeing and living in harmony with nature. Popular Spiritual Guru, Swami Avdheshanand Ji graced the occasion as Guest of Honor.  In keeping with this year’s theme, Yoga for Humanity, he spoke of yoga’s contribution in promoting health, peace and harmony in the world. The lead Yoga session was conducted by renowned Yoga expert Ms. Ruchika Lal of the Art of Living Foundation from 0930-1030 hrs.

    In addition, several rounds of yoga sessions were also conducted throughout the day. The day-long event was attended by around 10,000 people. The session was telecast live in India as part of the ”Guardian Ring” which covered Yoga events from around the world, underlining One Sun One Earth concept, showcasing the unifying power of Yoga transcending borders.

    The Times Square yoga event by the Consulate also displayed a variety of holistic health, Ayurvedic and nature-based wellness products from India.  These products and superfoods were promoted under the ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) initiative of the Government of India.  Some of these products included organic turmeric, ginger, cardamom tea, Araku Valley Coffee and Millet pasta. Ginger flakes and organic turmeric from Sikkim, India’s first fully organic state, were also displayed and gifted to yoga enthusiasts. Sourced from across India with assistance of ‘Invest India’, products at the Consulate’s stall generated excitement amongst the visitors who were eager to learn about their uniqueness and health benefits.

    Excitement in the run up to the 8th International Day of Yoga was quite apparent in the large turnout that a number of curtain raiser events saw. These were organized in the weeks ahead of the June 21 celebration at Times Square. The celebrations started on 1st June with a World Yoga Festival organized by the World Yoga Community. Indo-American Arts & Cultural Forum held a yoga session in association with Center for the Women of New York on June 4 at Bayside, New York. Community members turned up in large numbers for the Yoga Cruise on East River on June 12 organized by the World Vegan Vision. YuVa Shakti discussed benefits of yoga for people with advanced age through a virtual session on June 17. Yoga sessions were also held on June 18 and 19 by Vihangam Yoga.

    For the first time, IDY was also celebrated on the US side of Niagara Falls. The Consulate General partnered with Buffalo-Niagara Tamil Mandram and Indian Associations of Buffalo to organize Yoga event at the Goat Island of Niagara Falls State Park on June 19, 2022. This was the first time that IDY was celebrated on the US side of the world’s most famous waterfall. Members of Buffalo Network of Religious Communities, an organization comprising members of different religious groups participated in the yoga celebrations which also brought together Indian students studying in various Universities in Buffalo. The celebrations will now be a regular feature of Buffalo-Niagara region’s culture calendar.

    Several other Yoga events are also planned in and around New York. GOPIO, Manhattan organized a virtual event on June 23. On June 25, Isha Foundation and Vihangham Yoga will celebrate IDY at Bridgewater, New Jersey and Shri Venkateshwara Temple NJ will organize a yoga event at Hartsdale, New York. Connecticut will see Yoga celebrations in Manchester on June 26 by MILAN Cultural Association.

    The United Nations, in December 2014, had unanimously adopted a resolution piloted by India to celebrate International Day of Yoga on June 21 which is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Since 2015, International Day of Yoga is being celebrated on a large scale across the globe enhancing awareness about the multifaceted benefits of Yoga. Government of Sikkim, Invest India, TRIFED, State Bank of India, ICICI, Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Tetley, CaratLane and Art of Living supported the Consulate General of India in celebrating the 8th International Day of Yoga in New York.

  • Consulate General of India with community organizations celebrated the 7th International Day of Yoga

    Consulate General of India with community organizations celebrated the 7th International Day of Yoga

    Consul General of India at New York Randhir Kumar Jaiswal addressed the gathering.

    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)