Yoga Day: Thousands of International Participants Engage in Ancient Indian Exercise at Times Square
Ahead of the International Day of Yoga, ‘Solstice at Times Square’ demonstrated New York City’s enthusiasm for yoga on Thursday. A significant number of participants engaged in the day-long yoga celebration at Times Square.
New York: Thousands of yoga enthusiasts and practitioners gathered at the iconic Times Square for extended sessions of the ancient Indian practice, in anticipation of the International Day of Yoga. Organized by the Consulate General of India in New York and the Times Square Alliance, special yoga sessions were held on the day of the summer solstice, as participants prepared to celebrate the International Day of Yoga on June 21.
Despite heat advisories in the New York area, with temperatures reaching up to 93°F (33.8°C), people from various backgrounds and nationalities arrived early, unfurling their yoga mats in the heart of this popular New York City location. Richa Dhekne, a seasoned yoga instructor and Breath Meditation teacher with over two decades of experience with the Art of Living Foundation, led a yoga and meditation session hosted by the Consulate General of India in New York.
Throughout the day, several other yoga teachers and experts conducted meditation, exercises, and breathing sessions at Times Square, drawing thousands to participate in the activities. “As you can see, we have yoga participants from many nationalities, and this will continue throughout the day,” remarked Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York. Pradhan anticipated around 8,000 to 10,000 participants and noted that the 2024 Yoga Day theme is ‘Yoga for Self and Society.’
Pradhan expressed confidence that the event would inspire participants in New York and across the United States. The Consulate posted on X, “celebrated the 10th International Day of Yoga at the iconic @TimesSquareNYC!” They added, “The day-long celebration of Solstice at @TimesSquareNYC included seven yoga sessions, with about 10,000 participants from various nationalities, highlighting the city’s enthusiasm for yoga.”
Pradhan welcomed the participants, emphasizing yoga’s benefits for physical health, spiritual well-being, and harmony with nature. Officials and staff from the Indian Consulate, along with diaspora members, joined the yoga session. In the lead-up to Yoga Day, the Consulate and partner associations hosted several yoga sessions, including one at Bryant Park near the New York Public Library and a special session for women at Central Park led by Swami Brahmanishthananda.
https://www.openpr.com/news/3458158/direct-to-consumer-genetic-testing-market-targets-impressive
