The Consulate General of India (CGI) in New York marked the 11th International Day of Yoga with grand celebrations held in Westchester and the iconic Times Square, bringing together yoga enthusiasts, members of the Indian diaspora, and local residents in a powerful display of unity, wellness, and cultural pride.
In collaboration with the Town of Greenburgh and the Indian Cultural Association of North America (ICANA), the CGI New York organized a vibrant yoga session in Westchester. Taking to social media platform X, the Consulate shared that the event highlighted yoga’s universal appeal and its message of harmony and well-being.
Building on the momentum, CGI New York hosted another large-scale session at Times Square, in partnership with @TimesSquareNYC. The iconic “Crossroads of the World” was transformed into a yoga arena as participants celebrated wellness under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”
“CGI New York, in collaboration with @TimesSquareNYC, hosted a vibrant Yoga Session at the iconic Crossroads of the World – Times Square!” the Consulate posted on X, along with vibrant images from the event.
The spirit of International Yoga Day also extended to Washington, DC, where the Indian Embassy held a major yoga session at the Lincoln Memorial on the eve of June 21. The event saw enthusiastic participation from people across communities, including local Americans and members of the Indian diaspora.
Speaking at the Lincoln Memorial event, India’s Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, “We are all here to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga—an enormous, fun-filled celebration of India’s ancient civilisational heritage… It’s a wonderful experience to share this with both the Indian diaspora and the American people.”
Acharya Govind Brahmachari, who led the session, emphasized that yoga is more than physical fitness: “The deeper aspects of yoga—like meditation and the quest for inner freedom—are not yet widely known. Yoga is a holistic system that helps the mind overcome emotional stress and find peace.”
Participants praised the initiative and highlighted yoga’s health benefits. Dr. Smita Patel, a physician, said, “Yoga helps reduce anxiety, depression, and improves concentration in children. It’s as essential as breathing or taking medicine. I thank PM Modi for launching this movement 11 years ago.”
Acharya Madhuvartanand Avdhut of the Ananda Marga Yoga and Meditation Centre also spoke at the event, reflecting on yoga’s spiritual heritage.
“The first yogi was Lord Shiva, who came to Earth 7000 years ago. Yoga isn’t just physical postures—it’s a complete approach to healthy, peaceful living. Yoga can unite human society.”
The celebrations across U.S. cities showcased yoga’s growing global influence and India’s leadership in promoting this ancient tradition as a path to global health, peace, and harmony.