iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
As the International Day of Yoga turned 10, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco celebrated the event at Crissy Field Beach with a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge Friday. This year’s event saw a vibrant gathering of Yoga enthusiasts and dignitaries, including members of the Consular Corps and the Chief of Protocol for the City of San Francisco, Maryam Muduroglu.
Consul General Dr. K. Srikar Reddy welcomed the participants and highlighted the significant physical and mental health benefits of Yoga.
The celebration featured a Yoga session based on the Common Yoga Protocol, a serene meditation session, and a unique demonstration of Mallakhamb, a traditional Indian sport that combines Yoga and gymnastics on a pole. The event was set against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge, partially veiled in fog, creating an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
Yoga is a five-thousand-year-old tradition from ancient India. It harmonizes the body, mind, and nature through physical, mental, and spiritual pursuits. Recognizing its global health benefits, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21st as the International Day of Yoga following a call by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2014.
“Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action … a holistic approach [that] is valuable to our health and our well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature,” Modi said in his address during the opening of the 69th session of the UN General Assembly.
The UN website states: “Recognizing its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131… The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.”