WATCH Yoga At Times Square: India's Consulate General Celebrates International Yoga Day

On the International Day of Yoga, Times Square in New York City became the vibrant hub for thousands of Yoga enthusiasts and practitioners who gathered for day-long sessions of this ancient Indian practice.

The event was organized by the Consulate General of India in New York in collaboration with the Times Square Alliance, coinciding with the summer solstice observed annually on June 21st.

WATCH Yoga At Times Square

Despite high temperatures reaching up to 93°F (33.8°C) and heat advisories in place across New York, people from all walks of life and nationalities arrived early in the morning to participate. They rolled out their yoga mats in the heart of Times Square, one of the most iconic destinations in New York City.

Leading the yoga and meditation session was Richa Dhekne, an experienced yoga instructor and Breath Meditation teacher associated with the Art of Living Foundation for over two decades. This session, hosted by the Consulate General of India in New York, was just one of several throughout the day.

Various yoga teachers and experts conducted meditation, exercises, and breathing sessions, attracting thousands of participants throughout the event. Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, anticipated a turnout of 8,000-10,000 participants for the day's activities. He emphasized the theme of the 2024 Yoga Day, which focused on 'Yoga for Self and Society', underscoring its relevance in promoting physical health, spiritual well-being, and harmony with nature.

A post on X by the Consulate highlighted the event as the 10th International Day of Yoga celebration at Times Square, noting the enthusiastic participation of approximately 10,000 individuals from diverse nationalities. Pradhan addressed the participants, emphasizing the transformative benefits of Yoga and its positive impact on individuals and communities alike.

Officials and staff from the Indian Consulate, alongside members of the Indian diaspora, actively participated in the yoga session. Leading up to the International Day of Yoga, the Consulate and its partner associations organized various yoga sessions across prominent locations in New York City, including Bryant Park near the New York Public Library and a special session dedicated to women at Central Park, facilitated by Swami Brahmanishthananda. These efforts aimed to promote the practice of Yoga and its holistic benefits to a broader audience in the city.