Amidst the scorching heat of Texas, thousands of yoga enthusiasts gathered across the state to embrace the eternal practice of yoga during the month-long celebration of the 10th International Yoga Day 2024.
Organised by the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Houston and several partner organisations, the event had the theme “Yoga for Self and Society”, emphasizing the shared pursuit of well-being and harmony.
From busy city squares to quiet riverbanks and parks decorated with colourful mats, participants from diverse backgrounds came together to experience the transformative power of yoga.
Kicking off June 2 and running through June 29, the festival will expand beyond Texas to neighboring states served by CGI Houston, such as Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma.
10th Anniversary Celebration #internationalyogaday2024 This year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Self and Society’ at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, North Texas, Dallas, organised by MGMNT, IANT and several partner organisations, highlights the profound impact of yoga on individual health… pic.twitter.com/7m2w6rfpv9
— India in Houston (@cgihou) June 23, 2024
Interactive workshops, live demonstrations and group yoga sessions immersed participants in practices that promote peace, inner balance and holistic health. Techniques including relaxation, pranayama (breath regulation) and meditation demonstrated yoga’s ability to rejuvenate both mind and body.
Mahatma Gandhi’s eternal wisdom resonated everywhere, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world”, and he emphasized the profound impact of yoga on individual health and community cohesion.
Hosted by CGI Houston in collaboration with NASA, Space Center Houston and Rasa Yoga, the closing ceremony June 18 at NASA’s Johnson Space Center was the pinnacle of unity and inspiration.
In front of a high-rise backdrop of spaceships, creating a cosmic backdrop symbolizing the growing popularity of yoga in the field of space exploration. This symbolic setting symbolizes the growing popularity and universal appeal of yoga.
Despite weather challenges, enthusiastic crowds gathered at iconic landmarks such as the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial of North Texas in Dallas, the Congress in Austin, the Riverwalk in San Antonio, and NASA, India House and Discovery Green in Houston.
Experienced yoga instructors lead sessions consisting of meditation, dynamic exercises and revitalizing breathing techniques, creating an atmosphere of renewal and a sense of community.
DC Manjunath, Consul General of India in Houston expressed immense enthusiasm about the growing impact of the event and highlighted the significant participation and community involvement in it over the last few years.
Emphasizing on this year’s theme “Yoga for Self and Society”, he highlighted collaborative efforts with various yoga organizations.
Manjunath said, “It is evident that yoga has become a unifying force, bringing together people from different cultures and backgrounds. It is heartening to see young people participating in yoga sessions with such enthusiasm and dedication.”
International Yoga Day, celebrated every year on June 21, highlights the transformative benefits of yoga and attracts audiences from across the world. Apart from physical fitness, yoga promotes mental clarity, emotional resilience and harmonious society.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
