Washington, June 19: On Friday morning, the Indian Embassy organized the 12th International Yoga Day at the Lincoln Memorial. Hundreds of yoga enthusiasts gathered for the event.
The Lincoln Memorial, one of Washington’s most iconic sites, transformed into a vast open yoga space in front of the National Mall. Participants practiced various yoga poses against the backdrop of the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.
The event attracted members of the Indian community, local residents, yoga instructors, and health-conscious individuals. Many attendees wore commemorative T-shirts featuring this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Aging.”
During the program, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, the Indian Ambassador to the United States, highlighted the journey of yoga and how it has evolved from an ancient Indian tradition to a globally embraced lifestyle.
Kwatra noted that the celebration of the 12th International Yoga Day at the Lincoln Memorial is significant. The United Nations recognized International Yoga Day in 2014 through a resolution supported by nearly 175 countries worldwide.
Describing yoga as a part of India’s cultural heritage, the ambassador stated that this practice transcends borders, religions, and cultures. He emphasized that it is a celebration of India’s ancient yoga tradition, embraced and regularly practiced by people from various countries, societies, beliefs, and religions.
Kwatra mentioned that this annual event provides an opportunity for people to reconnect with their heritage and unite communities.
When asked about the growing popularity of yoga in the United States, he remarked that yoga has become well-established in American society. He added that it is not only gaining popularity but has also secured a strong foothold everywhere.
Among the participants was Nagesh Borse, Chief Data Officer of the District of Columbia Health Department, who shared how yoga has transformed his life. Borse stated that yoga is not just a physical exercise but also beneficial for the mind and spirit. He called yoga one of the finest gifts India has given to the world.
Heather Ferris, a yoga instructor from Washington who trained in Nashik, Maharashtra, commented that yoga is often viewed differently in the U.S. She noted that sometimes yoga is perceived in a more commercial light, with people considering it merely as physical exercise, while it encompasses much more. Ferris emphasized that yoga is a means to connect the body, mind, and spirit.
–
Leave a Comment