Farida Megiddo teaches yoga at Discovery Green.
Tara Narasimhan
Houston: One of the most important events coinciding with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, is the International Day of Yoga (IDY). Yoga invites people from all over the world to join their communities and participate in yoga sessions. IDY aims to raise awareness leading to a stress-free life, calm inner peace and strong physical vitality. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event.Number It’s the year of the IDY event, bringing together many yoga enthusiasts, temples and organisations.
It is the aim of Hindus of Greater Houston to support and promote this wholesome initiative, with the tireless efforts of the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi. June 21 Since 2015, it has been declared as International Day of Yoga by the United Nations General Assembly. The event is always conducted in partnership with the Consulate General of India in Houston. HGH has been promoting IDY since its inception.
Yajat Bhargav, a junior intern at HGH, recalls the first large event being held in 2015. “We had one big event at the George Brown Convention Center, and 3,500 people showed up,” Yoga Day has become very popular in Houston, drawing participants of various ethnicities over the years.
More than 30 events are planned for 2024, including seven outdoor events. The City of Fulshear organized its first event on June 21st and it was a success.
There are over 2,500 yoga teachers in the Houston metropolitan area. This year, for the first time, Svyasa and HGH will be honoring a large number of yoga teachers. HGH will recognize 12 yoga teachers for their outstanding achievements. The last time such an award was presented was in IDY 2015.
A group photo taken at the IDY celebrations held at Discovery Green on June 21st.
Hindus of Greater Houston in collaboration with SVYSA will host an event on June 30thNumber At VPSS Haveli
Three practicing yogis will share their experiences of how yoga has impacted their lives. All attendees will have the opportunity to join in a short meditation session led by Mark Lamb. Light vegetarian snacks will be provided. Robert Boustney has been teaching yoga for over 50 years. A brief history of yoga in Houston will be presented. Young people from the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangha will demonstrate yoga poses.
There will be a demonstration of Yoga Asanas with 24 participants ranging in age from 6 to 82. One of our goals is to create a list of all yoga teachers and studios in Houston for future reference. SVYASA Houston, under the leadership of Vishwarup Nanjundappa and his dedicated faculty, has played a vital role in training and mentoring hundreds of yoga teachers.
Partner organizations are Syasa, Hindus of Greater Houston, Union is Creation, VPSS, India House, IMAGH, ICC, AOL and Isha foundation. For more information, visit hindusofhouston.org.
