12th International Day of Yoga / Consulate General of India New York
Nearly 10,000 people gathered at Times Square on June 21 as the Consulate General of India in New York celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga with day-long sessions at the iconic venue.
The day-long event, organized in partnership with the Times Square Alliance, featured seven yoga sessions conducted throughout the day, reflecting the growing popularity of yoga across the United States and among the Indian American community.
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The celebration coincided with the annual "Solstice in Times Square: Mind Over Madness Yoga" event, a long-running summer solstice tradition that brings thousands of practitioners to Times Square each year.
The event was attended by Padma Shri awardee H. R. Nagendra, a globally recognized yoga master and meditation expert. Addressing participants, Nagendra spoke about the enduring relevance of yoga and meditation in promoting a healthy and harmonious lifestyle.
Yoga at Times Square!
— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) June 21, 2026
Glimpses from the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations at the iconic Times Square, organised by the Consulate General of India, New York.
A vibrant celebration of wellness, harmony and healthy ageing.#IDY2026 #YogaForHealthyAgeing… pic.twitter.com/6nsY1d557k
He encouraged attendees to view yoga not merely as an ancient tradition but as a practical discipline capable of addressing the challenges of modern life.
Consul General Binaya Pradhan highlighted the increasing acceptance of yoga as part of daily life among Americans and the Indian diaspora in the United States.
In the lead-up to the Times Square event, the Consulate organized a month-long series of yoga sessions and outreach programs across its consular jurisdiction, including New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
The programs witnessed enthusiastic participation from local communities and yoga practitioners, helping expand awareness of yoga and its benefits.
This year's observance was organized under the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing," which emphasizes yoga's role in improving longevity, physical well-being, and quality of life. The theme was adopted globally for the 2026 celebrations and reflects growing international interest in yoga as a tool for healthy living across age groups.
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