2nd International Day of Yoga at Hammond Park, Atlanta
Lighting the ceremonial diya at the 2nd IDY celebration in Atlanta: Consul D. V. Singh (Head Of Chancery), Councilman Mr. Gabriel Sterling from the City of Sandy Springs, Consul General Mrs. Louise Blais of the Canadian Consulate in Atlanta, and Shree Dwarkeshlalji Maharajshree.
The Consulate General of India in Atlanta in collaboration with the City of Sandy Springs and 30-plus organizations celebrated the second International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 26, 2016 at the Hammond Park soccer field in Sandy Springs from 7:30am to 11am. More than a dozen spiritual and yogic organizations actively participated in the celebration.
Consul D. V. Singh (Head Of Chancery), Consul General Mrs. Louise Blais of the Canadian Consulate in Atlanta, and Councilman Mr. Gabriel Sterling from the City of Sandy Springs participated in the inaugural ceremony and other related events. The event was inaugurated by lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries in a traditional Indian manner. Shree Dwarkeshlalji Maharajshree, who had been visiting Gokuldham Haveli, also graced this occasion.
Mr. D. V. Singh extended warm welcome and greetings on the occasion of the Second International Yoga Day. He mentioned the adoption of a Resolution by the United Nations last year declaring June 21 as the “International Day of Yoga,” in recognition of a new “Yoga Era” since over 300 million people practice Yoga worldwide, including around 100 million in India and 30 million in the United States. He urged the participants to join hands to spread the message of peace, harmony, and understanding among communities.
Nritya Natya Kala Bharti Dance and Music Academy perform a Kathak dance incorporating elements of yoga, especially for the 2nd International Day of Yoga program.
The logo of IDY shows the folding of both hands, symbolizing Yoga, or union, which reflects the union of individual consciousness with that of universal consciousness, a perfect harmony between mind and body, man and nature, and a holistic approach to health and well being. The brown leaves symbolize the Earth element, the green leaves represent Nature, blue Water, brightness Fire, and the Sun the source of energy and inspiration.
The program included introduction of the Common Yoga Protocol with demonstration of asanas (postures), pranayama (breath practices), and dhyan (meditation). Participants were led in the Surya Namaskar (sun salutation), and dancers gave yoga-themed dance performances.
The event was supported by sponsors and voluntary contribution by organizations including Tech Mahindra, OASIS (AT&T), IACA, Softpath, YesM Systems, Global Mall, Simsam LLC, Gandhi Foundation, and IAF. The following organizations had booths: Sewa, HSS, Bijal Doshi, Isha Foundation, Art of Living, Atlanta Vedic Temple, Gayatri Parivar, along with many individuals.
More than 100 volunteers put enormous efforts to make this program a grand success. The event was attended by around 1,000 people who enjoyed doing yoga on a nice, warm summer morning.
Louise Blais (left), Consul General of Canada, participates in yoga exercises.
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