International Day of Yoga draws nearly 10,000 to Times Square event hosted by Indian Consulate

Thousands of yoga practitioners gathered in Times Square on Sunday for a full-day programme marking International Day of Yoga. The Consulate General of India in New York partnered with the Times Square Alliance for the observance. Nearly 10,000 participants from many nationalities took part. People arrived early, laid out mats, and joined sessions in central New York City.

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The Indian Consulate said the Times Square event included seven yoga sessions across the day. Yoga teachers and subject experts guided breathing practices, exercises and meditation segments. Officials and staff from the Indian Consulate also joined. Members of the Indian diaspora attended in large numbers, alongside local residents and visitors to the area.

International Day of Yoga at Times Square

This year’s observance marked the 12th International Day of Yoga. Organisers followed the theme Yoga for Healthy Ageing. The focus highlighted how regular practice can support longer life and better daily health. The Consulate described strong interest across New York City and the United States throughout the sessions.

Padmashri Guru Dr HR Nagendra attended the Times Square programme. The Consulate described Guru Nagendra as a widely known yoga master and meditation expert. Guru Nagendra is also Prime Minister Narendra Modis yoga guru. During the address, Guru Nagendra spoke about yoga’s role in supporting a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

International Day of Yoga outreach led by the Indian Consulate

Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Pradhan, noted yoga’s growing presence in American daily routines. Binaya Pradhan also referred to strong participation from the Indian-American community. The Consulate linked this trend to wider public interest. Organisers said the turnout reflected broad support for yoga across different groups.

Before the Times Square gathering, the Consulate held yoga sessions and outreach programmes across its jurisdiction. The locations included New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Ohio. These activities ran for a month. The Consulate said local communities and yoga practitioners joined in large numbers, increasing awareness and engagement.

The Times Square programme ended as the day-long schedule continued through multiple sessions. Organisers said the event showed steady interest from people of different backgrounds. The Consulate credited support from partners and volunteers for smooth coordination. The 12th International Day of Yoga observance in Times Square remained centred on Yoga for Healthy Ageing.

With inputs from PTI