Thousands Participated in HSS International Yoga Day Celebrations
JUNE 21, 2015 — To mark the first-ever International Day of Yoga, more than 100 centers of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, USA (HSS) organized yoga festivals in 30 cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, San Jose, San Francisco Bay Area, Irvine, Milwaukee, Houston, Bloomington, Morrisville, Tampa, Orlando, and Phoenix. The events attracted thousands of participants around the country. Activities included guided yoga poses, meditation techniques, and scientific presentations on the benefits of yoga, live music, and demonstrations by expert yoga practitioners.
“International Day of Yoga was a resounding success and indeed recognized the universality of this invaluable gift that India has given the world,” said Dr. Ved Nanda, president of HSS. “It was exciting and inspiring to see thousands of people commit to living healthy, harmonious lives through the practice of yoga.”
JUNE 21, 2015 — To mark the first-ever International Day of Yoga, more than 100 centers of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, USA (HSS) organized yoga festivals in 30 cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, San Jose, San Francisco Bay Area, Irvine, Milwaukee, Houston, Bloomington, Morrisville, Tampa, Orlando, and Phoenix. The events attracted thousands of participants around the country. Activities included guided yoga poses, meditation techniques, and scientific presentations on the benefits of yoga, live music, and demonstrations by expert yoga practitioners.
“International Day of Yoga was a resounding success and indeed recognized the universality of this invaluable gift that India has given the world,” said Dr. Ved Nanda, president of HSS. “It was exciting and inspiring to see thousands of people commit to living healthy, harmonious lives through the practice of yoga.”
Yoga is an ancient Hindu practice that aims to harmonize the body with the mind through breathing techniques, postures, and meditation. The goal of International Day of Yoga was to raise awareness about yoga and its benefits for holistic physical, mental, and spiritual health.
HSS decided to organize these celebrations last December when the United Nations declared June 21, which coincides with the summer solstice, as the “International Day of Yoga.” The announcement followed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal in his maiden speech at the UN General Assembly. Co-sponsoring Modi’s resolution were 175 nations, the highest number on any resolution of this kind.
In several states, including Massachusetts, Ohio, and Illinois, governors and mayors also recognized June 21 as “Yoga Day” within their jurisdictions. Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren appreciated the organizers’ outstanding work in promoting friendship, mutual understanding, health and well-being among diverse members of the community.
Khyati Vaidya, who participated in the Houston event, called the event “historic and unforgettable.” “In this day and age, with healthcare costs skyrocketing out of control and diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and emotional disorders becoming tragically common, yoga and preventive care are more important than ever,” Vaidya said. “International Yoga Day was a fantastic way to raise awareness about yoga and show people how simple it is to practice yoga in their daily lives.”
At the Boston event, held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus, over 500 yoga enthusiasts as well as novices attended the event in spite of heavy rain all day. Highlights of the Boston event included a talk by Lama Migmar Tseten, Harvard University’s Buddhist chaplain on universalism of Yoga philosophy. Mallakhamb, or performing yogic postures and exercise on a wooden pole by a group from New Jersey, received huge applause.
Yoga Day participants came from diverse backgrounds and ranged from 3 to 90 years old. In many cities, including Atlanta and Piscataway, New Jersey, activities included “Chair Yoga” lessons designed specifically for senior citizens. The New Jersey event also featured a popular “Laughter Yoga” session in which participants learned different self-induced laughing techniques that have been shown to strengthen the immune system, reduce stress, and enhance oxygen flow to the body. San Francisco Bay area volunteers organized Yoga Day events at seven locations.
Other popular sessions included presentations by eminent doctors and researchers on the benefits of yoga. At the Orlando event, Dr. Diane Robinson spoke on the significance of yoga for preventing and treating cancer. The Orlando event also featured a presentation on Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine based on achieving balance in the body through natural herbs, foods, and breathing techniques. At San Francisco Bay area event Finance Minister of India Mr. Arun Jaitely was the chief guest.
In most cities, HSS collaborated with several other organizations to conduct the Yoga Day celebrations. Partner organizations included Art of Living, Chinmaya Mission, Sewa International, Vedanta Society, Gayatri Parivar, Patanjali Yogpeeth, local temples, yoga classes and universities. Indian consulate general at Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, also supported and appreciated local Yoga Day events.
HSS Announces 18th Annual “Health for Humanity” Yogathon
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) announces the seventeenth annual “Yoga for Health, Health for Humanity Yogathon” or “Surya Namaskar Yajna” (SNY). This program runs from January 18th to February 2nd, 2025. Participants across all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, nationalities, and faiths are invited to participate in the Yogathon to kickstart the New Year with health awareness and practice.
Surya Namaskar is a yogic practice done in reverence to the sun. Research shows several physiological and psychological benefits from Surya Namaskar when practiced regularly. They are performed as a series of 10 physical postures, flowing in a graceful, continuous sequence. The Surya Namaskar Yajna seeks to promote the practice and its benefits among all Americans aspiring for a fit body and balanced mind.
Since its inception in 2007, participants from 43 states have actively participated in the Yogathon through Yoga centers, community organizations, schools, and colleges, and also as individuals. Regardless of their faith and belief, these participants have performed over four million Surya Namaskars over the past several years. This is a testament to the success of the Yogathon in achieving diversity and inclusion in communities nationwide while promoting public health and well-being equitably.
Acknowledging this, community leaders and elected officials across the nation also appreciate this initiative and encourage their residents to participate in the Health for Humanity Yogathon and benefit from a healthy lifestyle. The Yogathon has received numerous proclamations from American mayors, governors, US Congressmen, and US Senators. It also found recognition in the Congressional records in 2017. The “Let’s Move” initiative of then First Lady Michelle Obama declared HSS as a partner in 2012 in cognizance of the Yogathon.
About Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS):
HSS is a 501(c)(3) voluntary non-profit cultural organization with over 230 chapters across the United States. HSS organizes service activities and community outreach projects to promote discipline, self-confidence, teamwork, and the spirit of selflessness. HSS also fosters a dynamic and flourishing Hindu-American community through civic duty, responsibility, and volunteerism, instilling lasting pride in Hindu heritage among its members. Learn more at www.HSSUS.org.
HSS Announces 18th Annual “Health for Humanity” Yogathon
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Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) announces the seventeenth annual “Yoga for Health, Health for Humanity Yogathon” or “Surya Namaskar Yajna” (SNY). This program runs from January 18th to February 2nd, 2025. Participants across all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, nationalities, and faiths are invited to participate in the Yogathon to kickstart the New Year with health awareness and practice.
Surya Namaskar is a yogic practice done in reverence to the sun. Research shows several physiological and psychological benefits from Surya Namaskar when practiced regularly. They are performed as a series of 10 physical postures, flowing in a graceful, continuous sequence. The Surya Namaskar Yajna seeks to promote the practice and its benefits among all Americans aspiring for a fit body and balanced mind.
Since its inception in 2007, participants from 43 states have actively participated in the Yogathon through Yoga centers, community organizations, schools, and colleges, and also as individuals. Regardless of their faith and belief, these participants have performed over four million Surya Namaskars over the past several years. This is a testament to the success of the Yogathon in achieving diversity and inclusion in communities nationwide while promoting public health and well-being equitably.
Acknowledging this, community leaders and elected officials across the nation also appreciate this initiative and encourage their residents to participate in the Health for Humanity Yogathon and benefit from a healthy lifestyle. The Yogathon has received numerous proclamations from American mayors, governors, US Congressmen, and US Senators. It also found recognition in the Congressional records in 2017. The “Let’s Move” initiative of then First Lady Michelle Obama declared HSS as a partner in 2012 in cognizance of the Yogathon.
About Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS):
HSS is a 501(c)(3) voluntary non-profit cultural organization with over 230 chapters across the United States. HSS organizes service activities and community outreach projects to promote discipline, self-confidence, teamwork, and the spirit of selflessness. HSS also fosters a dynamic and flourishing Hindu-American community through civic duty, responsibility, and volunteerism, instilling lasting pride in Hindu heritage among its members. Learn more at www.HSSUS.org
HSS Announces 17th Annual “Health for Humanity” Yogathon
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) announces the seventeenth annual “Yoga for Health, Health for Humanity Yogathon” or “Surya Namaskar Yajna” (SNY). This program runs from January 13th to January 28th, 2024. Participants across all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, nationalities, and faiths are invited to participate in the Yogathon to kickstart the New Year with health awareness and practice.
Surya Namaskar is a yogic practice done in reverence to the sun. Research shows several physiological and psychological benefits from Surya Namaskar when practiced regularly. They are performed as a series of 10 physical postures, flowing in a graceful, continuous sequence. The Surya Namaskar Yajna seeks to promote the practice and its benefits among all Americans aspiring for a fit body and balanced mind.
Since its inception in 2007, participants from 43 states have actively participated in the Yogathon through Yoga centers, community organizations, schools, and colleges, and also as individuals. Regardless of their faith and belief, these participants have performed over four million Surya Namaskars over the past several years. This is a testament to the success of the Yogathon in achieving diversity and inclusion in communities nationwide while promoting public health and well-being equitably.
Acknowledging this, community leaders and elected officials across the nation also appreciate this initiative and encourage their residents to participate in the Health for Humanity Yogathon and benefit from a healthy lifestyle. The Yogathon has received numerous proclamations from American mayors, governors, US Congressmen, and US Senators. It also found recognition in the Congressional records in 2017. The “Let’s Move” initiative of then First Lady Michelle Obama declared HSS as a partner in 2012 in cognizance of the Yogathon.
About Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS):
HSS is a 501(c)(3) voluntary non-profit cultural organization with over 230 chapters across the United States. HSS organizes service activities and community outreach projects to promote discipline, self-confidence, teamwork, and the spirit of selflessness. HSS also fosters a dynamic and flourishing Hindu-American community through civic duty, responsibility, and volunteerism, instilling lasting pride in Hindu heritage among its members. Learn more at www.HSSUS.org.
HSS Announces sixteenth Annual Health for Humanity Yogathon
ROCKAWAY, NJ, USA, January 6, 2023 — Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS) announces the sixteenth annual “Yoga for Health, Health for Humanity Yogathon” or “Surya Namaskar Yajna” (SNY) event. This event will begin on January 14, 2023, and end on January 29, 2023. It is a nationwide event where participants across genders, races, ethnicities, nationalities, and faiths enthusiastically join, thus making it a truly nationwide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) event.
Surya Namaskar is typically done to honor the Sun, and it is believed to have a number of physical and mental benefits. Suryanamaskar Yajna is a type of Yogathon involving the practice of Surya Namaskar, a series of 10 physical postures traditionally performed in sequence as a form of yoga. The practice of Surya Namaskar involves moving through a series of poses that flow together in a graceful, continuous sequence.
Since its inception in 2007, participants from 43 states have actively taken part in Yoga centers, community organizations, schools, and colleges. Regardless of individual faiths and beliefs, enthusiasts have participated and collectively performed over four million Surya Namaskars.
Acknowledging this community-wide health awareness program, community leaders and many elected officials across the nation have appreciated this initiative and encouraged their residents to participate and gain the benefits of an overall healthy lifestyle. Health for Humanity Yogathon has received numerous proclamations from American mayors, governors, US Congressmen, and US Senators. It was recognized as a part of Congressional records in 2017. Acknowledging the community benefits of this initiative, the Let’s Move initiative of then First Lady Michelle Obama declared HSS as a partner in 2012.
HSS Announces 15th Annual Health for Humanity Yogathon
ROCKAWAY, NJ. January 12, 2022 – Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS) announces the fifteenth annual “Yoga for Health, Health for Humanity Yogathon” or “Surya Namaskar Yajna” (SNY). This 16-day event will begin on January 15, 2022, and end on January 30, 2022.
The sun is the source of energy for all life on earth. Surya Namaskar is a combination of yoga postures, called “āsanā(s),” performed in a pre-determined sequence in appreciation of this precious solar energy. Surya Namaskar integrates simple Yoga postures in ten steps that, along with easy breathing techniques, can provide immense health benefits to both the body and the mind.
Since its inception in 2007, participants from 43 states have actively taken part in Yoga centers, community organizations, schools, and colleges. Regardless of individual faiths and beliefs, enthusiasts have participated and collectively performed over four million Surya Namaskars. Community leaders and many elected officials across the nation have appreciated this initiative and encouraged their residents to participate and gain the benefits of an overall healthy lifestyle. Health for Humanity Yogathon has received numerous proclamations from American mayors, governors, US Congressmen, and US Senators. It was recognized as a part of Congressional records in 2017. Acknowledging the community benefits of this initiative, the Let’s Move initiative of the then First Lady Michelle Obama declared HSS as a partner in 2012.
This program is open to all people. For questions or suggestions, please email [email protected].
Details of this event, training resources, and advertising aids to make this project successful are available on the official HSS SNY website: www.hssus.org/sny.
