Houston, amidst the scorching Texas heat, thousands of yoga enthusiasts gathered across the state to embrace the timeless practice of yoga during the month-long celebrations of the 10th International Yoga Day 2024.

Organized by the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Houston and various partner organisations, the theme 'Yoga for Self and Society' underscored a shared pursuit of well-being and harmony.

From bustling urban plazas to serene riverwalks and parks adorned with colorful mats, participants from diverse backgrounds came together to explore the transformative power of yoga.

The festivities, which will begin June 2 and continue through June 29, are extending their reach beyond Texas, encompassing neighboring states served by CGI Houston, such as Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma.

Interactive workshops, live demonstrations and collective yoga sessions immersed participants in practices that promote peace, inner balance and holistic well-being. Techniques including relaxation, pranayama (breath regulation) and meditation showed yoga's ability to rejuvenate both mind and body.

“In a gentle way, you can shake the world,” echoed the timeless wisdom of Mahatma Gandhi, emphasizing the profound impact of yoga on individual health and community cohesion.

Hosted by CGI Houston in collaboration with NASA, Space Center Houston and Rasa Yoga, the culminating event on June 18 at NASA Johnson Space Center was a pinnacle of unity and inspiration.

Against the backdrop of towering space shuttles, a cosmic backdrop is created that symbolizes the growing popularity of yoga amid the frontier of space exploration. This symbolic setting epitomized the growing popularity and universal appeal of yoga.

Despite the weather challenges, enthusiastic crowds gathered at landmarks such as the North Texas Mahatma Gandhi Memorial in Dallas, Congress in Austin, the Riverwalk in San Antonio and NASA, India House and Discovery Green in Houston.

Experienced yoga instructors led sessions filled with meditation, dynamic exercises, and revitalizing breathing techniques, fostering an atmosphere of renewal and community spirit.

D.C. Manjunath, Consul General of India in Houston, expressed boundless enthusiasm for the growing impact of the event, highlighting the significant participation and engagement of the community over the years.

Emphasizing this year's theme "Yoga for Self and Society," he highlighted collaborative efforts with various yoga organizations.

"It is clear that Yoga has become a unifying force, uniting people from different cultures and backgrounds. It is a pleasure to see young people participating in Yoga sessions with such enthusiasm and dedication," commented Manjunath.

Celebrated annually on June 21, International Yoga Day illuminates the transformative benefits of yoga and captivates audiences around the world. Beyond physical fitness, yoga fosters mental clarity, emotional resilience, and a harmonious society.