Celebrating the 12th International Day of Yoga: A Journey of Mindfulness, Wellness, and Community.
- upfna communications
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Santhosham!
We are grateful to have celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga on Sunday, June 21, through a collaborative effort by UPFNA, the Hindu Temple of Omaha, and the Vedantic Center of Nebraska.
The celebration began at 5:00 p.m. with a powerful moment of mindfulness. Ramya led everyone in a one-minute silence, allowing the room to settle and embrace positive energy. This was beautifully followed by a devotional song performed by Advika Namasivayan. With the atmosphere set, Ravi Pillai delivered a warm welcome address on behalf of UPFNA, officially beginning the evening while emphasizing the importance of yoga, community engagement, health, harmony, and well-being.
At 5:10 p.m., the spotlight shifted to the Yoga Student Presentations. Four students shared insightful reflections on mindful living, personal growth, and mental wellness:
Meena spoke on the balance between discipline and motivation.
Dhevan Nanda Gopal highlighted the importance of inner peace.
Advaith Namasivayan shared practical strategies for managing stress.
Aryana Vanarpati concluded the presentations by emphasizing the Power of Consistency and the value of developing positive habits through regular practice.
At 5:30 p.m., it was time to put theory into practice. Serene background music and opening prayers helped transition the audience into the physical yoga session. Guided by Padmaja, with yoga demonstrations by Sowmiya and Daniel, participants moved through a structured flow of asanas, followed by deep-breathing exercises (Pranayama). The session gradually wound down with a soothing relaxation practice and concluded with peaceful meditation.
As the evening drew to a close around 6:15 p.m., the community recognized the outstanding participation and achievements of the many UPFNA Kids Yoga students who attended classes throughout the academic year. Awards in various categories were presented by Laxmi Amal, Daniel Walk, and Dr. Angelie Thakkar.
Finally, at 6:30 p.m., Krishna delivered the Vote of Thanks. The celebration concluded with a group photograph and food distribution, bringing the community together in a spirit of gratitude and fellowship.
Overall, it was a meaningful, rewarding, and inspiring event that left everyone feeling refreshed, connected, and deeply appreciative of yoga's transformative benefits.
Event Photo Gallery
View all event photos here:
We extend our sincere gratitude to all volunteers, presenters, participants, parents, and community partners who helped make this celebration a memorable success. We look forward to continuing our journey of wellness, mindfulness, and community together.
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