The International Day of Yoga was given by the United Nations in 2015 and is held every year on June 21. Various programs related to the International Day of Yoga are organized in New York, Long Island, New Jersey, and other locations, and Ananda Marga Acaryas are invited to attend.

From June 15 – 25, Acarya Abhiramananda Avadhuta and other Acaryas and Margiis in New York attended at least five programs. They met with thousands of people and created many sympathizers. In this way, Ananda Marga is being presented in the community here in the United States.

Ananda Marga organized an International Day of Yoga celebration at the New York Sectorial Office on August 18, 2022.

The program was very successful, with over forty people in attendance and some United Nations (UN) delegates and others joining online. Representatives of numerous NGOs and charitable organizations joined this program. The highlight of the day was a presentation entitled Yoga Psychology and the Science Behind Meditation by brother Dileep, chairman of the World Yoga Community and Ac. Dhanjoo Ghistha.

Ac. Abhiramananda Avt. shared about the work of Ananda Marga concerning yoga and meditation all around the New York Sector. Five Acaryas and four Margiis attended the different programs; they introduced Ananda Marga meditation and yoga to the attendees as they exchanged contact information and distributed flyers and visiting cards. Ac. Kovid Brc., and Avtk. An. Acira Ac. presented practical yoga demonstrations featuring Kaosiiki and Tandava. At least four sympathizers were created during their event.

Collective photo after International Yoga Day program at New York Sectorial Office in Flushing, New York

In White Plains, New York, the mayor organized International Yoga Day with the Indian-American community. The Indian Consul of New York, United Nations Plaza Building, has invited Ananda Marga as a guest.

Dr. Varun Jeph, Deputy Consul General of India, New York, the mayor and the supervisor of White Plains, and assembly members during the program of the World Yoga Community in front of the UN Plaza

Shrii Varun Joseph brought yoga and wellness to New York State and passed a resolution to hire yoga and meditation teachers for public schools. Ac. Abhiramananda Avt. introduced himself to Mr. Varun. He was pleased to meet us and impressed to see our service to society. We invited him to visit the New York Sectorial Office. In the future, he may become a sympathizer and supporter to promote the work of Ananda Marga.

The Indian Ambassador in Washington, DC, organized a special event at the Washington Monument. Ananda Marga was invited to attend. Ac. Kovid Brc., Ac. Dhruva, and Ac. Abhiramananda Avt. participated in the programs. Thousands of participants were in the programs. They distributed flyers to the community leaders, delegates, and civil society.

Mr. Hardip Singh, the Indian ambassador in Washington DC, spoke with us at length. He said he was pleased to meet Ananda Marga Acaryas and complimented us for wearing our saffron garments.

We attended an event in Time Square, NYC, organized by the Indian Consulate and other NGOs. Numerous yoga professionals and sponsoring organizations were in attendance – all promoting yoga and meditation. Ananda Marga Acaryas met with one of the managers of the Time Square event, Ms. Erica; she was so inspired to see the orange dress and take pictures.

SS Dada Abhiramanandaji and Dada Shankaranandajji at Times Square

India Independence Day Celebrations

The Indian-American community organized Indian Independence Day parades in Long Island, NY, on August 7 in New Jersey on August 20. In Floral Park, NY, on August 14 and in Manhattan, NY, on August 21. Ananda Marga has been invited to participate in all four programs.

The programs were very inspiring. At the event in Long Island on August 7, 2022, Ananda Marga Acaryas and 15 Margiis participated in the parade holding the Ananda Marga Yoga and Wellness banner amongst 50 organizations. There was also a parade in Hicksville that reached More four-miles lengths. The event was promoted widely through electronic media. Dignitaries, including the Deputy Indian consulate and the local government officials along with the Major, congresswomen, commissioner of Police, and different Indian community leaders of New York, were present.

Ananda Marga Dadas and Didi with Guru Dileep ji, the founder of World Yoga Community during the parade in Manhattan during India Independence Day Celebrations.

We also attended the Floral Park South Indian Parade on August 14. The American business community voiced an appreciation for the presence of Ananda Marga Acaryas. Ms. Kosy is the vice president of the Floral Park south-Indian business community, and he said also said they were happy and inspired to have the Acaryas present there.

The New Jersey parade on August 20 was attended by Mister Pradiip Kodavi, the Indian-American president of the cultural society of North America, and Mister Joseph Varun, the deputy consul of New York. Mr. Kodavi organized the Indian Independence Day program and introduced all the prominent Indian-American community leaders to Ananda Marga.

In the Nassau County Park Indian Mela, Ananda Marga was invited to have a stall. We introduced meditation and inspired attendees.

Ac Kovid Brc. and Brother Madhuvrat greeted people at our booth. Numerous members of the community and many leaders passed by to introduce themself. The deputy counsel came by, and we had an excellent discussion about future possibilities.

TV Asia of New York is a major television station here in New York, and they interviewed our Ananda Marga Acaryas.

Ananda Marga booth at Nassau County Park Indian Mela