International Yoga Day to Revive the True Spirit of Yoga in the US

New York: As the world prepares to mark International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21, a unique celebration in the US aims to shift the focus from mere physical fitness to the deeper, spiritual essence of yoga.

Titled “The Spirit of Yoga”, the special event will be hosted on June 22 at the peaceful Global Harmony House in Great Neck, Long Island. It is being co-organised by the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization, the event’s organisers announced on Sunday.

Unlike typical Yoga Day events, which often spotlight physical postures and flexibility, “The Spirit of Yoga” seeks to reconnect participants with yoga’s true purpose—spiritual awakening and inner harmony.

The event will feature spiritual leaders, dignitaries, and seasoned practitioners who will share their wisdom and experiences with an audience of around 250 attendees in person, along with many more joining virtually.

Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, will serve as Chief Guest and speak on yoga as India’s invaluable gift to the world. He will be joined by BK Mohini Didi, the esteemed Chief Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris worldwide.

Held at Global Harmony House—a spiritual retreat and the Brahma Kumaris' regional headquarters for the Americas and Caribbean—the gathering promises to be a deeply reflective and uplifting experience.

“In today’s commercialized wellness industry, yoga is often reduced to just a fitness routine,” said Gayatri Naraine, the Brahma Kumaris’ NGO representative at the United Nations. “But true yoga is about connecting with our highest self and the Divine through spiritual awareness.”

Echoing this sentiment, Parveen Chopra, founding editor of ALotusInTheMud.com and co-moderator of the event, said: “We are emphasizing yoga as a state of being—rooted in self-awareness, realization, and harmony. In Patanjali’s eightfold path, meditation or dhyana is the culmination. Asanas are only one part of the journey.”

With inputs from IANS