Over 15,000 yoga enthusiasts attend IYD across Texas

Despite heat wave conditions across Texas, over 15,000 yoga enthusiasts rolled out colourful mats before bending, twisting and turning their bodies in complex guided positions to perform the ancient Indian spiritual practice, marking the fifth International Yoga Day celebrations.

The Consulate General of India, Houston, in partnership with several supporting groups, celebrated the main event Friday evening, that was attended by over 1,200 enthusiasts at Midtown Park.

Mainstream Americans outnumbered Indian-Americans at the event, reflective of the increasing popularity of yoga in the US.

The organisers had to increase the capacity of their venue to accommodate an unprecedented number of excited yoga enthusiasts, from all ages and backgrounds, including a 97-year-old practitioner.

Many representatives of elected officials and consular members of other countries also participated at the event.

Representative of Congressman Al Green presented certificate of special congressional recognition to IYD "in honour of your service to the community".

"Yoga provides a holistic approach to health and wellbeing to better one's life in every aspect," said Fort Bend County Judge K P George, who was the chief guest, while delivering a proclamation at the International Day of Yoga event.

Dr Anupam Ray, Consul General of India, whose team worked for months to make the event a success, told PTI, "Yoga's soaring popularity can be seen from the crowds that join in the celebration every year. From serious yoga practitioners to curious beginners, each successive IDY has been drawing bigger crowds and garnering greater interest."
Terming yoga as a "holistic" and integral science of life, a Yoga teacher said , "Yoga is a unifying concept that can be beneficial to millions of people."