GTA celebrates 1st official International Day of Yoga

Posted: 9:58 am, June 10, 2015 by admin

Monday, June 8, 2015 Mississauga (ON) – A press conference was held this afternoon at Host Indian Cuisine in Mississauga to announce details of the celebrations of International Day of Yoga in the GTA.

Hosted by the event’s four partnering organizations, Overseas for a Better India (OVBI), International Yoga Day Canada (IYDC), Art Of Living (AOL) and Patanjali Yogpeeth Canada, the press conference was also attended by Akhilesh Mishra, Consul General of India, Toronto, who spoke about the support of the Government of India behind this international initiative.

This year marks the first ever International Yoga Day celebrations across the world as United Nations declared annually June 21^st (also the day of the summer solstice), as International Day of Yoga, this year taking place on Father’s Day. The resolution, proposed on September 27, 2014, by India’s Prime Minister, Narender Modi, during his maiden UN speech, had 177 nations (including United States and Canada) joining as co-sponsors, the highest number ever for any General Assembly resolution.

Secretary-General of United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, said the International Day of Yoga would bring attention to yoga’s holistic benefits. “Yoga can contribute to resilience against non-communicable diseases. Yoga can bring communities together in an inclusive manner that generates respect,” Mr. Ki-moon had then said in a statement.

To celebrate this world event, Art of Living, International Yoga Day Canada (IYDC), Overseas Volunteers for a Better India (OVBI) Canada, Patanjali Yogpeeth Canada and the Consulate General of India, Toronto will celebrate the 1st International Day of Yoga as a FREE event on Sunday, June 21^st at Celebration Square, Mississauga, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. Over 75 other like-minded organizations will be partnering in this inaugural event. This event is completely being organized by a group of dedicated community volunteers.

Although the event is free, registration is required and, to avoid delays on the day of the event, on-line registration is highly recommended and can be easily completed by visiting www.internationalyogaday.ca.

The day will begin with an overview of yoga, followed by formal presentations, demonstrations of yoga and participation in yoga sessions led by qualified yoga instructors and ending with a cultural performance. Everyone is encouraged to dress accordingly (the event will happen rain or shine), bring their yoga mats and a water bottle. There will be various vendor stalls and food booths offering numerous vegetarian options at free of charge or minimal cost. Various sponsorship levels and vendor opportunities are still available but going fast. Those interested are encouraged to contact the names below.

Authorized photos are attached for your perusal. The following are quotes from our partnering organizations and can be used accordingly, as you see fit:

Bhavik Parikh, Overseas Volunteer for a Better India (OVBI) – Safety is our 1^st priority. Along with security personnel, we will also be having over 100 volunteers assisting during the day as we anticipate about 2000+ Yogis participating in this event. Everyone from all streams of life including age and faith are excited about this historical celebration so to have a smooth, safe and fun experience for all, we are asking everyone to register on-line before-hand for this event.

Ajit Khanna, Chair, International Yoga Day Canada (IYDC) – We are thrilled to host the inaugural event for United Nations’ International Day of Yoga in the GTA. The recognition afforded to Yoga by the UN is well deserved. In today’s hectic society, yoga has brought peace and harmony to many. The emphasis that yoga places on seeking from within has not only helped many to achieve solace but has also helped improve their health and general well-being.

Fateh Chohan, Art Of Living (AOL) – Through this international event, we hope to transform the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of individuals, bringing communities together and raising the spirit of our nation and the planet. We are so grateful to our partner organizations, sponsors and the media for their dedication and hard work towards making this historic event a great success.

Gagan Bhalla, Patanjali Yogpeeth Canada – Yoga is a journey that will take you towards a healthier, happier and heavenly lifestyle. Patanjali Yogpeeth along with our partners are pleased to be part of this historic celebration in Canada. We are also excited that this inaugural event falls on Father’s Day this year. We encourage you to bring your father to the event to celebrate Yoga Day.

For sponsorship inquiries, Fateh Chohan at fateh.chohan@gmail.com or Ajit Khanna at ajitkhanna@rogers.com

For vendor and booth inquiries, Bhavik Parikh at bhavik.parikh@ovbicanada.org

For volunteer inquiries, Bhavik Parikh at bhavik.parikh@ovbicanada.org

For event day programming, Gagan Bhalla at gaganbhalla@yahoo.com

For media inquiries, Jake Dheer at jdheer@rogers.com

For more information, please visit www.internationalyogaday.ca

GTA celebrates 1st official International Day of Yoga

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