Honolulu Marks  International Yoga Day With Community Wellness Event

India-West News Desk

HONOLULU, HI – The Gandhi International Institute for Peace hosted its eighth annual International Yoga Day celebration on June 21 at the Waikiki Bandstand in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in San Francisco and the City and County of Honolulu.

The free public event was held under the theme ‘Yoga for Physical, Mental and Spiritual Transformation’ and brought together community members for a day of yoga, meditation and cultural performances.

Hawaii State Senator Sharon Y. Moriwaki and Deputy Consul Nahas Ali from the Consulate General of India in San Francisco attended as guests of honor. Officials from the office of Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi also participated. Professor Veena Howard of California State University, Fresno, delivered the keynote address.

The program opened with the Hawaiian blessing ‘Oli Pule Aloha’ performed by Kumu Malia, followed by a spiritual invocation by Veda Das. Participants then took part in an integrative yoga session led by Michele Santos, founder of Sun Yoga Hawaii, Robin Shepard of the Still & Moving Center, and Amber Ricci.

The event also featured breathing exercises, guided meditation, crystal bowl sound healing, and performances of Hawaiian hula and Bharatanatyam, alongside addresses by community leaders highlighting the benefits of yoga and wellness.

Hawaii became the first U.S. state to officially recognize Yoga Day after former Governor David Y. Ige signed Act 102 on June 21, 2019, declaring June 21 as Yoga Day in the state. The annual observance coincides with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

“This event reflects Hawaii’s deep commitment to unity, wellness, and honoring diverse traditions that promote harmony across generations,” said Dr. Raj Kumar, founder of the Gandhi International Institute for Peace.