In anticipation of 24th June celebrations for the 3rd International Day of Yoga that was jump-started by the India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations, the Chicago Indian Consulate held a kick-off event, in its premises on 17th May.

The ceremony was attended by the organizations of different communities. The Consul O.P.Meena has welcomed the guests.

On Saturday 24th June, 2017, the 3rd International Day of Yoga will be celebrated by the Consulate General of India in collaboration with the City of Naperville , at the Naperville Yard. Even though the International Day of Yoga is celebrated on 21st June, the Chicago Indian Consulate is celebrating the day on 24th June because of their internal engagements.

During the kick off ceremony on 17th May, the Consul General Neeta Bhushan addressed the gathering and also shared information on the 24th June event. Stressing the importance of the Yoga Day, the Consul General has termed it as the pet-project of Prime Minister Modi, and of the current Indian Ambassador to the U.S. Navtej Sarna.

The 24th June event will begin at 10 AM and will be followed by a community festival and also cultural activities, in a press release the consulate said.

This year’s Yoga Day activities to extend over several days all across the Chicagoland.

In the run-up to the 24th June event, the yoga celebrations will be held at various temples, community organizations and also at Yoga Centers including the second kick- off ceremony at the Sri Venkateshwara Swami Balaji Temple on 4th June, and the the third kick-off ceremony at Sant Nirankari Mission 11th June, and a fourth kick-off in the Oak Brook, Illinois. Also. many satellite events will be held, said the Consulate.

The participating organizations include the Art of living Foundation, Isha Foundation, Brahma Kumaris Meditation Centers, SEWA International, Science of Spirituality, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Sahaj Yoga Meditation, Sri Venkateshwara Swami Balaji Temple and also American Association of Retired Asians (AARA).

Among the community organizations in the Chicagoland which have come forward to support the event are both Federation of Indian Associations, Naperville Indian Community outreach, Sant Nirankari Mission, Gujrati Samaj of Chicago, Gandhi Samaj of Chicago, iHope SEWA, Metropolitan Asian Family Services, Bhartiya Seniors of Chicago, Punjabi American Organization, Chicago Andhra Association, Chicago Indo-US Lions Club, GOPIO Chicago Chapter, Association of Rajasthanis in America  Association, Eye on India, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, and also the World Hindu Council.

Number of media outlets are partnering in the yoga day events including the Desi Talk in Chicago.

The City of Naperville has already declared its support to the celebrations and would also be issuing a special proclamation declaring the International Yoga Day, as per the Indian Consulate.

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