International Yoga Day at Sacramento – California

The Yoga Fest at Sacramento, California, witnessed the convergence of over 500 people from diverse age groups, genders, and backgrounds, joining together to celebrate the essence of yoga. Suvidha International Foundation ( https://suvidhainternational.org/ ) and the Art of Living Foundation, AOLF (https://www.artofliving.org/us-en ) collaborated to organize the Yoga Fest, an exuberant and joyous celebration dedicated to honoring International Yoga Day at Sacramento – California, USA. International Yoga Day is observed every year on June 21st to raise awareness about the benefits of practicing yoga and to encourage people to adopt a healthy lifestyle. 

The dynamic Yoga Fest event aimed to foster mindfulness and shine a light on the myriad benefits that arise from embracing yoga as a transformative practice, inspiring individuals to adopt a holistic and wholesome approach to life. Generously sponsored by the City of Rancho Cordova through its Community Grants, this festival served as a platform to raise awareness about the numerous advantages associated with practicing yoga and encouraged people to integrate it into their daily routines, ultimately promoting a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

The Yoga Fest event happened at Village Green Park, Rancho Cordova on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the park’s amphitheater and lawn fields. The event had three parallel tracks; two tracks had yoga, breathing techniques, meditation, and Yoga knowledge sessions while the third track had children carnival games. This Yoga Fest was listed as #2 event in local media channel ABC10’s top ten Northern CA (June 24-25) weekend events.

https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/10-weekend-events-northern-california/103-a5a76eae-39da-4539-a9b0-64ac862046bf

Several esteemed organizations, including the Hindu American Foundation, Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center, Hindu Swayam Sevak, SKY Meditation, Iskcon Sacramento, Amar Spiritual Healing, True You Hot Yoga, Yoga Peace Yoga Therapy & Ayurveda, Inner Lotus Ayurveda, Illuminating Aroma, Fresh Yoga Synthesized Methodology – FYSM and Blacker the Berry Health and Wellness, enthusiastically participated in the Yoga Fest.

Experienced Art of Living Foundation instructors, Art of Living’s Art Excel and YES Program youth practitioners, and local instructors from other organizations conducted captivating demonstrations, incorporating enjoyable methods of practicing yoga and leading participants in relaxing meditations. Being a part of this community gathering dedicated to yoga and meditation provided an enriching and immersive experience. The event also featured vendor booths where attendees had the opportunity to explore local programs and businesses. Additionally, the presence of carnival games brought an extra touch of fun to the festivities, delighting the children.

The Yoga Fest received valuable support from various vendors, including Sri Sri Tattva Products, Mantra Restaurant, Chicago Pizza, Sanskrit Restaurant, Cold Stone Creamery, Sprouts, Rubios, Starbucks, Yogurtland, and several local Yoga Studios. These generous sponsors contributed raffle prizes valued at over $500, adding an element of excitement and rewarding the attendees for their participation.

Brief Description of Suvidha International Foundation

Suvidha International Foundation (https://suvidhainternational.org/) drives a wide range of service projects including providing educational support to over 100 disadvantaged students,  constructing river rejuvenation projects and planting trees that benefit over five million farmers, empowering youth and women through various programs, providing food and essential items to neglected children and senior citizens, and promoting educational, youth empowerment and volunteering activities in Greater Sacramento Area.

Brief Description of Art of Living Foundation

The Art of Living Foundation, https://www.artofliving.org/us-en, is a non-profit, educational, and humanitarian organization founded in 1981 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. It offers a range of programs and techniques aimed at reducing stress, promoting overall well-being, and fostering personal and spiritual growth. The foundation’s programs are based on ancient practices such as yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises, combined with contemporary methods to address various aspects of human life. These programs are designed to help individuals manage their mind, emotions, and energy, leading to a more balanced and joyful life. In addition, the Art of Living Foundation is also involved in various humanitarian initiatives, such as disaster relief, education, rural development, and environmental sustainability. The foundation operates globally, with its programs being conducted in numerous countries by certified teachers who have undergone training and guidance from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the foundation’s faculty. The Art of Living Foundation has touched the lives of over 500 million people around the world, helping them lead healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives.

Below are a few testimonials from organization leads and partnering organizations.

Lead Organizer – Bhaskar Vempati, President of Suvidha International Foundation and Art of Living Yoga & Meditation Instructor: Organizing the Yoga Fest was a truly transformative experience. As a yoga instructor and enthusiast, I wanted to create a space where people could come together to celebrate the practice and connect with like-minded individuals. The festival exceeded all expectations and left a lasting impact on everyone involved. The planning process was both challenging and rewarding. From securing the perfect venue to curating a diverse lineup of talented yoga instructors and wellness practitioners, every detail was carefully thought out. Collaborating with the team and seeing our vision come to life was incredibly fulfilling. During the festival itself, the atmosphere was electric. The serene surroundings, combined with the positive energy of participants, created a sense of unity and harmony. From sunrise yoga sessions to workshops on mindfulness and meditation, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The highlight of the Yoga Fest was witnessing the profound impact it had on attendees. People discovered new yoga styles, learned valuable techniques to enhance their practice, and formed meaningful connections with others on the same journey. The sense of community and support was palpable, leaving everyone feeling inspired and rejuvenated. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to organize this event. It not only deepened my own practice but also allowed me to contribute to the well-being and happiness of others. The Yoga Fest will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to continue spreading the love and joy of yoga through future events.

Lead organizer, Nitisha Gilra, Art of Living Yoga and Meditation Instructor: The event was full of energy and fun.  It inspired kids and grown ups alike to embrace yoga as a complete mind, body and spiritual uplifting  lifestyle.  The demonstrations by teachers included fun ways of doing yoga and relaxing meditations.   Doing yoga and meditation practice in a community gathering was an enriching and immersive experience.  I also learned about  local  programs and businesses from the vendor booths.  Kids  loved the carnival games! There is nothing like the power of community!!  Yoga fest brought community together for a purpose.  Looking forward to the next annual event!!

The Hindu America Foundation is very pleased to again support the Art of Living and Suvidha International Foundation observance of international yoga day, this year with yoga fest.  “The knowledge of the breadth and depth of yoga is now more well-known and available thanks to yoga fest,” said Easan Katir, HAF National Programs Director.

“The Saturday yoga festival event was such a wonderful experience. It was so peaceful with the music and the children with family. Everyone was in harmony. They were such good vibes, kindness, wonderful music experience no one was unattended to everyone was connected like an extended family, and the music was so pleasurable, as if you were in a peaceful country, I think you so much for such a wonderful experience and many people also came to my table and I helped a couple of people with their pain by massaging them. I appreciate the invitation and I was very glad that I came to the event.” said one local massage therapist.

“Such a fun event. Kids had a blast and so fun to watch. Enjoyed doing the mini–Yoga Therapy consultations. Lot’s on interesting people. I had a blast!”, said an Yoga Therapist.

“Hello, I enjoyed being a part of the Yoga Festival. I had fun painting children’s faces and bringing them joy and smiles. Thank you very much for inviting me to the event.”, said a face painting artist.

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