From coast to coast, Americans observe first International Yoga Day

WASHINGTON: From coast to coast, from a small township in remote North Dakota to the historic National Mall in Washington, thousands of enthusiast Americans came out in large numbers with their mats to perform the ancient Indian spiritual practice, marking the first International Yoga Day.

Reflective of the increasing popularity of Yoga in the US, the organisers in Houston had to increase the capacity of their venue as a large number of health enthusiasts turned up for the celebrations.

For health-conscious Americans, Yoga is now practiced by one in every 10 Americans. The Yoga industry is estimated to be worth USD 27 billion in the United States alone.

"This is good for health. If you do yoga regularly, you do not get sick," said young Chris outside the Smithsonian metro station as he headed towards the national mall with a mat in his hand.

He was not alone as dozens of people were seen coming outside this metro station nearest to the National Mall on a sunny but breezy Sunday morning to learn and practice basic skills of Yoga.

At a giant stage of the Sylvan Theatre facing the National Mall, a number of Yoga teachers were seen giving demonstration of various "asanas" describing them in detail and commenting on its advantages and also cautioning against doing this for people suffering from some ailments.

"This is great. Normally we do not get to hear about so many asanas at one place from renowned yoga practioners," said an enthusiast who drove some 50 miles from a Washington suburb to attend the event at the National Mall, which among others was attended by the Indian Ambassador to the US Arun K Singh, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal and former Miss America Nina Davuluri.

"Yoga is a union between mind and body, with something with holistic health benefits," Ambassador Singh said in his remarks at the National Mall, adding that several hundred events are being held in the United States today.

Several Governors including those from Massachusetts, Illinois, Virginia, Maryland and Texas and mayors of various cities issues proclamations to observe the occasion.

"Yoga is just one manifestation of the rich cultural heritage that India and Indian Americans share with the world," said Biswal in her remarks.

"Today nearly 10 percent of the American population and three percent of children participate in some way in Yoga," US Secretary of State John Kerry said in his Yoga Day greetings.

White House also sent its representative to the yoga event at the National Mall and greeted people on behalf of President Barack Obama.