The United Nations recently declared June 21 as “International Day of Yoga” at the call of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Consulate General of India will celebrate the occasion for the first time and expects about 5,000 participants, according to a release.

During his address to UN General Assembly on Sept. 27, 2014, Prime Minister Modi said “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature’ a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help us deal with climate change.” Yoga, a 5,000-year-old physical, mental and spiritual practice originating in India, aims to transform the body and the mind. June 21, which is the Summer Solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and has special significance in India as well as many parts of the world.

The Consulate General of India, in coordination with the Art of Living Foundation and other like-minded organizations like Brahma Kumaris, Isha Foundation, Iyengar Yoga, Niroga, Overseas Volunteer for a Better India, Yoga Bharati, Hindustan Swayamsevak Sangh, Integral Yoga Institute of San Francisco, YANA, etc. and in partnership with Tech Mahindra (global technology partner for the IDY), Sify and Infosys is organizing “First International Day of Yoga” at Marina Green Park, Marina Boulevard, San Francisco from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM on June 21, 2015. All are cordially welcome to participate in this event. Registration is FREE for all. Please register via link: http://www.iydsf.org/ and through www.cgisf.org.

Remember to bring a yoga mat and a cap. Children are welcome. Join the conversation on social media using #YogaNewDimension and #InternationalDayofYoga and link on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/events/1570997046497847/.

“Yoga: A New Dimension,” a free event will highlight the rich heritage and deep values of Yoga through speeches, presentations, discussions, meditation, Yogasanas, kirtan and music. The program begins with a few yoga poses, followed by a video message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will feature various traditions of yoga: Art of Living, Ashtanga, Isha, Iyengar, Sivananda, Yana and Yoga Bharati. Grammy-nominated musician Jai Uttal will lead the group in “kirtan” music.

This event is slated to bring together different schools of thoughts and will expose the audience to different branches of World Yoga. Attendees will learn more about the power of yoga and meditation as antidotes to stress and as keys to unlocking the power of creativity, intellect, intuition and joy – beneficial aspects to living a meaningful and balanced life. The International Day of Yoga celebration gives us all a chance to talk about how yoga is helping to solve important world problems – from helping schools deal with bullying to treating war veterans suffering with PTSD and insomnia, to how yoga is an incredible resource for healing and prevention of diseases like Alzheimer’s etc. Yoga can help people in all walks of life no matter your socioeconomic level, geographic location, age and even your belief system.