Some of the yoga lovers who gathered at the June 14 event in Edison, NJ. ALL PHOTOS: Organizers
More than 450 registered participants gathered for the 12th Annual International Day of Yoga 2026 in Edison, NJ. Organized with the Indian Consulate in New York, the event brought diverse yoga traditions, spiritual leaders, and dedicated volunteers, a press release from organizers said.
Yoga Gurus/ Instructors/ Teachers from Spiritual organizations.
In an unprecedented move, the Sheraton Hotel completely transitioned away from animal products to serve exclusively vegan food. This was made possible by the support of owner Atul Dangayach and Manager Jassi Ahluwalia. Vegan food was not only served to the 450+ event participants, but the hotel’s mainstream restaurant and VIP Club Lounge went entirely vegan for the occasion, the press release said.
Main organizer Nitin Vyas with Chief guests and supporters.
The day was designed to guide attendees on a journey from traditional ceremonies into deep, restorative physical and mental practices:
The morning opened with a serene Morning Raga performance on the Sitar and Tabla by Aum Ghosh and Naren, followed by “a warm, energetic welcome that instantly connected the hundreds of souls in attendance.”
The auspicious lamp-lighting ceremony was followed by recognitions and honors, and photo opportunities. The main Yoga & Wellness Sessions offered an array of diverse physical and meditative practices. The closing included a shared lunch, appreciation for contributors and teachers.
Consul Shruti Pandey, Owner Sheraton Atul Dangayach, Andre, and IDY 2026 Coordinator Nitin Vyas
Among those who addressed and took participants through the lessons was holistic wellness pioneer Mark Becker; “Miracle of Mind,” a grounding mental wellness session presented by Jagdish from the Isha Foundation; YMCA Metuchen Breathing & Grounding: Centering practices led by Reena to connect breath with the earth; and numerous other types of movements.
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World Vegan Vision’s perspective was shared by Eva Shah Ghosh, and an inspiring KBC audio message on the beauty of veganism by legendary icon Amitabh Bachchan, was played.
Other types of practices shown at the event included Tali Yoga: Specialized care for joint and knee health with Geeta Patel; Yoga Dance: A joyful, freeing expression of movement and spirit led by Suchitra Uniyal; Ananda Marga Traditional Practice: Featuring the dynamic, energizing Kaoshikki dance exercise alongside Acarya Kovida Brahmacharya; Pranayama: Dedicated, deep breathing mastery to channel life force energy with Nidhi; Vihangam Yog: Dhaarna (The Mind Technique), a powerful practice focused on concentration and inner peace, led by the Vihangam team; Meditation: A quiet sanctuary of deep inner reflection guided beautifully by Brahmakumari; Ayurveda: Practical, time-tested wisdom on “The Science of Life” detailed by Anjum Nadal, and several others.
Yoga Dance group led by Suchitra Uniyal.
The Chief Guests who shared moving messages of peace, non-violence, and holistic well-being, included Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni (Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti); Mark Becker (A Pioneer of Holistic Wellness); and Consul Shruti Pandey from the Indian Consulate in New York.
Community elders Krishnakant Sangani, H.K. Shah, Mukund Thakkar, Kenny Desai, Meera Gandhi ( Giving Back Foundation) and Kaushik Vyas, blessed the gathering.
Event Coordinator Nitin Vyas recognized the support from Abha Devarajan, official event spokespersons Rajashree (Isha Foundation) and Vijay Kumar (Vihangam Yoga), “and an incredible army of selfless volunteers.”
The network of organizations, media partners, and local businesses supported the event, including ITV Gold, a part of Parikh Worldwide Media.
