Yoga, means the union of the individual consciousness or soul with the Universal Consciousness or Spirit. Yoga is a more than 5000 year old Indian body of knowledge. Many think of yoga only as a physical exercise, where people twist, turn, stretch and breathe in the most complex ways, these are actually the most superficial aspect of this profound science of unfolding the infinite potentials of the human mind and soul.

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit, which means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity.

UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/69/131 has designated 21 June as International Day of Yoga. 175 nations, including USA, Canada and China co-sponsored the resolution.” It had the "highest number of co-sponsors ever for any UNGA Resolution of such nature."

June 21, 2016 marked the second observance of this Day, which is aimed to raise worldwide awareness on the benefits of practicing yoga. The UN Resolution notes “the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health.”

The declaration came after the call for the adoption of June 21st as International Day of Yoga by Hon’ble Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi during his address to UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014.

Indo-American Foundation of Arizona, a Non Profit Organization in Phoenix, serving the Community through Community Center & Ekta Mandir Hindu-Jain Temple along with The Consul General of India and Hindu SwayamSevak Sangh (HSS) organized IDYAZ 2016 event to mark the 2nd International Day of Yoga at IACRF Hall, 2809, W Maryland Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85017 on Saturday, June 25th, 2016 from 9:00am-2:00pm.

The Indo-American Cultural and Religious Foundation of Arizona is a group of visionary community leaders with the goal of keeping the community united and support the Indo-American community’s social, cultural and religious activities in the metro Phoenix area. They provide the Indo-American community with a campus for social and religious services.

The event had overwhelming response with more than 340 adult registrations and 110 Kids registrations and was organized in 3 big event Halls. More than 260 adults and more than 100 kids enthusiastically attended and participated in this, probably the largest yoga event organized in Arizona.

The event was lead by a team of well experienced certified Yoga Teachers (Anita Rangaswami, Vijay Kumar, Anila A, Shampa Sudhakar and a Kids Yoga specialist Shobana Bhat of Isha Foundation).

The Yoga teachers started with Sadilaja / C̣alana Kriyas / Loosening Practices. Then the Standing postures (Tadasana, Vṛikṣasana, PadaHastasana, Ardha Cakrasana, Trikonasana). Then the Siting Postures (Bhadrasana, Vajrasan, ArdhaUstrasana, Ustrasana, Sasankasana, Uttan Mandukasana). Then Pron Postures (Makarasana, Bhujangasana, Śalabhasana) then Supine Postures (Setubandhasana, Uttana Padasana, Ardha Halasna, Pavanamuktasana) followed with Yoga Nidra and Pranayamas and a special meditation session by Isha Foundation.

More details about the International Day

More information about the Sustainable Development Goals

Contact Persons

Mr. Shyam S Byra – HSS                                         

Mr. Rajyaguru - HSS

Mr. Jagdish Sagar – Chair Person IACRF                   

Mr. Subash Thathi – President, IACRF

Mrs.Anita Rangaswami – Yoga Teacher                

Mrs. Shobana Bhat – Kids Yoga Teacher    

Mr. Vijay Kumar – Yoga Teacher

By Premji