More than 250 community members gathered at Village Green Park in Rancho Cordova on Sunday, June 21, to celebrate the 12th International Day of Yoga. Photo courtesy of Art of Living Foundation

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - More than 250 community members gathered at Village Green Park in Rancho Cordova on Sunday, June 21, to celebrate the 12th International Day of Yoga. The event brought together individuals and families from diverse cultural and age groups for a joyful morning dedicated to yoga, mindfulness, wellness and community connection.

The free community event was hosted by the Art of Living Foundation in partnership with the City of Rancho Cordova and the Consulate General of India, San Francisco. The Art of Living Foundation expressed their sincere gratitude to the City of Rancho Cordova’s Micro Grant Program for sponsoring the celebration and helping make the event free, welcoming and accessible to families throughout the community.

The free community event was hosted by the Art of Living Foundation in partnership with the City of Rancho Cordova and the Consulate General of India, San Francisco. Photo courtesy of Art of Living Foundation

Held from 8 a.m. to noon, the celebration welcomed children, youth, adults, seniors, experienced yoga practitioners and individuals trying yoga for the first time. The inclusive program promoted physical and mental well-being, mindfulness, inner peace, cultural understanding and meaningful community connection.

Participants joined guided yoga sessions, breathing exercises, meditation, Ayurveda presentations and special wellness demonstrations. These activities highlighted how yoga, conscious breathing, meditation, healthy habits and balanced daily routines can improve flexibility and strength, reduce stress, calm the mind, increase focus and support overall physical and emotional wellness.

Complimentary yoga mats were distributed to the first 100 families, allowing many participants to begin or continue their yoga practice at home. Special International Day of Yoga T-shirts were also presented while supplies lasted, providing attendees with a meaningful reminder of the community celebration.

Lunch was provided to attendees, giving families, volunteers, instructors, vendors and community members an additional opportunity to connect, build friendships, exchange ideas and learn more about local community. Photo courtesy of Art of Living Foundation

The event featured yoga and wellness stalls, booths representing local businesses and community vendors, face painting and balloon twisting. These educational and family-friendly attractions created an enjoyable and engaging experience for participants of all ages while introducing attendees to local wellness resources and services.

Lunch was provided to attendees, giving families, volunteers, instructors, vendors and community members an additional opportunity to connect, build friendships, exchange ideas and learn more about local community and wellness organizations.

The successful event reflected the community’s growing interest in yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, mindfulness and holistic health. It also demonstrated the shared commitment of the Art of Living Foundation, the City of Rancho Cordova and the Consulate General of India, San Francisco, to promoting healthy lifestyles, cultural appreciation, inclusion and stronger community relationships.

The event featured yoga and wellness stalls, booths representing local businesses and community vendors, face painting and balloon twisting. Photo courtesy of Art of Living Foundation

Several distinguished guests attended the celebration, including Rick Sloan, Director of the Cordova Recreation and Park District; Bhupendra Yadav, Consular Officer from the Consulate General of India, San Francisco; and Y. K. Chalamcherla, Vice President of the Folsom Cordova Unified School District Board of Education. Their presence and support added significance to the community celebration.  More than 30 dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly over the past eight weeks to plan, coordinate, promote, and successfully organize the celebration.

The event organizers, including Neha Patel, Bhaskar Vempati and Amit Verma, expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the City of Rancho Cordova and its City Council; the Consulate General of India, San Francisco, the Cordova Recreation and Park District and its staff; the yoga instructors, speakers, volunteers, vendors, partner organizations, community leaders and participants whose time, dedication and support contributed to the event’s success.

The celebration was as a meaningful reminder that yoga is much more than physical exercise. It is a holistic practice that connects the body, breath and mind while encouraging balance, self-awareness, compassion, inner peace, harmony and unity within the wider community.