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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JULY 03, 2026 | The Indian Eye 32

Bergen County Celebrates International Day

of Yoga with Community Wellness Festival

NEERAJ DHAR
River Edge, NJ
eterans Memorial Park came
alive with energy, Yoga and
Vcommunity spirit as more than
300 residents and visitors gathered
for the 4th Annual International Day
of Yoga celebration in River Edge,
Bergen County.
Held on the Summer Solstice,
the event brought together families,
wellness enthusiasts, community or-
ganizations, and elected officials for
a day dedicated to healthy living,
connection, and personal well-being.
The Mayor of River Edge, Thomas Vandita Sharma from Creative Kidz.
Papaleo, along with representatives The afternoon featured an uplifting
from the New Jersey State Assem- movement session led by dance ther-
bly, State Senate, and U.S. Congress, apist Annetta Zaltzberg, encourag-
presented official proclamations rec- ing participants to celebrate wellness
ognizing International Day of Yoga through music and movement.
and its growing impact on communi- With clear blue skies, sunshine,
ty health and wellness. Indian Consul and a refreshing summer breeze, the
Pragya Singh from New York graced event offered a welcoming environ-
the occasion & enjoyed the splendid ment for the entire community. The
12th International Day of Yoga event. River Edge PBA distributed compli-
A highlight of the morning was mentary yoga mats and invited resi-
the ceremonial proclamation deliv- dents to participate in a fun “Strike a
ered by Bergen County Town Crier Pose with a Cop” activity. Members
Tim Yuskalis, who enthusiastically of the River Edge Ambulance Corps
shared yoga’s timeless message of provided free health screenings and
balance and harmony while also rec- shared information about volunteer
ognizing the nation’s celebration of opportunities, while the River Edge
America’s 250th Anniversary. Fire Department’s popular “Touch-
The county’s only International a-Truck” exhibit gave children and
Day of Yoga event opened with guid- families an opportunity to explore
ed meditation by Sahaja Yoga Medi- emergency vehicles up close.
tation, followed by a variety of yoga The celebration concluded with
and wellness experiences including the collective chanting of “Om” by Te-
pranayama (breathing techniques), jal Shah of Vishal Hindu Parishad of
family yoga, chair yoga, and laugh- America and a peaceful heartfulness
ter yoga. Sessions were led by re- meditation led by Nupur from Rajya
nowned Yoga instructor Priti Dhari- Yoga, leaving participants feeling
wal, founder of Yoga Lotus LLC, refreshed, inspired, and connected.
together with fellow yoga and med- Guests also enjoyed compli-
itation instructors. The program was mentary refreshments throughout
emceed by River Dell High School the day, including healthy snacks, wa-
alumna Anushka Dhariwal. ter, energy drinks, nutrition bars, and
Participants of all ages en- traditional Indian samosas.
joyed an engaging lineup of activi- “International Day of Yoga deeply thankful to the River Edge while strengthening community con-
ties throughout the day. Local Girl continues to unite people from all Recreation Department, our elected nections through the transformative
Scouts from GSNNJ took part in a backgrounds through a shared com- officials, community partners, vol- practice of yoga.
special yoga and fitness program, mitment to wellness, yoga and com- unteers, and every participant who Founded by Priti Dhariwal, Yoga
while students from JS Taekwondo munity,” said Priti Dhariwal, founder helped make this celebration such a Lotus LLC has provided yoga, medi-
Center, under the guidance of Mas- of Yoga Lotus LLC, USA Yogasana meaningful success.” tation, wellness, and fitness programs
ter Yun, showcased impressive mar- Championship Gold Medalist, and Now in its fourth year, River throughout Bergen County and neigh-
tial arts demonstrations. Young at- an athlete at the inaugural World Edge’s International Day of Yoga boring communities for more than
tendees also explored their creativity Yogasana Championship, that re- celebration continues to foster two decades, serving children, adults,
through hands-on art activities led by cently happened in India. “We are health, harmony, and inclusivity seniors, and individuals of all abilities.

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