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Bradfield Park, in the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, was the setting for Sydney’s International Day of Yoga 2026 celebration on June 21, with hundreds of participants joining a morning of yoga, music and community.
The event was organized by Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur Australia (SRMD), in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Sydney, the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, and the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
The program opened with remarks by Dr. Dhaval Ghelani, President of SRMD Australia and Director of Intensive Care at Norwest Private Hospital, Sydney, who spoke about yoga’s role in promoting healthy ageing. S. Janakiraman, Consul General of India to Sydney, served as guest of honor and addressed participants on the importance of yoga in daily life, noting that the “only equipment required is the body and the mind.”
The event was attended by Patricia Jenkins, President and Chair of the United Nations Association of Australia, New South Wales Division; Lisa Singh, CEO of the Australia India Institute; Sandy Reddy, Deputy Mayor and Councilor, Strathfield Council; Barbara Ward, Councilor, Ku-ring-gai Council; and Prof. Meru Sheel, Professor of Infectious Disease and Global Health at the University of Sydney.
The session incorporated verses from the Shivam Stotra, with SRMD Yoga saying the ancient yogic wisdom was woven through the program to cultivate awareness of healthy aging. A 10-minute drumming segment followed, synchronizing rhythmic breathing with physical beats.
Participants said the experience helped them “connect breath, movement and awareness” while creating what attendees described as “a vibrant and energizing atmosphere” that deepened focus and physical coordination. Asanas followed, covering physical, mental and physiological dimensions, before Dance Yoga brought a sense of shared community spirit to the gathering.
Dr. Bijal Ghelani, Head of SRMD Yoga Sydney and a practicing general practitioner, said SRMD Yoga aims to share not only asanas, breathwork and meditation but also the spiritual wisdom behind the practice, describing yoga as “an authentic and ancient pathway to balance, self-awareness and inner transformation.” She said the inclusion of sacred stotras allowed participants to connect with the deeper layers of the practice, “calming the mind, uplifting the heart and reminding us that true wellbeing begins from within.”
The event concluded with a sound healing session using crystal bowls and gongs. Participants said the session offered “a calming and deeply meditative conclusion,” leaving them with “a sense of relaxation, unity and inner peace.”
Dr. Ghelani said International Day of Yoga represents “a beautiful opportunity to bring people of all cultures, ages and backgrounds together under one shared purpose: universal kindness, peace and wellbeing,” adding that when individuals cultivate peace within, they help create “a more compassionate, harmonious and united society.”
Attendees said the program offered “a balanced experience of physical movement, mindful breathing, reflection and inner stillness,” with many praising the approach of combining yoga asanas with spiritual teachings.
SRMD Yoga said the event “deepened community engagement in holistic wellness practices, blending physical movement with spiritual insight,” and “strengthened collaboration between Indian cultural organizations and local yoga communities.”
The organization also noted that the gathering drew a crowd that reflected “growing interest in authentic and mindful yoga practices” that support physical wellbeing, emotional balance, mental clarity and healthy ageing.
