June 21, 2024, marked a vibrant celebration of the International Day of Yoga at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Adelaide. The event was a collaborative effort with the Consulate General of India and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Sydney, showcasing yoga’s timeless benefits for physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Seasoned yoga instructors Bhavnaben Shah, Smitaben Vira, and Jayantibhai Patel, certified from Shrimad Rajchandra Mission, Dharampur, India, led the session. Participants were guided through various yoga poses and Pranayama (Breathing Exercises), experiencing the calming and rejuvenating effects firsthand. The event saw an enthusiastic turnout of over 120 individuals, ranging from children to adults, all eager to engage in the practice. Cr Surendar Pal Chahalji from the City of West Torrens Council was among the participants, adding a touch of local representation to the global celebration.
Attendees reported feeling tranquil and restored, highlighting the event’s success in promoting the importance of self-care and mindfulness. The day’s activities underscored the community’s commitment to health and wellness, setting a positive precedent for future cultural and health-related initiatives.

Established in 1907, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a global Hindu socio-spiritual organisation with consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha operates through its mandirs and centres, offering places of worship and reformation for people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs. With a network of more than 1,100 mandirs and 3,850 centres worldwide, including major Australian cities like Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane, BAPS continues to promote spiritual and social progress under the leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.
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