Day of yoga: Hilo instructor organizes local celebration of mind, body exercises

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The community is invited to celebrate the International Day of Yoga from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at Mo‘oheau Park Bandstand in Hilo. It will be a day full of exercises for the mind and body, information, prizes and healthy food.

The community is invited to celebrate the International Day of Yoga from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at Mo‘oheau Park Bandstand in Hilo. It will be a day full of exercises for the mind and body, information, prizes and healthy food.

“Last year, the official first IDY was celebrated in over 175 nations, and we are thrilled to join in this year in East Hawaii,” said event organizer Katy Benjamin, owner of Big Island Yoga Therapy, who specializes in therapeutic yoga and yoga in nontraditional settings.

The International Day of Yoga is June 21, but also will be observed this weekend worldwide. Benjamin said Saturday’s Hilo event will feature free yoga classes, areas for meditation, keiki and ohana, prize giveaways, a fruit/veggie potluck and informational booths.

The celebration is free.

Benjamin is passionate about making yoga accessible for all. She was inspired to host the International Day of Yoga in Hilo and is grateful for the support of sponsors and outpouring of volunteer assistance.

“It’s the perfect way to bring together teachers, students and greater unity to share yoga with those who may never have tried it,” she said.

There are more than 36.7 million people doing yoga in the U.S. and an estimated 80 million are expected to try yoga this year, according to the Yoga Journal. And 74 percent of current yoga students have practicied for less than five years.

On Saturday, people can learn firsthand from teachers, studios and community centers about classes that fit their schedule, price point and physical/emotional needs, Benjamin said.