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Millions across India take part in International Yoga Day

Chandigarh - Indian PM Modi joined a crowd of 30,000 schoolchildren and other residents of the northern city of Chandigarh

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By Web Report

Published: Tue 21 Jun 2016, 9:27 AM

Last updated: Tue 21 Jun 2016, 5:36 PM

International Day Of Yoga celebrations began across the world on Tuesday, as various states were seen holding yoga sessions, where people turned out in large numbers to practice the ancient Indian discipline.
Yoga no religious activity, a global mass movement: Modi 
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined a crowd of 30,000 schoolchildren and other residents of the northern city of Chandigarh for a mass yoga session on Tuesday.
 
Before beginning the exercises, Modi urged people to make yoga a part of their lives, saying the practice - which began in ancient India - doesn't differentiate between the rich and poor, and is accessible to all.

Addressing over 30,000 yoga enthusiasts at 'City Beautiful' Chandigarh's Capitol Complex, Modi also said that the UN-declared International Day of Yoga had become the biggest global mass movement.
Modi, after addressing the gathering, got down from the stage and took a supervisory round among volunteers doing yoga to mark the day. He later joined them in performing yoga, which he practices daily.
"Yoga is not about the other life. Therefore, it is not a religious practice. It is the science of this world, it is about what we will get in this life," said Modi, dressed in a white and speaking in Hindi.
"Make yoga a part of your life," he said. "Just as the mobile phone is now a part of your life, make yoga too a part of your life."
Yoga, he said, helped to control the mind and maintain a healthy body. It helped people to lead a disciplined life.  Modi said yoga was a guarantee for wellness, not just fitness. 
Similar yoga events were being held in villages, towns and cities all over India. Last year, the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as International Yoga Day.
Make yoga integral part of life: Mukherjee
President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday urged people to make yoga an integral part of life as it promote better health and brings harmony.
Mukherjee was leading some 1,000 people at a yoga event at Rashtrapati Bhavan to mark the second International Yoga Day.
The president said yoga provided mental and physical strength to people. "It will enable them to live a healthy life. It will create overall harmony between body and mind.
"It will enhance mental and physical well-being," he added. 
Many believe that practicing yoga is the best way to calm the mind and the best form of exercise for the body.
Over 173 Indian missions across the world are also organizing Yoga Day celebrations to spread awareness about the ancient Indian exercise. Besides, the main event on the Yoga Day, several Indian missions have organized a series of curtain raiser events in various parts of the world to spread Yoga awareness.
 
 

Thousands of yogis hit Times Square to welcome summer
Following a long-held tradition, thousands of yoga fans gathered in New York's Times Square on Monday to mark the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.
During the 14th edition of the annual event, yogis transformed the famous intersection in one of the world's busiest cities into a huge outdoor yoga lesson surrounded by cars, construction and the hustle and bustle of Manhattan.

The first lesson began at 5:00 am (0900 GMT), and the last at 7:30 pm. All were free and open to yoga practitioners of all levels.
There was a heavy police presence. Thousands of yoga mats were distributed for the get-together, covering crosswalks.
Last year, during the first international yoga day designated by the United Nations, some 17,000 people participated.

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Yoga poses to light up side of UN building
India's UN ambassador says yoga poses will illuminate the side of the iconic United Nations headquarters building on the eve of International Yoga Day.

Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said that various poses will be projected onto the side wall beginning at 9:00pm EDT on Monday night to highlight the role yoga can play in helping the UN achieve its sustainable development goals.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed that the UN recognise an International Yoga Day and it was approved by the General Assembly with the support of a record 175 member states in December 2014. 
On Tuesday, International Yoga Day will be celebrated outside the UN building with a demonstration by Jaggi Vasudev, also known as Sadhguru, and a musical incantation.

Web Report

Published: Tue 21 Jun 2016, 9:27 AM

Last updated: Tue 21 Jun 2016, 5:36 PM

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