International Yoga Day as it happened: At 18,000 feet and -25°C, ITBP jawans mark event; 51,000 gather in Lucknow

Yoga fever grips South Africa

Over 1,200 yoga enthusiasts in South Africa’s Soweto township got their first taste of yoga on Wednesday, when they performed various ‘asanas’ at an event on the eve of International Day of Yoga.

The Consulate General of India in Johannesburg along with the volunteers of the Art of Living Foundation and yoga school trainers organised the event at a park in the township.

The participants included hundreds of school children who got their first taste of yoga.

PTI

NDA Presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind joins Yoga Day celebrations 

​NDA’s presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind joined the International Yoga Day celebrations in the national capital as he performed asanas at central Delhi’s Connaught Place and urged people to take up the traditional practice.
    

Donning a white yoga-themed t-shirt, he joined dignitaries and other enthusiasts at the iconic venue and performed routines for about 45 minutes.
    

“We are all here to do yoga. Everyone should do yoga,” Kovind told reporters after arriving at the venue.

PTI

President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurates a mass yoga demonstration to commemorate the 3rd International Yoga Day at Rashtrapati Bhavan today

#PresidentMukherjee inaugurated a mass yoga demonstration to commemorate the 3rd International Yoga Day at Rashtrapati Bhavan today pic.twitter.com/APIZWYJvKM

— President Mukherjee (@POI13) June 21, 2017

Anna Hazare performs Yoga in Bengaluru

Anna Hazare and Union Minister Ananth Kumar perform Yoga in Bengaluru. #InternationalYogaDay pic.twitter.com/Aez12FUZF3

— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2017

Yoga is as important as salt in life: Narendra Modi

Joined by chief minister Yogi Adityanath and other dignitaries, Modi also asserted that attaining “wellness” through yoga was more important than simply being physically fit. “It is not important to perform yoga for 24 hours. Even 50 or 60 minutes (is fine) because it lends harmony to the body, mind and intellect. If 1.25 billion Indians and people around the world can attain this state of well-being, then humankind can also tide over problems born out of human thoughts,” he said.

He also explained the importance of Yoga using a salt analogy. “Just as the importance of salt is not only to lend taste to food, but also ensure well-being of the body, yoga can similarly have the same importance as salt has in life,” he said.

He said yoga is about health assurance. “It is not even expensive to practice,” he said. “I urge everyone to make yoga a part of their lives,” he said, adding that he was glad to see several yoga institutes take shape over the last three years.

Yoga is about health assurance. It is not even expensive to practice: PM @narendramodi #YogaDay2017 https://t.co/YX4OefXGoB

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 21, 2017

Yoga part of daily life, says Modi

Donning a white t-shirt and loose trousers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also performed asanas along with over 50,000 yoga enthusiasts braving early morning drizzles. 

Addressing a huge gathering at the Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan on the occasion of the third International Yoga Day celebrations on Wednesday, Modi also asserted that the traditional practice has now become part of every person’s life. “Many countries which do not know our language, tradition, or culture, are now connecting to India through yoga. The practice, which connects body, mind and soul, has played a big role in binding the world too,” he said.

“Earlier, yoga was only restricted to saints and seers in the Himalayan mountains. Now, it has become part of every person’s life,” he said in his address.

180 countries participate

From Croatia to Milan, from Machu Pichu to the Great Wall of China, yoga day celebrations are going on across the world. 40-50 crore yoga participants from across the world are participating in International yoga Day. 

At least, 180 countries participating in international yoga day celebrations. 

Great Wall of Yoga - 3

Young Yoga Ambassadors from India mesmerize Chinese #Yoga lovers on #IDY2017 #YogaDay in Beijing. pic.twitter.com/4mkGUzmJMM

— India in China (@EOIBeijing) June 20, 2017

The 5days Yoga Camp conducted by 10 Yoga Gurus from India as part of India-China yoga Festival in Dujiangyan. Camp was welcomed by one&call pic.twitter.com/66Buce6U1K

— India in Guangzhou (@cgiguangzhou) June 19, 2017

Celebrating International Day of Yoga in Milan; Parco Sempione (Simplon Park),18 June 2017. In the backdrop, the Arch of Peace. pic.twitter.com/c9qbKfmajB

— India in Milan (@CGIMilan) June 18, 2017

Beautiful island of Krk and citizens of Baška practiced yoga today in a picturesque landscape. #IDY2017 pic.twitter.com/EGpQsDyKQc

— India in Croatia (@India_Croatia) June 20, 2017

Gangtok

It's raining here at Gangtok in Sikkim but all ready for Yoga. Happy #IDY2017 #YogaDay pic.twitter.com/tJ0hEqhqQl

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) June 21, 2017

Did you think Gurmeet Ram Rahim was going to sit back while the rest of the world is taking part in Yoga?

You were clearly wrong! Here’s a tweet from the self-styled guru:

85 sessions 70 venues: International Yoga Day celebrations in Singapore 

#YogainSingapore #YogaDay 85 sessions 70 venues:weeklong #IDY2017 continues yoga bringing joy&Hope to elderly and diff. abled @sunlove home pic.twitter.com/NoTMrcKpcq

— India in Singapore (@HCI_Singapore) June 21, 2017

WATCH:  ITBP jawans doing Yoga at nearly 18,000 feet in Ladakh in -25 degrees

#WATCH ITBP jawans doing Yoga at nearly 18000 feet in Ladakh in -25 degrees #InternationalYogaDay pic.twitter.com/YvSGqpQnxF

— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2017

In MP, Congress workers protest against farmers’ death

Congress workers in Bhopal do the Shavaasana to protest against farmers killed in police firing in Mandsaur

Bhopal: Congress workers do the 'Shavaasana' on #InternationalYogaDay to protest against farmers killed in police firing in Mandsaur,MP pic.twitter.com/hOMMnnAgY6

— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2017

51,000 join in Lucknow

At least, 51,000 joined in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath in the Lucknow event. 

In Delhi, mats were also rolled out at the six radial roads of the famed market place, Lodhi Garden, Nehru Park, Talkatora Garden and Children’s Park at India Gate, under the aegis of the New Delhi Municipal Council. As the day progresses, the number of people participating in the celebrations, which also includes mega yoga sessions at DDA parks, is expected to reach 10,000 across the city.

Traffic restrictions at Delhi’s Connaught Place

In New Delhi’s Connaught Place’s inner circle, restrictions on vehicular traffic and parking areas have been ordered to be closed from 11 PM onwards on 19 June. The restrictions will be lifted at 11.30 am today.

Entry and exit points at the Rajiv Chowk metro station will be closed till 08.30 AM for the Yoga Day celebrations.

JP Nadda performs Yoga in Chandigarh

Union Health Minister JP Nadda performs Yoga in Chandigarh. #InternationalYogaDay pic.twitter.com/mO1QGihD4W

— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2017

UNESCO tweets

#Yoga is technology. Anybody who is willing to make use of it can make use of it. Yoga is for all. On 21 June, let's celebrate #YogaDay! pic.twitter.com/kLaKxyxm3s

— UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳 (@UNESCO) June 21, 2017

Syed Akbarruddin in New York

India's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Syed Akbaruddin performs Yoga in New York #InternationalYogaDay pic.twitter.com/Zm1UDBNay0

— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2017

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ message on Yoga Day

#Yoga not only helps with physical fitness but also boosts efficiency & confidence.
I appeal to make #Yoga an inseparable part of your life! pic.twitter.com/u3HPzPUvwR

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) June 21, 2017

Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy first to welcome Yoga Day this year

The Indian Navy is participating in the India-Australia joint naval exercises in Australia. Members of the Eastern fleet began the Yoga Day celebrations at sea. 

#AUSINDEX2017 #InternationalYogaDay2017 #ActEastPolicy Crew of Eastern Fleet ships starting their day practicing #Yoga in S Indian Ocean 1/2 pic.twitter.com/EPj5Rmh2Xr

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) June 20, 2017

#AUSINDEX2017 #InternationalYogaDay2017 #ActEastPolicy Crew of Eastern Fleet ships starting their day practicing #Yoga in S Indian Ocean2/2 pic.twitter.com/h21AlMRke6

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) June 20, 2017

Yoga was declared an intangible cultural heritage last year by UNESCO 

Certificate just received. Yoga was declared as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO last year.#YogaDay #India pic.twitter.com/erFmOxo9hN

— Ruchira Kamboj (@ruchirakamboj) June 18, 2017

International Yoga Day is truly international

From Croatia to Milan, from Machu Pichu to the Great Wall of China, yoga day celebrations are going on across the world. 

Beautiful island of Krk and citizens of Baška practiced yoga today in a picturesque landscape. #IDY2017 pic.twitter.com/EGpQsDyKQc

— India in Croatia (@India_Croatia) June 20, 2017

Celebrating International Day of Yoga in Milan; Parco Sempione (Simplon Park),18 June 2017. In the backdrop, the Arch of Peace. pic.twitter.com/c9qbKfmajB

— India in Milan (@CGIMilan) June 18, 2017

The 5days Yoga Camp conducted by 10 Yoga Gurus from India as part of India-China yoga Festival in Dujiangyan. Camp was welcomed by one&call pic.twitter.com/66Buce6U1K

— India in Guangzhou (@cgiguangzhou) June 19, 2017

Great Wall of Yoga - 3

Young Yoga Ambassadors from India mesmerize Chinese #Yoga lovers on #IDY2017 #YogaDay in Beijing. pic.twitter.com/4mkGUzmJMM

— India in China (@EOIBeijing) June 20, 2017

Yoga is, literally, everywhere

ANI tweeted images from INS Vikramaditya where cadets and personnel were performing Yoga on the third International Yoga Day.

From Great Wall of China to Britain’s London Eye, yoga enthusiasts performed ‘asanas’ at iconic landmarks on Tuesday as several events were held in various countries to mark the third International Yoga Day.

A large number of Chinese yoga enthusiasts participated in a colourful yoga event at China’s Great Wall on the eve of the International Yoga Day.

Yoga onboard aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya #InternationalYogaDay pic.twitter.com/Dnq6d8jION

— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2017

Ramdev eyeing several world records on International Yoga Day

Ahmedabad will turn into a sea of Yoga mats as almost 4 lakh people are expected to participate in International Yoga Day led by Ramdev, who according to reports , is eyeing multiple world records on the International Yoga Day. “We will create a world record for the highest number of people performing pranayam, yoga, and meditation at one location at a given time, " Ramdev said. “This will be for the Guinness World Records. We will also attempt another world record for the highest number of people performing yoga at multiple locations.”

Last year, 1.09 lakh people performed yoga in Faridabad, Haryana, creating a world record. Ramdev said, “As for Ahmedabad, a mega yoga event will be held at five grounds including GMDC and AES where nearly 2.50 lakh to 4 lakh people will participate. Over 10,000 volunteers will manage the event and we have created over 100 gates for smooth passage of people. We have set up 100 LED screens with sound systems.”

The ‘handy’ guide to Yoga for those who don’t really want to do much

Our crack team of ascetics (yes, we have a lot of teams) who spend decades in the jungle to attain some sort of deeper peace, emerges once in a while to keep a track of the goings-on in the world. And also to seek answers to pertinent questions like ‘Who is the President of India?’, ‘Has global warming made it impossible to leave your home?’, ‘Does Ram Gopal Varma still make films?’, ‘Does the RSS still wear khaki shorts?’ and the like.

And don’t be put off by the fact that this form of Yoga is completely untested or that any health benefits you may enjoy are completely coincidental. The peace of mind and happy thoughts that you are certain to enjoy will more than make up for it. And isn’t that what Yoga is really about anyway? (What do you mean it’s not?)

Without further ado, here are some of the asanas with which you’ll want to familiarise yourself at once. Check out the report here

Sarbananda Sonowal joins in from Guwahati

Venkaiah Naidu’s message on International Yoga Day

Happy International #YogaDay2017 to one and all! Make yoga a part of your daily life to experience the tranquility of mind, body & spirit! pic.twitter.com/m0jzXpy8bj

— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) June 21, 2017

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal joins in 

.@LtGovDelhi #AnilBaijal & CM @ArvindKejriwal perform #Yoga postures on #InternationalYogaDay celebrations at #ConnaughtPlace, New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/2EQRrVfLwL

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) June 21, 2017

PM @narendramodi performs Yoga posture at #InternationalYogaDay celebrations in #Lucknow. pic.twitter.com/4XWPApSkoB

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) June 21, 2017

'Yoga is 99% practice and 1% theory'. Senior police officers of @DelhiPolice leading by example #MagicOfYoga #InternationalYogaDay pic.twitter.com/HZ0vAWLBNx

— Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) June 21, 2017

Breathtaking start to the #InternationalDayofYoga2017 with over 2000 yogis practicing #Yoga, organised by @DelhiPolice at Ram Leela Maidan pic.twitter.com/bYJlkeOJ1c

— Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) June 21, 2017

Presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind performs yoga

NDA's Presidential Nominee #RamNathKovind performs yoga at 3rd #InternationalYogaDay at #ConnaughtPlace, New Delhi.#AIRPics:Dipendra pic.twitter.com/P45yCADLdb

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) June 21, 2017

Yoga at US embassy in New Delhi

Yoga being performed at the USA embassy in Delhi #InternationalYogaDay pic.twitter.com/KB6dv8RM99

— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2017

PM Narendra Modi leads #InternationalYogaDay celebrations in Lucknow pic.twitter.com/Jw0VppGhTY

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) June 21, 2017

I am happy to see so many Yoga institutes being opened over the last three years. Demand for Yoga teachers is increasing: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/dlyQuvmeaz

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) June 21, 2017

PM Narendra Modi leads #InternationalYogaDay celebrations in Lucknow pic.twitter.com/JCzAGfwNQf

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) June 21, 2017

PM Narendra Modi leads #InternationalYogaDay celebrations in Lucknow pic.twitter.com/JCzAGfwNQf

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) June 21, 2017

#InternationalYogaDay celebrations at the world heritage site of Machu Picchu in Peru#YogaDay #YogaDay2017
(source: ANI) pic.twitter.com/ZTv758hzss

— NDTV (@ndtv) June 21, 2017

Yoga is as important as salt: Narendra Modi

Uttar Pradesh governor Ram Naik, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi in performing yoga at the sprawling venue. The venue is under extremely tight security and all arterial roads are under strict CCTV vigil.

Speaking at the venue, Modi said, “Yoga, which connects body, mind and soul, has played a big role in connecting the world too. Wellness is more important than simply physical fitness. Yoga can have the same importance as salt has in life.”

Adding that demand for Yoga teachers is increasing, Modi said he is glad to see several yoga institutes take shape over last three years.

Yoga is as important as salt: Narendra Modi

Uttar Pradesh governor Ram Naik, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi in performing yoga at the sprawling venue. The venue is under extremely tight security and all arterial roads are under strict CCTV vigil.

Speaking at the venue, Modi said, “Yoga, which connects body, mind and soul, has played a big role in connecting the world too. Wellness is more important than simply physical fitness. Yoga can have the same importance as salt has in life.”

Adding that demand for Yoga teachers is increasing, Modi said he is glad to see several yoga institutes take shape over last three years.

June 21 is #InternationalYogaDay, and this year's theme is "Yoga for health" pic.twitter.com/Fqf5U4ASwm

— Newsflicks (@newsflicks) June 21, 2017

WATCH: Narendra Modi addresses gathering ahead of beginning yoga celebrations

LIVE: PM Shri @narendramodi attends #YogaDay2017 celebration in Lucknow. https://t.co/2DiGgB2q4H

— BJP (@BJP4India) June 21, 2017

Narendra Modi begins Yoga celebrations in Lucknow: Yogi Adityanath gives a rousing introduction to those gathered

On 3rd International Yoga Day, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath gave a rousing speech to those gathered before beginning the day’s celebrations. Prime MInister Narendra Modi along with other dignitaries and bureaucrats will soon begin the celebrations.

Yog jeevan ki ek kala hai, ye hum sab ko jodna sikhaati hai: CM Yogi Adityanath #InternationalYogaDay pic.twitter.com/Oj5HbZitdo

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) June 21, 2017

PM Modi arrives at Lucknow's Ramabai Ambedkar maidan #InternationalYogaDay pic.twitter.com/4swyY53JtY

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) June 21, 2017

PM Modi arrives at Lucknow's Ramabai Ambedkar maidan #InternationalYogaDay pic.twitter.com/4swyY53JtY

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) June 21, 2017

Watch: Narendra Modi leads International Yoga Day in Uttar Pradesh

#WATCH Live Via ANI FB: PM Narendra Modi does Yoga in Lucknow's Ramabai Ambedkar maidan https://t.co/emc0ghrtHA #InternationalYogaDay

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) June 21, 2017

Venkaiah Naidu in Delhi

.@MVenkaiahNaidu, @VijayGoelBJP & @ArvindKejriwal attends 3rd #InternationalYogaDay at Connaught Place, #NewDelhi.#AIRPics: 📸Dipendra pic.twitter.com/UPZ7aG3GNm

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) June 21, 2017

#Yoga is Traditional India art & it brings peace and take care of health: @MVenkaiahNaidu #InternationalYogaDay pic.twitter.com/kZJ9UNJvQZ

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) June 21, 2017

RECAP: How United Nations lit up on International Yoga Day

Yoga lights up @UN.
Here's a sneak peek of
the iconic UN Headquarters building being lit up like never before for International Day of Yoga pic.twitter.com/8I34egsVqc

— Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) June 19, 2017

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon participate in mass yoga celebrations in Uttar Pradesh

PM will participate in mass yoga demonstration on #InternationalYogaDay at 6:30 AM on 21 June in Lucknow. LIVE at https://t.co/vpP0MInUi4 pic.twitter.com/SnCqDvZiOW

— BJP (@BJP4India) June 20, 2017

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon participate in mass yoga celebrations in Uttar Pradesh

PM will participate in mass yoga demonstration on #InternationalYogaDay at 6:30 AM on 21 June in Lucknow. LIVE at https://t.co/vpP0MInUi4 pic.twitter.com/SnCqDvZiOW

— BJP (@BJP4India) June 20, 2017

In West Bengal, state-run schools won’t observe Yoga Day today

Education minister of West Bengal Partha Chatterjee on Tuesday reportedly said that state-run schools across West Bengal will not observe International Yoga Day on Wednesday. “We will hold a separate yoga competition among state schools at a later date. Tomorrow, there will be no celebration of International Yoga Day in state-run schools,” Chatterjee told The Indian Express .

Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations-affiliated schools (which conducts ICSE and ISC examinations and CBSE), however, will observe the celebrations. Similar reports came in from Odisha as well, where state-run schools may skip celebrating the day.

AIIMS to come up with guidelines on yoga asanas

AIIMS, in collaboration with AYUSH ministry, will soon come up with guidelines on yoga asanas which are beneficial to combat certain ailments, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to focus on treatment of diseases through the ancient Indian spiritual discipline.

Experts from Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana S-VYASA in Bengaluru in partnership with the Centre for Integrative Medicines and Research at AIIMS are conducting evidence-based research to develop a set of protocols for various diseases.

Watch: BJP chief Amit Shah performs yoga with Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani and Ramdev