Beijing/London: 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. Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh took part in the event and practiced the yoga postures for a while. The event was jointly organised by the Indian Embassy, Beijing Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and Yogi Yoga, a popular yoga school. The event is a cultural milestone, marking the first time yoga has been performed atop the Great Wall by a joint Indian and Chinese group of yogis, the Embassy said in a statement. Around 200 Chinese and Indian participants then carried out the Common Yoga Protocol, followed by a spectacular display of advanced yoga poses by 20 young Indian yoga ambassadors from the Morarji Desai Institute in India, who are specially visiting China for International Day of Yoga celebrations. In the UK, yoga enthusiasts have been participating in mega yoga events this week at iconic tourist attractions such as the London Eye and Trafalgar Square to celebrate the third International Day of Yoga. The High Commission of India in London and India Tourism’s UK division staged a yoga takeover of the Coca Cola London Eye, teaming up with UK-based yoga organisations to unite in a so-called ‘Wheel of Yoga’, on Sunday. [caption id=“attachment_3729359” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] PAC men perform Yoga in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday. PTI[/caption] The first-of-its-kind event was classified as “yoga for peace” and took place within 32 pods of the London Eye on the banks of the river Thames to celebrate the opening event of the International Day of Yoga, marked worldwide on June 21. India’s Deputy High Commissioner to the UK, Dinesh Patnaik, said: “The ancient tradition of Yoga with all its attendant physical, mental and spiritual benefits was not for an individual or a particular community, but the entire world.” Yogis, both new to yoga and with decades of practice between them, performed gentle asanas and meditative breathing as the London Eye rotated. In the US, a large number of people including from the Indian community participated in special yoga sessions organised by the Indian Consulate here to commemorate the third International Yoga Day. Consul General Riva Ganguly Das led the Yoga Day celebrations at the Consulate premises yesterday and participated in the yoga and Art of Living (AOL) sessions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message on Yoga Day was played before practitioners led the gathering through the two-hour yoga and meditation sessions. A large number of people attended the yoga sessions at the Consulate and performed the ‘Surya Namaskar’, ‘Pranayam’ and other yoga exercises. Das said resonance for the Yoga Day has grown in three years since the day was first marked in 2015. “With the focus on one particular day, it helps promote the message,” she said, adding that lot of people who normally would not have done yoga are also getting interested and participating in the Yoga Day events. “People realise the benefits of yoga, and India’s name is intrinsically associated with the day,” she said. In commemoration of the day, the UN headquarters has been lit up for the second year in a row with images of yoga postures. The Permanent Mission of India to the UN will organise a ‘Yoga Session with Yoga Masters’ at the world body’s headquarters led by Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati of Parmarth Niketan Ashram, India and Swami Sivadasananda of Sivananda Yoga Retreat, Austria. Chef de Cabinet of the UN Secretary general Maria Luiza Ribeiro and President of the General Assembly Ambassador Peter Thomson are special guests on the occasion. A yoga event was also held in the beautiful island country of Seychelles with great enthusiasm yesterday at the iconic Palais des Sports indoor stadium in Victoria, Seychelles. The event, which was jointly organised by the High Commission of India in Seychelles and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Government of Seychelles, was inaugurated by Idith Alexander, Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture in the presence of Minister of Health Jean Paul Adam. Over 1,000 yoga enthusiasts, including cabinet ministers, senior bureaucrats, senior citizens and children participated in the celebrations. The various activities that were held during the day included guided mass yoga performances using the Common Yoga Protocol. A Photo Exhibition on yoga was also held.
International Yoga Day as it happened: At 18,000 feet and -25°C, ITBP jawans mark event; 51,000 gather in Lucknow
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.
 "International Yoga Day as it happened: At 18,000 feet and -25°C, ITBP jawans mark event; 51,000 gather in Lucknow")
This is how Yoga is performed in sub-zero temperatures
In Patagonia, South America (Chile & Argentina) participants braved temperatures of -10°C for #IDYwithArtofLiving. #InternationalYogaDay pic.twitter.com/Aji5nlCbZA
— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@Gurudev) June 21, 2017
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
— India in China (@EOIBeijing) June 20, 2017
Young Yoga Ambassadors from India mesmerize Chinese #Yoga lovers on #IDY2017 #YogaDay in Beijing. pic.twitter.com/4mkGUzmJMM
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.
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) June 21, 2017
I appeal to make #Yoga an inseparable part of your life! pic.twitter.com/u3HPzPUvwR
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
— India in China (@EOIBeijing) June 20, 2017
Young Yoga Ambassadors from India mesmerize Chinese #Yoga lovers on #IDY2017 #YogaDay in Beijing. pic.twitter.com/4mkGUzmJMM
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**
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
— NDTV (@ndtv) June 21, 2017
(source: ANI) pic.twitter.com/ZTv758hzss
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.
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