New Delhi: From doing basic yoga postures, to some attempting the difficult headstand or even the mayurasana (peacock pose), yoga enthusiasts across the world marked the 10th International Yoga Day, from Times Square in New York, to Dhaka, Fiji, Oman, Muscat and Tokyo and many other places on Friday.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the International Yoga Day celebrations in Srinagar, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar led the diplomatic community to mark the IYD celebrations in the capital.
The United Nations in a message on IYD said this year marks the 10th International Day of Yoga with the theme ‘Yoga for Self and Society’.
“Yoga, a transformative practice, represents the harmony of mind and body, the balance between thought and action, and the unity of restraint and fulfillment. It integrates the body, mind, spirit, and soul, offering a holistic approach to health and well-being that brings peace to our hectic lives. Its power to transform is what we celebrate on this special day,” it said.
The 10th International Yoga Day event was held at the UN Headquarters, New York, organized by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN in collaboration with the UN Secretariat, in the North Lawn Area of UNHQ.
The Indian Embassy in New York celebrated the 10th International Day of Yoga at the iconic Times Square,
In a post on X, the Indian Embassy said the day-long celebration featured seven yoga sessions, in which about 10,000 people from across nationalities participated, showcasing the widespread enthusiasm for yoga in the city.
In Stockholm, the Indian Embassy participated in the celebrations with well-known Indian spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. It held a special session with 800 participants and diplomats from 25 nations at Konserthuset.
Different embassies in New Delhi put up their IYD videos on X.
The Israeli Embassy in New Delhi put up a humorous video of their staff doing yoga.
“Namaste! This #InternationalYogaDay, our diplomats share why they LOVE #yoga. They might not be yogis yet, but they sure have fun trying!” it posted.
The Chargé d’Affaires of the Russian Embassy in India, Roman Babushkin, participated in the IYD celebrations hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs.
The Ukrainian Embassy in a post said “Team members of the Embassy of Ukraine in India join celebrations of the 10th Anniversary of the International Day of Yoga & more than 5,000 years of ancient Yoga tradition.”
Philip Green, the Australian High Commissioner in India, in a post said “Over 10 lakh Australians practice yoga, including here in New Delhi.” He posted a video of yoga enthusiasts from the Australian High Commission performing their favourite asanas, including the headstand, at iconic Delhi locations to mark IYD 2024
In Japan, IYD was held at the at Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple.
The Indian Embassy in a post said:
“RAIN OR SHINE YOGA IN JAPAN:
Celebrations of the 10th IDY by @IndianEmbTokyo at Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, witnessed an overwhelming participation from Japanese Leadership, diplomats, Yoga enthusiasts & friends of India in Japan.”
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait also marked the IYD at the embassy, which saw enthusiastic participation by yoga trainers and enthusiasts, members of diplomatic corps, and members of the Indian community.
The US Embassy in New Delhi marked the day by posting a video of children doing yoga. ”…our adorable little yogis are stealing hearts with their smiles and stretches! Watch as our tiny warriors strike adorable poses, from Virabhadrasana to the Bhujangasana! This #YogaDay, join us as we celebrate the flexibility, balance, and cuteness overload.”
The Indian High Commission in Bangladesh organised a grand Yoga event at the Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium, Mirpur, in Dhaka on the occasion of International Yoga Day.
High Commissioner Dr. Binoy George said that Yoga can serve as a unifying force, promoting physical and mental well-being among the people of India and Bangladesh.
In Fiji, the Indian High Commission marked the day, with Fijian PM Sitiveni Rabuka as the Chief Guest at the event. Deputy PM Biman Prasad also participated.
