India leads the way in celebrating International Yoga Day
Even as rain played a bit of a spoilsport in many places like Lucknow and Delhi, the nation gathered in large numbers at various parks and public places across the country today to mark the third International Day of Yoga brimming with excitement and energy.
Dressed in white t-shirts and trousers, people stretched and twisted themselves with joy in various postures at Yoga events held across the nation.
Taking to the social media, Assam Chief Minister Sarbanada Sonowal asked people to devote themselves to Yoga for a healthy body and mind.
"For a healthy body and mind, let us devote ourselves to Yoga - the most effective and balanced method of wellbeing #InternationalYogaDay," he tweeted.
For a healthy body and mind, let us devote ourselves to Yoga – the most effective and balanced method of wellbeing #InternationalYogaDay pic.twitter.com/A0uWfUhoza
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) June 21, 2017
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh said, "Yoga means to 'unite'; it is the unison of body, mind & spirit to seek strength, peace & harmony for all #EveryDayYogaDay #YogaChhattisgarh"
Yoga means to 'unite'; it is the unison of body, mind & spirit to seek strength, peace & harmony for all #EveryDayYogaDay #YogaChhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/0kzuCZPOoq
— Dr Raman Singh (@drramansingh) June 20, 2017
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani shared a glimpse of the celebrations in his state.
"Greetings on International Yoga Day. Sharing glimpses of #YogaDay2017 at Ahmedabad."
Greetings on International Yoga Day. Sharing glimpses of #YogaDay2017 at Ahmedabad. pic.twitter.com/fbbJv7SwDr
— Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) June 21, 2017
जो रोगी है कई बार देश और समाज पर बोझ बन जाता है। हम देश और समाज पर बोझ नहीं बनेंगे। योग करके शरीर को स्वस्थ रखेंगे: सीएम #YogaDay2017 pic.twitter.com/xhczrxYxth
— CMO Madhya Pradesh (@CMMadhyaPradesh) June 21, 2017
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appealed to everyone to make Yoga an inseparable part of their life.
#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
Celebrating the day with other Ministers, officials and hundreds of athletes, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh tweeted-
"Yoga for Health", attended International Yoga Day with Union Minister @PrakashJavdekar, State ministers,officials and hundreds of athletes pic.twitter.com/gIDhOf9cWz
— N Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) June 21, 2017
Sharing glimpses of Yoga Day 2017 from Jaipur, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje said-
#Yoga is an ancient practice symbolizing the union of body and consciousness - a pathway to finding inner peace & happiness. #YogaDay2017
— Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) June 21, 2017
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also had words of wisdom to share on the day.
अंतर्राष्ट्रीय योग दिवस पर लखनऊ के रमाबाई पार्क में आयोजित योगाभ्यास कार्यक्रम में । #InternationalYogaDay2017 #YogaDay #Yoga pic.twitter.com/g5efAsIjXz
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) June 21, 2017
Celebrating International Yoga Day with the people of New Delhi, at an event organised by NDMC, Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said Yoga is our tradition, it's our culture.
Celebrating #InternationalYogaDay with the people of New Delhi, at an event organised by NDMC. Yoga is our tradition, it's our culture. pic.twitter.com/Eaqyt7JPZd
— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) June 21, 2017
Thanks to PM Modi, Yoga is now an international art; it's neither political nor religious. It brings peace, good health & unity #Yogaday2017 pic.twitter.com/wa0ZBcMg36
— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) June 21, 2017
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi began the day's celebrations while addressing the gathering in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow, and said that Yoga has become an integral part of every Indian household.
Conveying his greetings to all those who joined the Yoga Day 2017 celebrations across India and the world, Prime Minister Modi said Yoga's immense popularity outside India is high and has connected the world with India.
"I am happy to see so many Yoga institutes being opened over the last three years. Demand for Yoga teachers is increasing. Apart from fitness, wellness is important. Yoga is a medium to achieve wellness," Prime Minister Modi said.
The international day for yoga is celebrated annually since its inception in 2015.
-ANI
First published: 21 June 2017, 10:12 IST