At UN, Times Square, Yoga Day Celebrated in New York
Updated: June 22, 2015 00:34 IST
The first International Day of Yoga was celebrated in New York City, with yoga classes at the United Nations headquarters and the iconic Times Square, with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj watching over.
A video message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi was played at the United Natiuon headquarters in New York, before diplomats, including UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, performed yoga together.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, 71, dressed in white track with the Yoga Day logo on them, performed various asanas at the UN headquarters along with his wife, Yoo Soon-taek.
The gathering at the UN headquarters also saw Art of Living's Sri Sri Ravishankar lead the yoga session.
Hundreds participated at the Yoga Day celebration at the UN, which saw all member countries unanimously pass a resolution to adopt June 21 as International Day of Yoga.
Among those present at the UN event was filmmaker Madhir Bhandarkar.
Accompanying the Indian delegation was Tulsi Gabbard, the only Hindu member of the US Congress.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Sri Sri Ravishankar also spoke at the gathering of yoga practitioners at New York's iconic Times Square.
At Times Square too, hundreds of New Yorkers spread their yoga mats and performed the asanas.
Speaking at Times Square, Ms Swaraj observed the growing popularity and relevance of yoga in the United States.
