The sixth edition of the International Yoga Day 2020 kicked off on Sunday with people across the globe taking part in various yoga events to commemorate the day. International Yoga Day was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s brainchild who proposed the idea in the year 2014, right after assuming charge as the prime minister during his first term.
On the occasion, PM Modi addressed the nation and underscored the importance of yoga, meditation and pranayama.
“The world is taking the need to practise yoga more seriously in the wake of Covid-19. Yoga has many asanas to boost our immunity. These asanas strengthen our muscles and metabolism. Coronavirus attacks our respiratory system, and pranayama (breathing exercise) is the best exercise to keep ourselves safe,” the Prime Minister said.
Also read: ‘Yoga brings people together’ - PM Modi on International Yoga Day
This year’s Yoga Day is being observed differently amid the Covid-19 pandemic as most of the world is amid a lockdown and large social gathering are a strict no-no amid the crisis.
Here’s taking a look at how Yoga Day is being observed across the country.
President Ram Nath Kovind took to Twitter and shared pictures of him performing yoga on the occasion.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also performed yoga at his residence on Sunday.
“Yoga enhances our quest for a healthier planet. It does not discriminate, goes beyond colour, race, faith and nations. Anyone can embrace yoga - all you need is some time and space,” PM Modi said in his address on Sunday.
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel in Ladakh were seen performing yoga at an altitude of 18,000 feet, in sub-zero temperatures today.
Yoga guru Baba Ramdev performed yoga at Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar, Uttarakhand.
People in India’s financial capital were also seen performing yoga on at the Worli sea face in Mumbai.
Social distancing norms were followed as people came together in small groups, keeping the guidelines in mind, and performed asanas and pranayama together.
Many took the event virtual and connected with others to perform yoga and pranayama in online sessions.
