International Yoga Day | PM Modi leads celebrations; says Yoga has connected the world with India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday led the country-wide celebrations in Lucknow, where an estimated 50,000 enthusiasts, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, stretched an extra muscle in various yogic postures.

Addressing a huge gathering at the Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan on the occasion of the third International Yoga Day celebrations, Modi 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," said PM Modi.

Donning a white t-shirt and loose trousers, Modi also performed asanas along with over 50,000 yoga enthusiasts braving early morning drizzles.

"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.

Stating that Yoga is a medium to achieve wellness, Modi said, "Yoga is about health assurance. It is not even expensive to practice. I urge everyone to make Yoga a part of their lives."

In Delhi, the third edition of the celebrations played out at several venues -- from open plazas in central Delhi to old municipal parks and sprawling gardens in other parts of the city.

The streets of Connuaght Place's Inner Circle, where vehicular movement has been restricted, wore a festive look as old and young, dressed in colourful attire, pulled and stretched to perform various asanas.

To mark the importance of Yoga, Indian missions abroad will also organise programmes on Yoga with participants from various sections of the society.

The day, which was adopted by the United Nations in 2014, was also celebrated at the Red Fort lawns by a huge gathering.