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Hundreds of thousands of people across the world have participated in the 10th International Day of Yoga in mass sessions practising the ancient physical, mental and spiritual discipline that originated in India.

First proclaimed by the United Nations in December 2014, to raise awareness globally of the benefits of practising yoga, the event is marked every 21st June.

This year’s theme is ‘Yoga for Self and Society’, focusing on the harmony of mind and body with a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.

Among celebrations, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led hundreds of people performing yoga in Kashmir joined by thousands of government employees, teachers and students from all over the region.

Hotels and resorts around Southeast Asia also encouraged guests to join in events, including Banyan Tree Samui in Thailand and Vietnam’s The Anam Cam Ranh, Fusion Resort Cam Ranh and TIA Wellness Resort in Da Nang.

In other parts of the world, people got together to attempt various yoga poses, meditate and practise breathing exercises.

Celebrating yoga
Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India with its name - derived from Sanskrit - meaning to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness.

Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity.

The UN resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga notes “the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health.”

In this regard, the World Health Organization has also urged its member states to help their citizens reduce physical inactivity, which is among the top ten leading causes of death worldwide, and a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes.

Images: Sunrise yoga on Cam Ranh Peninsula’s Long Beach (top, credit: The Anam Cam Ranh), yoga at Fusion Resort Cam Ranh, Vietnam (middle, credit: Fusion Resort Cam Ranh) and yoga Banyan Tree Samui, Thailand (below, credit: Banyan Tree Samui).

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