People have gathered in record numbers at events around the world to celebrate the second annual United Nations International Yoga Day.
The day, on June 21, is designed to highlight the important role healthy living plays in the realisation of the UN's sustainable development goals.
Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi first proposed International Yoga Day and is calling for people around the world to participate in yoga and enjoy its many health benefits.
Thousands of people turn out to participate in yoga classes in Times Square in New York City, NY, USA Source: AAP
“Yoga is not just about exercise, it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature,” he said in an address to the United Nations.
An enthusiastic yoga practitioner, Mr Modi has encouraged yoga be added to India’s school curriculum and has made free lessons available to three million civil servants and their families during his time as prime minister.
The event has been met with some criticism from people who believe that the day is commercialising what is a sacred cultural practice.
However, Mr Modi has said everyone could benefit from yoga and believes it was an invaluable gift from ancient Indian tradition to the rest of the world.
“Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action ... a holistic approach [that] is valuable to our health and our well-being,” he said.
