International Yoga Day 2020: PM Modi's address will be aired on Doordarshan (File)
Yoga boosts immunity, PM Modi said in his address to the nation, adding that "a lot of coronavirus patients across the world are benefiting due to yoga". "It gives us the confidence to struggle during the difficult times and emerge victorious. Yoga gives us physical strength and peace of mind," he added.
For the first time since it was instituted on June 21, 2015, coinciding with the Summer Solstice each year, Yoga Day has gone digital this year. No mass gatherings will be held this time.
This year's theme is "Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family".
"We will take all possible measures for our individual and family's health. As a responsible citizen, we will walk forward together. We will try to make 'Yoga at home, Yoga with family' a part of our lives," PM Modi said.
Across India, top personalities are performing yoga at their homes to ensure social distancing amid pandemic.
Here are the Highlights on International Yoga Day:
Say hello to yoga, goodbye to stress: Bengal Governor
The sixth International Yoga Day was observed with gusto at various places in Bengal on Sunday, as authorities of educational institutes, and several leaders urged people to adopt a healthy lifestyle to keep stress and anxiety at bay, amid the COVID-19 crisis.
This year, the theme selected for the international event is "Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family".
Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar marked the day by practising yoga at Raj Bhavan, along with wife.
"Yoga at home, yoga with family. Participate in yoga practice. (Say) Hello to yoga, goodbye to stress. De-stress feel fresh. Spread happiness. Yoga will scare Covid," Mr Dhankhar said in a tweet.
Yoga is a vibrant, timeless tradition which brings people closer: Ambassador Abhay Kumar
Indian Ambassador Abhay Kumar on Sunday said that yoga is a vibrant and timeless tradition that brings people closer.
In a statement, the Indian Ambassador to Madagascar and Comoros said, "One of the ties that bind our countries together and bring the peoples closer is Yoga. Embassy of India has been working with a number of yoga teachers and has collaborated with them in different phases of Yoga Day celebrations in these five years."
"Yoga has endeared itself to millions of followers all over the globe due to its immense health and other benefits. In fact, it has become an integral part of a healthy lifestyle and well-being of the society and nature," he added.
62,000 people do yoga simultaneously from different venues in Madhya Pradesh
As many as 62,000 people on Sunday simultaneously performed yoga via online platform from different places in Guna district of Madhya Pradesh to set a new world record, the administration said.
The yoga exercises were performed from different places like schools and anganwadi centres, with each group comprising less than 20 members, coordinator of the event Navdeep Saxena said.
The programme was organised by Guna district administration to mark the International Day of Yoga, he said.
UK marks International Day of Yoga with projections, webinars
A digital projection and a series of webinars and live online yoga sessions marked the 6th International Day of Yoga (IDY) in the UK on Sunday.
The Indian High Commission in London organised a digital projection reflecting the ancient Indian practice and its many benefits at the Westfield Stratford City shopping centre in east London throughout the course of Sunday.
It was preceded by an online webinar titled "Ghar Ghar Se Yoga" coordinated by the Nehru Centre in London, in light of the social distancing norms in place that prevent a congregational aspect of the yoga sessions.
"Yoga is an invaluable ancient Indian practice with numerous benefits to both physical and mental health," said PN Ranjit Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH).
Yoga, India's divine gift to human civilisation: Odisha governor
Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal said yoga is a divine gift of India to the human civilisation while residents of the state performed ''asanas'' staying at home and on digital media platforms.
People across the state spread out their mats in their houses and performed yoga along with family members while adhering to social distancing.
On the occasion of the International Day of Yoga, the governor tweeted, "#Yoga union of human consciousness with super consciousness, a divine gift of Bharat to the human civilization."
Yoga boosts immunity required for fighting COVID-19: Sushil Kumar Modi
Yoga helps to enhance the immunity of an individual which is required to fight against COVID-19, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi said. Extending his best wishes to the people on the occasion, the deputy chief minister tweeted his pictures and videos doing yoga "asanas" on the rooftop of his Rajendra Nagar residence.
International Yoga Day: People practice aqua yoga in Tamil Nadu's Palk Strait
People practised aqua yoga in the Palk Strait in Rameswaram on the occasion of International Yoga Day on Sunday. Aqua yoga requires a person to perform the asanas in water.
Read Here International Yoga Day observed in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand Governor Baby Rani Maurya, Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, yoga guru Ramdev and people throughout the state did yogic exercises on Sunday.
The Governor took part at Raj Bhavan underscoring yoga as essential both for a healthy mind and body.
Mr Rawat did yogic asanas at his official residence on the occasion and asked people to make it part of their daily lives to build their immunity and stay healthy. "Immunity needs to be strong to fight against COVID-19 and yoga is an effective method to build it," he said.
People mark Yoga Day indoors in UP due to coronavirus pandemic
Owing to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, people stayed indoors in Lucknow on the International Day of Yoga.
Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel participated in Yoga Day activities at Raj Bhavan. Greeting people, she said by practising Yoga daily, one can remain physically and mentally fit, and it also boosts the immunity of the body.
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while congratulating the people of the state, said in a tweet Yoga is the ''prasad'' of spiritual tradition of Indian sages.
"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the entire world is doing ''aatmiye samvaad'' (close conversation) with India," he said.
Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma also observed the Yoga Day. "We should also imbibe the spiritual aspect of Yoga, along with its physical aspect," Maurya said.
Gautam Gambhir Quotes Bhagvad Gita On International Yoga Day
Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala and Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Sunday stressed the importance of practicing yoga regularly, as the International day of Yoga saw people in the state celebrating it in a low key manner, with COVID-19 restrictions in place. Schools, parks, clubs and playgrounds in Bengaluru wore a deserted look, unlike in previous years, as people did not congregate there due to the restrictions, news agency PTI reported.
Muted International Yoga Day In China Amid Pandemic, Border TensionThe International Yoga Day was celebrated in China on Sunday with low-key events owing to the coronavirus pandemic and the tensions along the Line of Actual Control or LAC. China, where yoga has been popular, usually celebrates the occasion with numerous events ever since its inception by the United Nations in 2014.
Those Who Practice Yoga Have Less Chance Of Getting COVID-19: AYUSH Minister
Yoga practitioners have less chances of getting infected by coronavirus, Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik said on Sunday. Talking to news agency PTI on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga, Mr Naik also said the propagation of yoga across the country and the world during the Narendra Modi-led regime has helped in the fight against COVID-19.
World Yoga Day 2020: Kiren Rijiju Seen Doing Yoga In This Video He Tweeted
BJP's Tejasvi Surya Tweets Yoga Pics
WATCH: ITBP Personnel Performing Yoga In Sikkim
World Yoga Day: Assam Chief Minister On How World Has Embraced Yoga
International Yoga Day: Sand Artist Sudarshan Patnaik's Message On World Yoga Day
Watch: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad's Video Message On Yoga Day
World Yoga Day: Congress Tweets A Pic Of Ex-PM Jawaharlal Nehru Doing A Headstand
International Yoga Day 2020: Mumbai Police's Cheeky Tweet On World Yoga Day
Watch: Union Minister Prakash Javadekar's Message On International Yoga Day 2020
International Yoga Day 2020: Chattisgarh Chief Minister Seen Doing A Handstand
International Yoga Day 2020: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Performs Yoga At His Home
International Yoga Day 2020: Vice President Seen Doing Yoga In Pics
Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word 'yoga' derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness, according to the United Nations.
The World Health Organization mentions yoga as a means to improve health in its Global action plan on physical activity 2018-2030: more active people for a healthier world.
International Yoga Day: "Yoga Is Unifying Force," Says Indian Envoy
"Yoga is a unifying force, true to its literal meaning. People all around the world, transcending nationalities and cultures, have recognized the immense benefits of Yoga. They have made it a part of their everyday lives," India's Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu said
ITBP Personnel Perform Yoga At High Altitude In Ladakh
"Pranayama" Can Help Boost Immunity Amid Pandemic: PM On Yoga Day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi this morning said that pranayama - the practice of breath control in yoga - can "help boost immunity" as he addressed the nation to mark the International Yoga Day amid a spike in coronavirus cases across the country.
Read Here Coronavirus specifically attacks our respiratory system, which gets strengthened by ''Pranayama'' or breathing exercise: PM Modi in Yoga Day message.
Efficiency in Action is Yoga, Says PM Modi
Yoga enhances our quest for a healthier planet, Yoga goes beyond race and faith and anyone can embrace yoga, said PM Modi.
Many congratulations and best wishes to all of you on the 6th International yoga day, says PM Modi.
International Yoga Day 2020: PM Modi's Efforts Have Given Global Acceptance To Yoga, Tweets Amit ShahYoga is a means of establishing harmony between body and mind, action and thought and between man and nature. This precious gift of Indian culture to the entire humanity has been given global acceptance by Modi ji through his efforts, which today has led the whole world to adopt Yoga.
International Yoga Day 2020: Yoga Promotes Peace, Rights, Well-Being, Says UN Director General
Yoga promotes principles of peace, rights and wellbeing that UN is working towards, UN Director-General Tatiana Valovaya said today during the commemoration of 6th International Day of Yoga, reported ANI.
"Yoga promotes principles of peace, rights and wellbeing that UN is working towards. Celebrating #International Yoga Day, we're sending message of unity and connection, one that is of substantial value at time of great challenges but also great opportunities for multilateralism," Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of UN, Geneva, said on Twitter.
Every year International Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21. Its sixth edition falls on Sunday, which also happens to have a solar eclipse day in several parts of north India, including Delhi.