At UN, Times Square, Yoga Day Celebrated in New York

The first International Day of Yoga was celebrated in New York City, with yoga classes at the United Nations headquarters and the iconic Times Square, with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj watching over.

Jun 22, 2015 00:34 IST
  • Yoga in the Big Apple: International Day of Yoga in New York City
    A video message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi was played at the United Natiuon headquarters in New York, before diplomats, including UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, performed yoga together.
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  • Yoga in the Big Apple: International Day of Yoga in New York City
    UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, 71, dressed in white track with the Yoga Day logo on them, performed various asanas at the UN headquarters along with his wife, Yoo Soon-taek.
  • Yoga in the Big Apple: International Day of Yoga in New York City
    The gathering at the UN headquarters also saw Art of Living's Sri Sri Ravishankar lead the yoga session.
  • Yoga in the Big Apple: International Day of Yoga in New York City
    Hundreds participated at the Yoga Day celebration at the UN, which saw all member countries unanimously pass a resolution to adopt June 21 as International Day of Yoga.
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  • Yoga in the Big Apple: International Day of Yoga in New York City
    Among those present at the UN event was filmmaker Madhir Bhandarkar.
  • Yoga in the Big Apple: International Day of Yoga in New York City
    Accompanying the Indian delegation was Tulsi Gabbard, the only Hindu member of the US Congress.
  • Yoga in the Big Apple: International Day of Yoga in New York City
    External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Sri Sri Ravishankar also spoke at the gathering of yoga practitioners at New York's iconic Times Square.
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  • Yoga in the Big Apple: International Day of Yoga in New York City
    At Times Square too, hundreds of New Yorkers spread their yoga mats and performed the asanas.
  • Yoga in the Big Apple: International Day of Yoga in New York City
    Speaking at Times Square, Ms Swaraj observed the growing popularity and relevance of yoga in the United States.