International Yoga Day: India’s First Celebration On Sunday
India celebrates the first International Yoga Day on Sunday. Yoga is a Sanskrit word that means union. June 21 is set to be the first International Day of Yoga, an event that will gather about 45,000 people in New Delhi in an attempt to break the world record for the largest yoga session. Global events are expected to take place.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi convinced the United Nations to devote a day to the ancient tradition. Although a festive occasion to bring people together, Modi has received some resistance from India’s Muslim population, which makes up about 15 percent of the country.
Don't see the point in enforcing yoga on those who don't want to do it but it should be an individual choice not through a fatwa…
— Themis?? (@Themis_100) June 9, 2015
In the United States, there are over 25 million people who practice yoga, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. The popular health and fitness practice is popular around the world, even for those who do not follow it as a religion or way of life.
The Prime Minister will host the event at the majestic Rajpath on Sunday and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will host the event at the U.N. Staff has spread out throughout the country to lead local Yoga programs, too.
The International Yoga Day event will begin at 6:40 a.m.
Expected crowds could exceed 35,000 people, including government officials. India hopes this event will become the “Largest Yoga Demonstration at a single venue” for the Guinness World Records.
In New York City, festivities will also take place at the U.N. Plaza followed by a larger event in Times Square. Ambassador Asoke Kumar Mukerji will lead the Yoga Day in Manhattan. About 20,000 people are expected to attend.
Yoga is also popular among celebrities who credit the practice for their physical fitness. Inquisitr recently reported that Jessica Biel used yoga to get back into her pre-baby body.
Hopefully, the global event will be met with success and break records in an effort to bring people together in a peaceful way.
(Photo courtesy of CNN)
