Thousands in China observe International Yoga Day

Thousands of yoga practitioners and enthusiasts in more than 14 cities across China came together on Sunday to celebrate the International Yoga Day.

In association with local government bodies and several yoga institutes, the international event was celebrated in Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao, Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Kunming, Xiamen, Wuxi, Hangzhou, Wenzhou and Changzhou, the Indian embassy here said.

As many as 16 events took place in Beijing alone.

Speaking at the prestigious Peking University, India's ambassador Ashok K. Kantha recalled the joint yoga-taiji event organised at the Temple of Heaven during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit last month, and the establishment of the first yoga college in China at Kunming city.

More than 500 yoga practitioners participated in a group yoga demonstration at the inaugural ceremony. The event was organised in partnership with Art of Living (China) which also conducted day-long yoga workshops.

Vice president of Peking University Li Yansong said events like International Yoga Day improve cultural exchanges between India and China.

At Geely University, the week-long celebrations started with a group yoga demonstration in which more than 1,300 students took part.

Around 400 yoga practitioners participated in the opening ceremony at Hot Springs Leisure City, which was organised by the China Health Care Association and several yoga institutes along with members of the Indian community. The five-day event here will be attended by more than 700 people between June 21 and 25.

In the Chinese metropolis of Shanghai, around 200 residents got together to perform yoga.

Led by an Indian coach, the people performed various asanas of the ancient Indian exercise format at Jing'an Park in downtown Jing'an district of this global financial hub, the Shanghai Daily reported.

According to the Indian embassy, more than 25,000 yoga practitioners participated in mass events, lectures, screening of movies on yoga, cultural events and photo exhibitions across China.

The events saw participation from local government officials, Indian community members, diplomats, business delegates, Chinese celebrities, media professionals and academicians.

The UN General Assembly declared June 21 as International Yoga Day on December 11 last year.

China was among the 177 countries of the 193-member UN that supported the India-sponsored resolution to declare June 21 as International Yoga Day.