Wearing a customised white yoga T-shirt, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took centre stage on Wednesday as he led the 9th International Day of Yoga celebrations at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Joined by the residents of the city, celebrities, and dignitaries, Modi hailed yoga as a practice that transcends boundaries and emphasised its universal appeal, free from copyrights and royalties.

The event created a vibrant atmosphere around the UN headquarters, with a gentle breeze and mild sunlight adding to the historic occasion. Commencing with the chanting of “Om”, the participants engaged in yoga asanas and breathing exercises, guided by skilled instructors. Volunteers were on hand to assist yoga enthusiasts in maintaining correct postures and following the instructor’s cues.

The UN lawn was transformed into a sea of yellow yoga mats, while LED screens showcased captivating videos depicting the rich cultural heritage of India. Prior to the session, Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, with a bust of the revered leader installed in the North Lawn during India’s tenure as president of the UN Security Council.

The yoga celebration led by Prime Minister Modi at the UN headquarters created the Guinness World Record for participation of people from over 180 countries.

During his address, Modi expressed his delight at the diverse representation of nationalities in attendance and highlighted the inherent inclusivity of yoga. He underscored that yoga, originating from India, is a timeless tradition that can be practiced by individuals of all ages, genders, and fitness levels.

Modi emphasised the portability and adaptability of yoga, proclaiming it to be truly universal. He said, “Yoga comes from India and it is a very old tradition. Yoga is free from copyrights, patents, and royalty payments. Yoga is adaptable to your age, gender, and fitness level. Yoga is portable and is truly universal.”

The celebration witnessed the participation of esteemed figures, including UN officials, ambassadors, delegates, and members of the global community. Notable attendees included US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, President of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly Csaba Korosi, renowned actor Richard Gere, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J Mohammed.

“I am excited for everyone who is participating in Yoga Day,” said Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador to the UN.

“The feeling here is so open and embracing, I hope this feeling intoxicates the entire building. It’s a really nice feeling here today,” Gere said ahead of the event.

The event drew participants from over 180 countries, representing various professions and backgrounds.

Enthusiastic individuals lined up outside the UN headquarters since early morning, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to join the yoga session.

The International Day of Yoga, which was first observed in 2015, has grown in significance and is now celebrated worldwide. Recognising yoga as an ancient practice that unites the mind and body, the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga following a proposal by Prime Minister Modi during the 69th session of the UN General Assembly.

“Yoga means to unite...I remember about nine years ago, right here, I had the honour to propose celebrating the International Day of yoga on 21st June. It was wonderful to see the entire world come together to support the idea,” Modi said.

 “You can see the vibrations and excitement. Hundreds of people are lining up for International Yoga Day celebrations with Prime Minister Modi. Such a great feeling,” said Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner for New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs.

Ruchika Lal, Yoga and Meditation Instructor, Art of Living, said people are excited. “They have been waiting outside since 6 am,” she said.

People were seen standing in queues outside UN headquarters to take part in the yoga session since early morning.

The first International Day of Yoga was commemorated in 2015 and has since then been marked with several sessions and events highlighting the benefits and universal appeal of Yoga at the UN, Times Square and iconic locations across the world.

The UN underlined that yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word “yoga” is derived from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness. Today it is practised in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity.

Recognising its universal appeal, in December 2014, the UN proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. The draft UNGA resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states. The proposal was first introduced by Prime Minister Modi in his address during the opening of the 69th session of the UN General Assembly.

Earlier in a video message on the occasion of the International Yoga Day, Modi said India has always nurtured traditions that unite, adopt and embrace and made a fervent appeal to eliminate contradictions, hurdles and resistances through yoga.

Modi said Indians have welcomed new ideas, conserved them and celebrated the country’s rich diversity.

“We have to eliminate our contradictions, blockages and resistances through Yoga. We have to present the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ as an example to the world,” Modi said.

Modi also said the International Day of Yoga was special this year as researchers at India’s research stations in the Arctic and Antarctica too were participating in the celebrations.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in his message for Yoga Day, said yoga unites people. “It unites body and mind, humanity and nature and millions of people across the globe for whom it is a source of strength, harmony and peace,” he said.

“In a dangerous and divided world, the benefits of this ancient practice are particularly precious. Yoga offers a haven of calm, it can reduce anxiety and promote mental well-being. It helps us to develop discipline and patience. It connects us to our planet, which so badly needs our protection,” Guterres said.

 He added that yoga reveals “our common humanity, helping us to understand that despite our differences, we are one. On this International Day of Yoga, let us embrace the spirit of unity and resolve to build a better, more harmonious world for people, the planet and ourselves.”