United Nations: To commemorate the second International Day of Yoga on June 21, Indian peacekeepers serving in UN missions, participants from about 100 nationalities and top UN diplomats will join the celebrations.
Thousands of people are also expected to attend the annual day-long yoga celebrations at Times Square to how Yoga can help in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The long day Yoga celebration is also coinciding with the summer solstice, the yearly moment when the sun is at its highest position in the sky for the longest period of time.
India's Permanent Representative to the UN Syed Akbaruddin said this year's celebration of the International Yoga Day will lay special emphasis on enhancing awareness that Yoga is a holistic approach and not just a physical activity.
India's Permanent Mission will organise on June 20 the first 'Conversation with Yoga Masters' that will "seek to enrich our collective understanding of the unique features of Yoga and its role for the achievement of SDGs."
Isha Foundation founder and spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev will participate in the event.
On June 21, the Indian mission in association with the UN Department of Public Information will commemorate the Yoga day at the world body's headquarters that will be attended by General Assembly President Morgens Lykketoft, Under-Secretary- General for Communications and Public Information Cristina Gallach and Sadhguru, who will lead a simple Yoga practice.
The event will include a musical incantation on Yoga and renowned British singer Tanya Wells will recite Sanskrit shlokas.
(With Agency inputs)
