AGARTALA, June 21 (TIWN): This year's mega International Yoga Day event, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is taking place at the Prabhat Tara ground in Ranchi, Jharkhand. Over 30,000 yoga enthusiasts took part in PM Modi's event amid tight security. In Tripura also, Yoga Day was celebrated with full enthusiasm led by Chief Minister Biplab Deb. CM has expressed his admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking “Yoga”, the tradition of ancient India at the international stage. “Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word 'yoga' derives symbolizing the union of body and consciousness”, Tripura CM said. June 21 marks the fifth International Yoga Day has been celebrated worldwide.Several programmes associated with International Day of Yoga are being organized with great enthusiasm in various countries. All Indian missions across the world have been asked to celebrate the International Day of Yoga in a grand manner.

A video message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been sent to all embassies for screening at the beginning of the yoga day celebrations.

The idea of International Day of Yoga was first proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his speech at the UN General Assembly (UNGA), on September 27, 2014. Thereafter, a draft resolution on 'International Day of Yoga' was introduced by India's Ambassador to UN, Asoke Kumar Mukerji. The draft received support from 177 nations, the highest number of co-sponsors for any UNGA resolution. Thereafter, the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.