Yoga symbolises the strivings of the world organisation for global unity, according to its leaders celebrating the International Day recognising the ancient discipline.
UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis said on Friday that Yoga is "a powerful metaphor for the United Nations itself".
"Just as yoga brings together various aspects of the human experience to create a balanced whole, the United Nations unites diverse nations and cultures to work towards common goals," he said in a video message to the 10th International Day of Yoga celebrations here.
"In this unity distinct parts come together to form a unified sum greater than its parts, symbolising peace and harmony as we unite today in this celebration," he added.
Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, who attended the event, said yoga's power to unify is visible at the celebrations at the UN.
"Yoga is about unity, the unity of mind, of body, and spirit. It is about you, it is about me and it's about us, and at the UN today, we see how it unites people across cultures and countries," she added.
She recalled last year's celebration with Prime Minister Narendra Modi which made the Guinness Book of World Records for the most nationalities practicing yoga together.
"That achievement was a wonderful and powerful symbol of yoga's global popularity, its universal appeal, and its power to bring people together in their shared interests and their shared humanity," she said.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a written message, "This year's theme -- 'Yoga for Self and Society' -- reminds us of yoga's important role in enhancing people's lives and wider community."
"Now embraced worldwide by people of all faiths and cultures, yoga unites people with its values of balance, mindfulness and peace with people and planet alike," he added.
As a gentle breeze from the East River wafted across the UN Headquarters North Lawn on a blistering hot day, the celebration featured a mass yoga exercise with the participation of diplomats and UN staff from across the world and invitees from the Indian diaspora clad in white and blue T-shirts emblazoned with the Yoga Day logo.
Denise Scotto, the Chair of the UN's International Day of Yoga Committee, said that it was "remarkable" that 177 countries co-sponsored the 2014 General Assembly resolution declaring June 21 the International Day of Yoga.
"It demonstrates the unity from across the globe," she added.
The UN Chamber Music Society performed Rabindranath Tagore's "Streams of Light" in Bengali.
The Indian Raga dance troupe performed classical dances, one of them incorporating "yoga postures".
Tripura’s lone airport upgraded for passenger movement & infrastructure development
The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has upgraded Agartala’s Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport from Grade III to Grade II, based on the passenger movement and infrastructure development, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced on Friday.
State exports 2000 Kgs of organic ‘Bird Eye Chili’ to Visakhapatnam
The state government on Friday exported 2,000 kilograms of organic ‘Bird Eye Chili’, locally called ‘Dhanna Morich’, to Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath flagged off a train at Agartala Railway Station.
BSF foils Infiltration, detained three Bangladeshi nationals, contrabands worth Rs 30 lakhs
The Border Security Force (BSF) deployed in Tripura have detained three Bangladeshi nationals and foiled infiltration while seizing contraband worth Rs 30 lakhs in a series of operations.
Rajib accuses CPIM, Congress of insulting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Constitution
Tripura BJP President Rajib Bhattacharya on Friday strongly criticized the CPIM and Congress, accusing them of disrespecting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the Indian Constitution while now organizing events in his name.
Tripura CM lauds artistic excellence of Police personnel
On the occasion of Police Week, Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha inaugurated a vibrant painting and craft exhibition at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan today.
State Govt prohibits using of 2023 IV fluids of West Bengal Pharmaceutical
The Health and Family Welfare Department of Tripura has imposed an immediate ban on the use of IV fluids manufactured in 2023 by West Bengal Pharmaceutical, citing safety concerns.
Rahul Gandhi visits Delhi AIIMS, says patients forced to sleep on roads, footpaths
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met with the patients and their attendants awaiting treatment at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. He accused the Centre and the Delhi government of being "insensitive" to them.
CM Mamata Banerjee declines CPI(M)’s invite for inauguration of Jyoti Basu research centre
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has decided to skip the inauguration of the research centre named after Jyoti Basu, the late nonagenarian Indian Marxist and former CM.