As many as 1,000 yoga enthusiasts gathered in Hanoi on June 17 to celebrate the third International Yoga Day by flexing their bodies in various postures.

The event was held as part of the activities to mark the Vietnam-India Friendship Year, the 45th anniversary of Vietnam-India diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of strategic partnership between the two countries.

Speaking at the ceremony, Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Parvathaneni Harish said that Yoga has been even more popular worldwide since the United Nations General Assembly chose June 21 as the International Yoga Day following the proposal of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The event attracts more than 1,000 people. Photo: hanoitimes.com.vn

Yoga has been a key element contributing to the friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and India, he said.

The Indian Ambassador stressed that Yoga is India’s gift to humanity, he stressed, given that Yoga helps people balance their bodies, mind and soul.

Meanwhile, Truong Minh Tien, Vice Director of the municipal Culture and Sports, said that the two countries have enjoyed sound people-to-people exchanges.

Temples from Cham Civilization, My Son sanctuary in Quang Nam province together with the development of Yoga have been clear evidence of the Vietnam-India cross cultures, Tien affirmed.

Vietnam and India boast huge potential to further multi-faceted cooperation, he said, adding that Hanoi is currently home to 18 Indian investment projects with a total registered capital of 4.6 million USD.

Hanoi and India’s localities need to promote collaboration, focusing on addressing barriers and prioritize cooperation in fields of two sides’ strengths, he added.

Other eight localities also responded to the Yoga Day, including Ho Chi Minh City, Vinh Phuc, Vinh city (Nghe An), Da Nang city, Nha Trang city (Khanh Hoa province), Long An province, Dong Nai province and Can Tho City.

On the occasion, a Yoga book published by the Indian Government were presented to participants at the event./.

( VNF/VNA )