International Yoga Day: Delhiites pour in as city's open spaces offer ample ground to stretch

NEW DELHI: The national capital made full use of its open spaces as Delhiites spread out their yoga mats and stretched themselves in various 'asanas' across various parks of the city on International Yoga Day.

Yoga sessions were also held at the country's premier health facility All India Institute of Medical Sciences and at the NDMC convention centre here.

The enthusiasm could be gauged from the fact that a large number of people were turned away from the International Yoga Day celebrations venue at Rajpath, for not having passes.

"I had come all the way from Kashmere Gate to participate in the mega event. But all my efforts went in vain as I was not allowed inside. I did not know that one had to carry a pass," a visibly disappointed Jayant Rana, standing outside the Krishi Bhavan, said.

Various Resident Welfare Associations also organised Yoga classes at residential complexes across the city.

Yoga enthusiasts also came together to perform various asanas at places such as Nehru Park and Lodhi Gardens. NDRF personnel marked the occasion by performing at Nehru Park.

BJP's state unit also organised several events on the occasion. Yoga and cultural performances were performed by the differently-abled at a workshop at the NDMC Centre which was attended by BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi.

Another such session was held at the Talkatora stadium which was organised by the South Delhi Municipal Corporation.

Elaborate arrangements were made at AIIMS to mark the day.

"Large number of faculty members and students participated performed yoga asanas at AIIMS campus," AIIMS spokesperson Amit Gupta said.

A session was held for the Employees and trainees of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation at the entity's training school at Shastri Park.

The AAP government, however, did not organise any programme on the day, saying that when one big event was being held, another one "will not be required". Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia were among the participants at Rajpath.