Rains lash Rajpath after International Yoga Day celebrations

NEW DELHI: After performing 'asanas' in the sweltering heat at Rajpath, participants of the International Yoga Day celebrations here enjoyed the heavy showers which started minutes after the event ended.

Rows of green carpets laid across the broad Rajpath avenue were scattered as winds struck with intense ferocity before the downpour, even as the participants ran for cover from the rain.

While the elderly were seen making a dash for nearby tents and bus stops, the children and youth got drenched with abandon.

"We have been preparing for this event for the last two months. I am so glad that the rain could not act as a spoilsport while we were performing. But now I am loving the showers," Mohit Bansal (21) said before rushing towards India Gate.

The capital's favourite holiday haunt, India Gate, had come alive early today as yoga enthusiasts from across the country thronged the memorial.

"Although our purpose of coming here was to perform yoga but now that it is over we thought it would be foolish not to spend some time here especially when the weather is favourable," Anita Bansal, a housewife from Shakarpur said.

The mega event witnessed participation of more than 35,000 people including school children, NCC cadets, army personnel and officials.