Washington, Jun 20 (PTI) Hundreds of yoga enthusiasts came together to observe the International Yoga Day at an event that was addressed by India's Deputy Ambassador to the US Sripriya Ranganathan.

At the picturesque Wharf, overlooking the Potomac river, the International Yoga Day event on Wednesday began with prayers and Indian classical dance performances. The yoga session highlighted the spirit of oneness and harmony inspired by the ancient Indian practice.

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The International Day of Yoga is celebrated on June 21 every year. This year's theme is 'Yoga for Self and Society'.

At the event, Ranganathan said yoga illuminates the path to creating harmony and balance for a brighter future of society.

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Recognising yoga's universal appeal, on December 11, 2014, the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, she said.

The draft resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states.

Since its inception in the Indus Valley civilisation, the practice of yoga has travelled far and wide. Nearly 5,000 years later, hundreds of millions of people around the world practice yoga, Ranganathan said.

The event also included elements to popularise inclusion of millets and environment-friendly products and practices in daily life, a media release said.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)