Indian Embassy in Kathmandu celebrates Yoga Day at Nepal's Thyangboche: Gateway to Mount Everest

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu organised a yoga event today to celebrate the fifth International Day of Yoga at Nepal's Thyangboche -- the gateway to Mount Everest.

The main objective of the programme was to highlight the importance of yoga in daily life and to bring peace and harmony across the nations and among people, a press statement issued by the Embassy said.

A large number of people, including Ambassador of India to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri, locals, members of various women and youth organisations, officers of the Sagarmatha National Park and foreign tourists, participated in the event, it said.

At 17,600 feet above the sea level, mountaineer Bharat Sharma from Gujarat along with other mountaineers created history by practising yoga at the base of the world's highest peak, the statement said.

International Day of Yoga is celebrated annually on June 21 since its inception in 2015. The concept of the Yoga Day was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) September 27, 2014.

WATCH: PM Modi's Animated Avatar Demonstrates 'Bhadrasana' Ahead Of Yoga Day 2019

Meanwhile, Union Minister Shripad Yesso Naik on Thursday said the theme for this year's World Yoga Day is 'Yoga for Heart'.  Naik, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, said with the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the entire world is observing Yoga Day on June 21.

"Yoga has become an important aspect in the life of the people, which is an honourable achievement for the country that has given Yoga to the world," he told a press conference in Rachi.

Naik said the prime minister will be present in the main event to be held at Prabhat Tara Maidan in Ranchi.

The Union minister stated the objective of the Centre and the state is to take the message of Yoga to every person and house. He said AYUSH ministry is encouraging every individual and institutions like educational institutions, business firms, industry and cultural organisations in this endeavour of making Yoga a mass movement as people can benefit from Yoga. The minister said 'Pradhan Mantri Yoga Puraskar' is given for outstanding contribution in promotion and development of Yoga.