Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of United Nations, joins hundreds in performing Yoga at the UN headquarters, New York, the United States, on the first International day of Yoga, June 21, 2015. Photo:Xinhua

 
More than one hundred people, including diplomats and UN staff, performed Yoga at UN headquarters on Sunday to celebrate the first ever International Day of Yoga.UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and his wife Yoo (Ban) Soon- taek joined the crowd, which was guided by Yoga guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar from India, to practice yoga stretches, breathing and meditation.

Addressing the event, Ban said "I am hoping that if yoga promotes physical dexterity, it can also promote diplomatic dexterity."

"My hope is that yoga will give people everywhere the sense and the oneness we need to work together to live in harmony and usher in a life of dignity for all," he added.

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word "yoga" derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.

The mind-body practice continues to grow in popularity worldwide. On Dec. 11, 2014, the UN General Assembly proclaimed in its resolution June 21 as International Yoga Day.