Yoga enthusiasts practised their poses in St Anne’s Park, Clontarf, this afternoon to mark the International Yoga Day.

About 400 people gathered for the celebration of yoga, which was organised by the Indian Embassy in Ireland, Yoga Therapy Ireland and several other Indian and yoga organisations.

Today was the first time an international day of yoga has been celebrated, following lobbying by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi to the United Nations last September.

Millions of yoga enthusiasts across the globe celebrated the day and Mr Modi spread his mat among rows of people, including his cabinet members and foreign diplomats, at New Delhi’s main thoroughfare, which was transformed into a sprawling exercise ground.

Thousands of people dressed in white sat on yellow mats under the Eiffel Tower, and similar events were held in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Beijing, Manila and other places.

Indian Ambassador to Ireland Radhika Lal Lokesh launched the Dublin event.

June 21st was declared as the International Day of Yoga by the United Nations General Assembly last December to coincide with the summer solstice.

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi said during his address to the United Nations that “yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition.”

“It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature.”