India's envoy Khampa leads Kenyans in marking International Day of Yoga at Gigiri

The High Commission of India in Nairobi has commemorated the 10th International Day of Yoga. This year's theme is 'Yoga For Self And Society.'

The event, hosted by the High Commissioner of India to Nairobi, Namgya Khampa went down at the United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi.

Khampa congratulated yoga enthusiasts in Kenya "Since the declaration of 21st June as International Day of Yoga by the UN, large-scale people-led celebrations have been taking place across the globe to mark the day."

She added that due to its proven physical and mental health benefits, Yoga has attracted a growing community of practitioners cutting across borders, regions and religions.

Addressing the invitees, Bantu Dismus, a wellness and fitness instructor said he had been healed of back and knee problems after joining Yoga classes.

"I kept on trying to go to the hospital to help myself but the problem kept on going. That's until I joined Yoga at Embakasi central and my legs started functioning properly after a couple of classes," he said

"It has now been a year, I am physically fit. I have also been able to balance my weight without going to the gym. As an instructor, Yoga is my source of income, it has always been my dream to earn from something I love. When you love doing something and you earn from it, it is like you are not working."

Esther Mercy, from Embakasi also gave her testimony, revealing that her life had been transformed "I am 52 years old and I am flexible. I had been struggling with high blood pressure. I had frequent visits to the doctor because I couldn't walk a long distance. When I got introduced to Yoga, I am fit and I do not have the blood pressure anymore."

Yoga originated in ancient India.

In September 2014, Indian Prime minister Shri Narendra Modi urged the world community to adopt an international day of Yoga.

In December the same year, United Nations General Assembly (Unga) approved the proposal to establish today as the intentional day of Yoga.