New Delhi, June 22 -- From the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) hall to the Indian Parliament premises and from Beijing to Ranchi, thousands of people stretched and twisted, breathed in and breathed out, reached for the skies and bent to touch their toes as India and the world marked the fifth International Day of Yoga on Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the observance of the yoga day at Ranchi.

The ancient wellness regime was the theme and its enthusiasts on the mat - literally - performing "asanas" simple and complex amid chants of "Om" and "Shanti" in several global capitals and across towns and villages in India.

Reminding that the ancient practice went beyond age, colour, caste and creed, and belonged to everyone, Mo...