Around 100 people attended a community yoga session at Lisneal College in Derry on Saturday to mark the International Day of Yoga.

The event was organised by the Consulate of India in Belfast, working with the local Indian community and The Art of Living. Yoga instructor Sooksham Dhiman led a guided session suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. All participants received yoga T-shirts and light refreshments afterwards.

Dr Mukesh Chugh, a member of the local Indian community, said the gathering extended the annual celebration, which falls on 21 June and was established by the United Nations in 2014 to recognise yoga's physical and mental health benefits.

This year's theme was "Yoga for Healthy Ageing", highlighting yoga's role in supporting healthy lifestyles, mobility and stress reduction, according to MC Purnima Ramakrishna.

Addressing attendees, Kiran Khatri, the first Consul General of India in Belfast, welcomed the Lady Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Grace Ui Niallais, and other community leaders. Khatri said she was pleased to see strong participation from across the north-west and expressed hope that the International Day of Yoga celebration would become an annual event in Derry, strengthening cultural exchange and encouraging wellbeing.

Both the Consul General and the Mayor took part in the yoga session, joining participants on mats at the front of the hall. Dr Chugh said their presence helped make the celebration special and demonstrated community spirit.