Kathmandu, June 21 (IANS): Despite heavy rain, the Nepal government and the Embassy of India on Sunday organised special events marking the International Day of Yoga in capital Kathmandu.

The event organised by the government was held at the ministry of health and population while the second programme was held at the embassy premises.

"We need a separate budget for running Yoga classes in the budget," Nepal Chief Secretary Leela Mani Poudyal said.

He also instructed the ministry to launch a separate programme to promote Yoga in the country which will train people and teach them about its benefits.

Nepal's Vice President Parmanand Jha was the chief guest at the event organised by the embassy.

Prior to this day, daily quiz on Yoga was conducted through the embassy's Facebook page. Essay and drawing competitions (on Yoga) were also conducted.

A souvenir, titled “Yoga Sandesh", was published by the embassy and was jointly launched by Jha and Ambassador of India to Nepal Ranjit Rae during the programme.

Top Nepalese celebrities including actress Manisha Koirala, veteran actors Hari Bansa Acharya, Madan Krishna Shreshtha and Mala Limbu besides other dignitaries of Nepal joined in the celebration.

The students of Kendriya Vidyalaya and members of various Yoga organisations of Nepal such as Patanjali Yoga Ashram, Manokranti Yoga Centre, Aurobindo Yoga Ashram, Art of Living, Mind and Management, Osho Tapoban, Himalyan International Yoga Academy and Research Centre also participated in the event.

The programme included 30 minutes of yoga postures, pranayams (breathing exercises), followed by lectures by three Yoga scholars who spoke on different aspects such as history and principles, and scientific and practical aspect of Yoga.

Many schools and organizations across the country, including at Birganj, Biratnagar, Bhairhawa, Nepalganj and Pokhara, organised special programmes to mark the occasion.