Kathmandu, Jun 21 (IANS): Nepali people celebrated the 4th International Day of Yoga with enthusiasm on Thursday.

A special mass yoga demonstration was held in the premises of Nepal Police Training Academy in the capital where people from different walks of life participated despite rainfall since early morning.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ishwor Pokharel, along with yoga enthusiasts, performed yoga postures in an hour-long event. The event was jointly hosted by the Nepali government and a yoga foundation, Xinhua news agency reported.

Addressing the event, the Minister said the discipline of yoga helps to maintain a healthy and beautiful life.

"Yoga not just connects humanity with spirituality but also connects human beings with each other. It contributes in seeking truth and knowing self," Pokharel said.

On the occasion, the participants performed various yoga postures following the instruction of yoga gurus. School students also participated in yoga demonstrations.