New Delhi, Jun 23 (IANS): Over 3,000 yoga enthusiasts, including members of the Indian diaspora, participated in the Fifth International Yoga Day in Nairobi on Sunday.

Organised by the High Commission of India, the Hindu Council of Kenya and other Kenyan associations participated in the event, according to a statement by the High Commission.

Ababu Namwamba, Chief Administrative Secretary (Minister of State) for Foreign Affairs, was the chief guest on the occasion. Ambassadors and high commissioners, UN representatives and government officials participated in the event, besides the local community.

High Commissioner Rahul Chhabra, in his opening remarks, underscored the importance of yoga for a healthy body and mind. He expressed the hope that participants would start a journey towards a healthy lifestyle by adopting yoga.

Namwamba appreciated the High Commission's efforts in holding a number of events across Kenya to promote yoga among Kenyans.

Yoga teacher Yogita Mehta, assisted by skilled yoga practitioners, administered the common yoga protocol to participants and also performed advanced yogic postures.

For the first time, the High Commission, in association with the Kenyan government, organised events to celebrate the day in counties like Kisumu, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Narok, Homa Bay, Machakos, Trans-Nzoia, Malindi and Mombasa.