Yoga guru Ramdev on Monday lauded Muslim nations and bodies for extending support to the first International Day of Yoga on June 21.
Last year, the United Nations general assembly had declared June 21 as International Day of Yoga after India's resolution was supported by more than 177 nations of which 47 were Islamic countries.
Talking on the sidelines of a two-day preparatory session here, Ramdev said: "Yoga has nothing to do with religion and I am grateful that so many Muslim countries supported our resolution."
Asked about Muslim groups opposing Surya Namaskar and the recitation of Om mantra while performing yoga asanas (exercises), he said, "Surya Namaskar is just an exercise for fitness and is not related to any religion." He clarified that it could be without reciting any mantra or facing the sun. "I have never asked anyone to perform this exercise while facing the sun or by reciting any mantra," Ramdev said.
"Om is just a Sanskrit word and language has no relation with religion. It is a divine voice," he said.
"It's a moment of pride for all Indians that their heritage will be celebrated across the world on yoga day. Today, about 700 crore people across the world understand yoga. Yoga depends on four factors -- method, timing, continuity and concentration," he added.
{{/usCountry}}"It's a moment of pride for all Indians that their heritage will be celebrated across the world on yoga day. Today, about 700 crore people across the world understand yoga. Yoga depends on four factors -- method, timing, continuity and concentration," he added.
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