Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday morning joined thousands to practice yoga at the Rajpath in central Delhi on the first International Yoga Day.

He said the International Yoga Day was the start of a new era for training the human mind for peace and harmony.

Yoga is not only an exercise to make the body flexible but a path for inner development, he said.

Some 37,000 people have been taking part in the yoga program on the Rajpath since early morning.

Events are also being held across the country. The Indian navy and air force are also having some activities at the sea and in the air, according to local media reports.