International Day of Yoga 2016: PM Modi releases Surya Namaskara stamps

A day before International Day of Yoga, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday released commemorative postage stamps on Surya Namaskara.

The Union Minister for Communications & Information Technology, Ravi Shankar Prasad and the Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge) and Health & Family Welfare, Shripad Yesso were also attended the event.

"As the world gets all set to mark 2nd #IDY2016, released commemorative postage stamps on Surya Namaskar", said Modi in his tweet.

As the world gets all set to mark 2nd #IDY2016, released commemorative postage stamps on Surya Namaskar. pic.twitter.com/4rxQxwutl8

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 20, 2016

These are different stamps depicting the different Asanas of Surya Namaskar. #IDY2016 pic.twitter.com/t5c2W3jv48

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 20, 2016

On Sunday, Modi also shared his views on Yoga and enthusiasm towards IDY.

As #IDY2016 approaches, sharing a few thoughts on Yoga & the enthusiasm towards International Day of Yoga.https://t.co/orL3gaGFNh

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 19, 2016

Yoga asana 'Surya Namaskar' has been excluded from this year's International Yoga Day celebrations on June 21, but the government has released a postage stamp. 

The philatelic bureau is already being flooded with queries related to booking procedures for the stamp, said an ANI report.

As per a TOI report, an official from the postal department said that stamp collectors from all over the country have calling to check on the stock. The reason for the increase in demand of this stamp is because it will feature an asana which has been excluded from the official programme.

Further, as per media reports, among the 12 released stamps, six will have a value of Rs 5, and the rest six will cost Rs 25.

On December 11, 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as "International Day of Yoga", a resolution piloted by India. The idea was supported by more than 170 countries.

Modi will be attendingthe second IYD in Chandigarh at Capitol Complex. 

"23 sculptures depicting different yoga asanas have been made and these have been installed at Capitol Complex," Anuj Saini, son of late Nek Chand, the creator of the iconic 'Rock Garden', said to PTI.