In what was a first for Brasilia, the second International Day of Yoga was celebrated on 21 June 2016 in the premises of the Memorial of Indigenous Peoples overlooking the Kubitschek Monument that commemorates the founder of Brazil's capital. In a tweet, Brazilian Foreign Minister Jose Serra felicitated India on the 2nd International Day of Yoga.
Messages of Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister were aired and Ambassador reiterated the importance India attached to sharing its civilizational heritage of Yoga for the good of mankind. Solidarity was expressed with the indigenous people of Brazil and all those realizing the wellness effects of Yoga were exhorted to start a virtuous cycle by sharing their experiences with friends. Director Alvaro Tucano thanked India for staging a prestigious event at the Museum that not only spread the message of peace and harmony through the unifying medium of Yoga, but also accorded the indigenous peoples respect by sharing a platform with them.
Brazilians from all walks of life took active part in the event which was also attended by representatives of the host government and diplomatic missions. A large number of Yoga schools, individual instructors as well as Yoga practitioners in and around Brasilia participated in the Common Yoga Protocol. The second International Day of Yoga was celebrated across Brazil with the main events taking place in Sao Paulo (June 19) and Brasilia (June 21). Rio de Janeiro's iconic Ipanema Beach will host a Yoga event on 26th June to conclude celebrations.