International Day of Yoga is celebrated annually on June 21 across the world. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014, on the recommendation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and nature.” — Narendra Modi, UN General Assembly
International Yoga Day: When Is It Celebrated?
The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga. International Yoga Day is celebrated annually on 21 June in the festivities of the day with enthusiasm. The date was announced by the United Nations on 11 December 2014.
International Yoga Day: Why It Is Celebrated?
International Day of Yoga was adopted under the agenda of ‘Global Health and Foreign Policy’ with the hope that it would be beneficial for the health of the world population.
International Yoga Day: Why 21 June?
21 June is the day to pay homage to the Sadgurus. International Yoga Day, June 21st is also the day of the summer solstice and marks the transition to Dakshinayana. During the June Solstice, the North Pole is tilted towards the Sun or we can say that when the sun begins to move from north to south. From Yoga’s perspective, this time is the transition period, i.e. a better time for meditation.
International Yoga Day: Themes
Each year, a theme is picked for International Yoga Day. This year’s theme is Climate Action.
Yoga Day celebrated at the United Nations on 20 June with a “Yoga with Gurus” event, and it will be followed by a panel discussion on 21 June.
Previous years’ themes were-
- 2015: Yoga for Harmony and Peace
- 2016: Connect the Youth
- 2017: Yoga for Health
- 2018: Yoga for Peace
- 2019: Climate Action
History of Yoga
Yoga is considered to be an ancient practice which was originated in our country since pre-Vedic times. The practice is considered to be almost 5000 years old. Yoga was developed as a way to achieve harmony and balance between the heart and soul and to achieve divine enlightenment. In India Maharishi Patanjali’s contribution is important; he has codified and organized postures of yoga or practices in the Yoga Sutras.
What are the Objectives of International Yoga Day?
- To make people aware about the benefits of yoga and connect them with nature.
- To connect people through international yoga day.
- To reduce the rate of health-challenging diseases in the world.
- To let people know their rights of good health and healthy life style to completely enjoy the highest standard of physical health.
- To spreading growth, development and peace throughout the world.
- To making people aware about physical and mental illnesses and providing solutions through yoga.- It also aims to develop a habit of meditation for peace of mind, self-awareness which is necessary to survive in a stress-free environment.
- To promote good mental and physical health of people through yoga.
Take advantage of the chance this coming International Day of Yoga and learn something you will be able to benefit from for years and years to come.