Every year on June 21st, the world comes together to celebrate International Yoga Day, an event dedicated to the physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in ancient India. Yoga, a word derived from the Sanskrit root “Yuj”, means to unite or to join. It signifies the union of the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness, creating a perfect harmony between mind, body, and spirit.
Yoga is believed to be over 5,000 years old. The first mention of the word “yoga” was found in the ancient Indian texts – the Rigveda. However, it was the sage Patanjali, often referred to as the “father of modern yoga”, who systematized the practice of yoga through his Yoga Sutras around 200 BCE.
Traditionally, yoga was more than just physical postures (asanas); it included ethical practices (yamas and niyamas), breath control (pranayama), meditation (dhyana), and spiritual awakening (samadhi). It was considered a complete lifestyle to achieve liberation and peace.
The idea of International Yoga Day was proposed by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27, 2014. He said:
“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.”
This proposal received massive support, and on December 11, 2014, the United Nations declared June 21st as the International Day of Yoga, with a record 177 countries co-sponsoring the resolution.
June 21st was chosen because it is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and holds special significance in many cultures and spiritual traditions.
Each year, the UN and the Indian government announce a unique theme for International Yoga Day to promote awareness. The theme for 2024 is:
“Yoga for Self and Society”
This theme emphasizes the dual benefits of yoga — inner transformation for the individual and outer harmony for communities and nations.
Yoga is not just a fitness trend; it is a science of well-being. Here are some key benefits:
Improves flexibility, strength, and balance.
Enhances respiratory function and lung capacity.
Helps in reducing chronic pain, arthritis, and back pain.
Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression.
Improves concentration and mental clarity.
Enhances mood and emotional regulation.
Promotes better sleep.
There are many forms of yoga practiced around the world. Some of the popular ones include:
Hatha Yoga – Gentle and basic yoga postures.
Vinyasa Yoga – Flowing sequence of poses coordinated with breath.
Ashtanga Yoga – A rigorous style following a specific sequence of poses.
Kundalini Yoga – Focuses on awakening energy at the base of the spine.
Bikram Yoga – Practiced in a heated room with a set sequence of 26 poses.
Yin Yoga – A slower form with poses held for longer periods.
International Yoga Day is celebrated in over 190 countries. Major events are organized in public parks, community centers, schools, and even iconic landmarks like Times Square in New York, Eiffel Tower in Paris, and Rajpath in New Delhi.
In India, the Prime Minister often leads a large yoga session with thousands of participants. Schools conduct special assemblies, yoga competitions, and awareness drives. Embassies, yoga schools, and organizations like the Art of Living and Isha Foundation also organize massive global events.
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