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On June 21st of every year, people come together to celebrate International Yoga Day. This day honors the age-old discipline of yoga, which has been practiced for thousands of years by millions of people worldwide.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is more than just stretching or striking poses. It's a comprehensive approach to health and well-being that incorporates breathing techniques, physical postures, and meditation. Since its origins in ancient India, yoga has gained popularity as a stress-reduction and fitness tool worldwide.
Greetings to the entire global community, especially the fellow citizens of India on International Yoga Day! Yoga is India's unique gift to humanity. In view of rising lifestyle related problems, Yoga has become far more important today. Yoga is a way to physical, mental and… pic.twitter.com/4XQACokOFg
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 21, 2024
Why International Yoga Day?
June 21, 2024 Today is International Yoga Day, a special day when people all around the world practice yoga to celebrate its many benefits. Here’s why this day is so important:
- Promoting Health and Happiness: Yoga helps us stay healthy and feel good. It makes our bodies stronger and more flexible and helps our minds feel calm and focused. International Yoga Day encourages everyone to try yoga and enjoy its benefits.
- Making Yoga Accessible: Not everyone knows about yoga or how good it can be. International Yoga Day spreads the word and makes yoga more accessible to everyone. Many places offer free classes and events so people can try yoga and see how it helps them.
- Honoring Cultural Roots: Yoga started in India and has a rich history. International Yoga Day celebrates this cultural heritage and helps people appreciate the wisdom and traditions of yoga.
- Bringing People Together: Yoga is practiced by people all over the world, bringing a sense of unity and peace. On International Yoga Day, people from different countries and cultures come together to practice yoga, promoting a sense of global community.
- Support from the United Nations: The United Nations declared June 21st as International Yoga Day in 2014, thanks to a proposal from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The UN recognizes how yoga can help people lead healthier and happier lives, supporting global health and peace.
Importance
Yoga has its roots in the Vedas, an ancient collection of Indian books that date back thousands of years. It includes a wide variety of disciplines, such as physical postures known as asanas, breathing exercises known as pranayama, meditation known as dhyana, and ethical guidelines known as yamas and niyamas. The word "yoga" itself denotes the perfect combination of the mind, body, and spirit, it signifies unity.
In 2014, the United Nations declared June 21st to be International Yoga Day, acknowledging the widespread popularity and significant advantages of yoga. The date is particularly significant since it falls on the longest day of the year, the summer day in the Northern Hemisphere, which represents the start of a new season and the path to realization.
June 21, 2024 Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated International Yoga Day in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. His visit highlighted the importance of yoga and its ability to bring people together from all parts of India.
Post Yoga selfies in Srinagar! Unparalled vibrancy here, at the Dal Lake. pic.twitter.com/G9yxoLUkpX
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 21, 2024
History
On September 27, 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested the idea of International Yoga Day at the United Nations General Assembly. He emphasized the historical significance of yoga as well as its potential to improve global health and peace. Following this, the United Nations formally proclaimed June 21 as International Yoga Day on December 11, 2014, with the backing of 177 member states, indicating the widespread acceptance and recognition of yoga.
UN Proclamation
Asoke Mukherji, India's Permanent Representative, presented the draft resolution to the UN General Assembly on December 11, 2014. 177 Member States that sponsored the draft text gave it strong support, and it was approved without a vote. Many world leaders supported this endeavor. The resolution had the most number of co-sponsors ever for a UNGA resolution of this kind, with 177 countries supporting it in total.
When he suggested June 21 as the date, Modi explained that it was the shortest day of the year in the southern hemisphere and the longest day in the northern hemisphere, with particular meaning across the globe. The summer solstice in Indian calendars signifies the change to Dakshinayana.
Celebrations around the world
People come together to celebrate the transforming impact of yoga on International Yoga Day. Communities come together for festivals, workshops, and group yoga sessions, whether they are in busy city squares or clean mountains. These events are lively demonstrations of unity and a common dedication to overall well-being.
To celebrate the occasion, governments, yoga organizations, and followers plan a wide range of events. People of all ages and abilities can participate in free yoga programs held in public parks, schools, and cultural centers. Leading yoga instructors do demonstrations, bringing students through a sequence of postures, breathing exercises, and mindfulness exercises.
The 10th International Day of Yoga celebrated at Times Square, New York
— DD News (@DDNewslive) June 21, 2024
The day-long celebration of Yoga, also known as ‘Solstice at Times Square’, featured seven yoga sessions, in which about 10,000 people from across nationalities participated, showcasing the widespread… pic.twitter.com/OAF78vihDO
India: The Yoga Capital
Public yoga sessions and massive gatherings take place in parks, stadiums, and other public venues in India, the birthplace of yoga. Every age group gathers to practice yoga together. To learn more about the background and advantages of yoga, there are also planned special events and workshops.
America: All People Should Practice Yoga
Free yoga lessons are offered in parks, beaches, and community centers across numerous American cities. Yoga studios frequently host unique workshops and gatherings. It is recommended that people give yoga a try for the first time or, if they are already familiar with it, continue to develop their practice.
Europe: Taking Up Well-Being
International Yoga Day is observed in Europe with open-air yoga practises held in gardens and city squares. Free classes are available at many gyms and fitness centers. Yoga is practiced by a huge number of individuals in countries like France, Germany, and the UK in order to enhance health and relaxation.
Asia: Promoting Harmony and Peace
Yoga classes are held in public spaces, workplaces, and schools all around Asia. The fervent participation of nations like Thailand, China, and Japan emphasizes the significance that yoga plays in fostering harmony and peace. Yoga classes and meditation sessions are well-liked hobbies.
