International Yoga Day

Tags: Important Days

The 8th edition of International Day of Yoga is being celebrated on 21 June. Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads a mass yoga demonstration in Mysore, Karnataka.

• Yoga demonstrations are being organized at 75 iconic places across the country.

• The theme of 2022 International Day of Yoga is - ‘Yoga for Humanity’.

• International Yoga Day has been celebrated every year on 21st June since 2015.

• It is celebrated every year to spread awareness about the invaluable benefits of Yoga. 

• Every year on this day, people gather at a place and perform yoga together.

• Yoga is believed to have originated in India thousands of years ago and is also mentioned in ancient mythological books like Rigveda.

• History of the day

• The concept of International Day of Yoga was first proposed by India’s Prime Minister Modi during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27, 2014.

• 177 member countries of UNGA supported PM Modi's suggestion to celebrate 21 June as International Yoga Day.

• On 11 December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly announced that 21 June would be observed as International Day of Yoga or World Yoga Day.

• Why is June 21 celebrated as Yoga Day

• June 21, also known as summer solstice, is the longest day of the year. 

• On June 21, the sun rises a little early and sets late.

• This was the reason that it was decided that International Yoga Day would be celebrated on this day.

• What is Yoga?

• It is essentially a spiritual discipline based on a very subtle science, which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body.

• It is the art and science of living a healthy life.

• The word 'yoga' is derived from the Sanskrit root 'yuj', which means 'to join' or 'to unite'.

• Significance of Yoga Day

• PM Modi during his speech at UNGA said, "Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition.

• It symbolizes unity of mind and body, thought and action, moderation and fulfilment, harmony between man and nature, a holistic approach to health and well-being.

• It is not about exercise but about discovering a sense of oneness with oneself, the world and nature.

• By changing one's lifestyle and creating consciousness, yoga can help people's well-being.