International Yoga Day 2024: The International Day of Yoga is observed every year on June 21. It represents the harmony of thought and action, balance, and unity. On this special day, we celebrate its transformative power to bring peace to our hectic lives. The 10th International Day of Yoga will be celebrated worldwide on June 21, 2024. This special day aims to raise awareness about the numerous benefits of yoga, which encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The word “yoga” comes or is derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj,” signifying unity and the union of body and consciousness.
This year’s theme is “Yoga for Self and Society,” highlighting the transformative power of yoga to bring harmony to our busy lives by integrating mind, body, spirit, and soul. The celebration takes place at the UN Headquarters in New York and emphasizes the holistic approach to health and well-being that yoga offers. So, mark your calendar and join the global yoga community on this special occasion.
History & Significance of Celebrating International Yoga Day 2024
The International Day of Yoga is celebrated annually on June 21. Due to Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi’s relentless efforts, June 21 was declared International Yoga Day by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 to promote global health, harmony, and peace through the practice of yoga. Originating in ancient India, yoga integrates physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. On this day, people around the world participate in yoga sessions to raise awareness of its numerous benefits.
Remember, yoga is not just about physical postures; it encompasses breathing exercises, meditation, and ethical principles
The InfoWire
History Of International Yoga Day
The history of International Yoga Day dates back to 2014 when the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as the official day to celebrate yoga worldwide. Here are some key points about its origin:
- Proposal by India: The idea was proposed by India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, during his speech at the UN General Assembly in September 2014. He emphasized the importance of yoga for physical and mental well-being.
- UN Resolution: On December 11, 2014, the UN adopted a resolution to establish International Yoga Day. This decision received overwhelming support from member countries.
- Significance of June 21: The chosen date, June 21, coincides with the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the longest day of the year and holds spiritual significance in various cultures.
- Yoga’s Global Appeal: Yoga transcends borders and has gained popularity worldwide. It promotes physical fitness, mental clarity, and inner peace.
- Celebrations: Since then, International Yoga Day has been celebrated annually with yoga sessions, workshops, and events across the globe. It encourages people to embrace yoga as a holistic practice.
So, if you’re interested, consider joining a yoga session or practising some asanas to celebrate this special day.
International Yoga Day 2024: Why Yoga?
The UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) endorsed that “Yoga provides a holistic approach to health and well-being apart from striking a balance between all aspects of life. The wider dissemination of information about the benefits of practising Yoga would be beneficial for the health of the world population.” This infused an era of holistic health revolution in which attention was given more to prevention rather than the cure.
Centuries ago one of the most popular Sanskrit poets Bhartrhari, while highlighting the specialty of Yoga, said:
धैर्यं यस्य पिता क्षमा च जननी शान्तिश्चिरं गेहिनी
सत्यं सूनुरयं दया च भगिनी भ्राता मनः संयमः।
शय्या भूमितलं दिशोSपि वसनं ज्ञानामृतं भोजनं
एते यस्य कुटिम्बिनः वद सखे कस्माद् भयं योगिनः।।
BHartrhari |International Yoga day 2024Why is Yoga Day celebrated?
International Yoga Day is celebrated to promote the practice of yoga and its numerous benefits. Here are some reasons why it’s observed:
- Health and Well-being: Yoga enhances physical fitness, flexibility, and mental clarity. Regular practice can reduce stress, improve posture, and boost overall well-being.
- Unity and Harmony: Yoga transcends borders and cultural differences. By celebrating it globally, we emphasize unity, peace, and interconnectedness.
- Spiritual Significance: June 21, the chosen date, aligns with the summer solstice. Many spiritual traditions recognize this day as auspicious for inner growth and self-awareness.
- Awareness: International Yoga Day raises awareness about yoga’s holistic approach, including physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation.
So, on this day, people come together to practice yoga, attend workshops, and appreciate its positive impact on the mind, body, and soul.
What is International Yoga Day 2024 Theme?
The theme for the International Day of Yoga 2024, “Yoga for Self and Society,” holds profound significance. This theme underscores the transformative power of yoga, emphasizing its positive impact on both individual well-being and the broader community. Let’s understand significance of international yoga day 2024 in details:
- Self-transformation: Yoga encourages self-awareness, mindfulness, and inner growth. By practising yoga, individuals can connect with their inner selves, fostering physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The theme emphasizes that yoga is not merely a physical exercise but a holistic journey toward self-improvement.
- Community and Unity: The inclusion of “Society” in the theme highlights the collective impact of yoga. When people practice together, it creates a sense of unity and shared purpose. Yoga transcends borders, cultures, and backgrounds, promoting global harmony. By practising yoga collectively, we contribute to a healthier and more compassionate society.
- Health and Wellness: Yoga benefits both individuals and communities. Physically, it enhances flexibility, strength, and balance. Mentally, it reduces stress, and anxiety, and promotes mental clarity. When society embraces yoga, it leads to healthier citizens, reduced healthcare burdens, and a positive ripple effect on overall well-being.
- Social Responsibility: The theme encourages practitioners to extend their yoga practice beyond the mat. It invites us to use yoga as a tool for social change. Whether through volunteering, promoting environmental awareness, or supporting marginalized communities, yoga inspires us to be responsible global citizens.
“Yoga for Self and Society” reminds us that our personal growth is interconnected with the well-being of others. By practising yoga, we not only transform ourselves but also contribute to a more compassionate and harmonious world.
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