On June 21, the world celebrates International Yoga Day. It was declared as such by the United Nations General Assembly in December of 2014, with the goal of promoting physical, mental, and spiritual health around the globe. While yoga has been around for centuries, its popularity has exploded in recent years, with people of all ages and backgrounds taking it up as a way to improve their lives.
So what is yoga?
The word is derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj” which means to unite or integrate. In essence, yoga is a discipline that unites the body, mind, and spirit. Through various poses (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation techniques, yoga helps to harmonize all aspects of our being. This can lead to improved physical health, mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual awareness.
There are many different types of yoga, each with its own focus and benefits. Some common styles include Hatha, Vinyasa, Kundalini, Ashtanga, Bikram, and Iyengar. No matter what type you choose, you can be sure that you’ll reap some amazing rewards.
Which day is yoga day? June 21st
Yoga day is celebrated on June 21st. On this day, people all over the world come together to practice yoga and promote its many benefits. This is a great opportunity to try out yoga for yourself, or to deepen your practice if you’re already a fan. There are often free classes and events held on Yoga Day, so it’s the perfect time to give it a go!
If you want to promote yoga, you can use this day to spread the word about its benefits. You can also share your favorite yoga poses or techniques with others, or simply take some time to meditate and focus on your own practice. However you choose to celebrate, remember that the goal is to promote peace, balance, and unity in ourselves and in the world.
I always spend 3-4 hours a day every other yoga day (since 2018 after I moved back to the States) to celebrate. I wake up extra early, do a 2-hour yoga session, and then spend the rest of the day in silence. It’s a beautiful way to connect with my body, mind, and spirit, and to celebrate the amazing gift that is yoga.
UN Declaration of International Yoga Day:
On 11 December 2014, the United National General Assembly were presented with resolution 69/131 which sought to recognize a special day dedicated to yoga. Its justification was that it yoga “provides a holistic approach to health and well-being” and “Reaffirming General Assembly resolutions 53/199 of 15 December 1998 and 61/185 of 20 December 2006 on the proclamation of international years, and Economic and Social Council resolution 1980/67 of 25 July 1980 on international years and anniversaries”
What the UN Declaration of Yoga Day means:
It invites “all Member and observer States, the organizations of the United Nations system and other international and regional organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and individuals, to observe the International Day of Yoga, in an appropriate manner and in accordance with national priorities, in order to raise awareness of the benefits of practising yoga;”
and,
“that the cost of all activities that may arise from the implementation of the present resolution should be met from voluntary contributions.”
In summary, the UN Treasury will not foot your bill for organizing a yoga day celebration – you do. It is also optional for nations to participate.
Why June 21st was chosen as yoga day:
The date was chosen to coincide with the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This makes it the perfect time to celebrate yoga, which is all about finding balance and harmony in our lives. So take some time on June 21st to stretch your body, calm your mind, and connect with your spirit. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the summer season and International Yoga Day!
How yoga day is celebrated?
There are many different ways to celebrate yoga day, depending on your personal preferences and beliefs. Some people like to spend the day practicing yoga, while others prefer to use it as a day of silence and meditation. There are also those who choose to use the occasion to spread the word about yoga and its benefits, or to share their favorite yoga poses and techniques with others. However you choose to celebrate, the important thing is that you take some time for yourself to connect with your body, mind, and spirit.
One of the best ways to celebrate yoga day is by taking a yoga class. This is a great opportunity to try out a new type of yoga or to deepen your practice if you’re already a fan. There are often free classes and events held on Yoga Day, so it’s the perfect time to give it a go!
If you want to celebrate yoga day in a more spiritual way, you can use the occasion to meditate and connect with your higher self. This is a great opportunity to set aside some time for personal growth and self-reflection. You can also use the day to focus on your intention for the year ahead, or to reflect on your progress so far.
In a school setting, you can use yoga day as an opportunity to teach kids about the benefits of yoga. This is a great way to introduce them to a healthy activity that they can do for the rest of their lives. You can also use the occasion to promote peace, unity, and respect for others.
Below are some tips to celebrate yoga day;
- Develop a short course on yoga to your student or employees.This will not just help them understand what yoga is but also how it can benefit them both physically and mentally.
- Design a studio or room for group classes that everyone can use for their practice.This way, people can have their own space to do their yoga without disturbing others.
- Create a social media campaign to raise awareness about yoga and its benefits.This is a great way to reach a wider audience and get people interested in yoga.
- Organize a yoga retreat or workshop. This is a great way to create an immersive experience for people who want to learn more about yoga.
- Purchase yoga courses for your employees or team members.This is a great way to promote yoga within your organization and get people interested in its benefits.
When was yoga day celebrated the first time?
On 21 June 2015, the first International Day of Yoga was celebrated all over the world. The date was declared unanimously by the United Nations General Assembly on 11 December 2014.
How the idea of yoga day came to be:
The idea of an International Yoga Day was first proposed by the current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi during his speech at the UN General Assembly, on 27 September 2014 where he stated: “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. This tradition is 5,000 years old. 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. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help us deal with climate change. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.”
How yoga day is celebrated in india:
Yoga is native to India and has been practiced here for centuries. The day is celebrated all over the country with great enthusiasm. In cities, yoga classes and events are organized in parks, public squares, and other open spaces. In rural areas, people often celebrate by gathering together in groups and practicing yoga in nature.
Yoga camps:
One of the most popular ways to celebrate Yoga Day in India is to attend a yoga camp. These camps are often organized by yoga schools or ashrams and include a variety of activities such as yoga classes, meditation, and lectures on the philosophy of yoga.
Yoga retreats:
Another popular way to celebrate Yoga Day in India is to attend a yoga retreat. These retreats are often held in scenic locations such as the Himalayas or the beaches of Goa. They usually include a variety of activities such as yoga classes, meditation, and lectures on the philosophy of yoga.
Community events:
Another popular way to celebrate Yoga Day in India is to attend a community event. These events are often organized by yoga schools, ashrams, or community groups. They usually include a variety of activities such as yoga classes, meditation, and lectures on the philosophy of yoga.
Union Minister General V.K. Singh (retd) and others did yoga during a yoga session on the 8th International Day of Yoga, at Parade Ground in Kochi, June 2022. On this day, people across the world practice yoga to increase their health and wellness.
How yoga day is celebrated in the west:
In the west, yoga is often celebrated in yoga studios or at community events. Yoga classes and workshops are commonly offered on this day. Many people use the occasion to promote peace, unity, and respect for others.
Why yoga day is celebrated:
The main aim of celebrating Yoga Day is to spread awareness about the benefits of yoga and to encourage people to adopt yoga as a part of their daily lives. Yoga is a holistic approach to health and well-being that can benefit people of all ages and backgrounds.
By practicing yoga, people can improve their physical and mental health, find inner peace, and connect with others.
International Yoga Day 2022 and 2021
International Yoga Day was celebrated on 21 June 2022 with the theme ‘Yoga for Humanity’ worldwide. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic continues, yoga is helping people to stay energetic and have strong immune systems.
The theme for International Yoga Day in 2022 was ‘Yoga for Humanity.’ This choice of theme is based on the many benefits that yoga can provide. Considering how important yoga is, this year’s focus will be on how it can help to cure Covid-19 and achieve holistic health for every individual.
The International Yoga Day 2021 theme was ‘Yoga for well-being, which highlights the importance of yoga in promoting holistic health. 2021’s commemoration focuses on how yoga can help Covid-19 patients in quarantine and isolation, as well as other individuals.
Yoga day for humanity:
The theme for International Yoga Day in 2022 is ‘Yoga for Humanity.’ This choice of theme is based on the many benefits that yoga can provide. Considering how important yoga is, this year’s focus will be on how it can help to cure Covid-19 and achieve holistic health for every individual.
Yoga day for drawing:
If you choose to draw on this day, your work will be a part of history. International Yoga Day was first celebrated in 2015, and since then it has become an annual event. This year’s theme is ‘Yoga for Humanity,’ which focuses on the many benefits that yoga can provide. Your drawing could depict these benefits, or it could simply show people practicing yoga. Whatever you choose to draw, it will be a valuable addition to the International Yoga Day collection.
Yoga day for toddlers:
Yoga is a great way for toddlers to stay active and develop their coordination. On International Yoga Day, there will be many yoga classes and workshops specifically for toddlers. This is a great opportunity for them to try yoga and see if they enjoy it. If they do, they can continue practicing yoga at home or at a local yoga studio.
Preschoolers can also participate in International Yoga Day activities. Many yoga studios offer classes for preschoolers, and there are also many yoga DVDs and books specifically for this age group. Preschoolers will enjoy the challenge of learning new yoga poses and developing their coordination.
I have found kids to get a lot of inspiration to start yoga by taking part in the activities on International Yoga Day. It is a great way for them to be exposed to yoga and see how much fun it can be. After taking part in the activities, many kids are eager to continue practicing yoga at home or at a local studio.
From the age of 3, children can start to learn yoga poses. However, it is important to choose poses that are appropriate for their age and abilities. There are many yoga videos online, old-school DVDs and books specifically for kids that can help you choose the right poses. On International Yoga Day, there will be many yoga classes and workshops specifically for kids.
Which countries observe International Yoga day as National Holiday:
As of 2022, no country has passed regulations to formally recognize June 21st as a national holiday giving privileges to employees to get paid leave. However, many countries have unofficially celebrated the day by organizing events and classes to encourage practicing yoga. These include:
- – India (where the holiday was first proposed)
- – China
- – Nepal
- – Malaysia
- – United Kingdom
- – United States of America. States such as Tennessee already recognize it as a part of legislation for a healthier Tennessee
- – Australia
Yoga legislation needed to create more awareness:
In order for International Yoga Day to become a national holiday in more countries, there needs to be an increase in public awareness about the benefits of yoga. Additionally, more countries need to pass yoga legislations in order for the day to be formally recognized. Some ways to increase awareness about yoga include:
– Promoting yoga through social media platforms
– Organizing yoga events and workshops
– Creating informative videos about yoga
– Writing articles and blog posts about yoga
– distributing pamphlets and flyers about yoga in public places.
International Yoga Day is a great opportunity to promote the practice of yoga and its many benefits. By increasing public awareness about yoga, more people will be encouraged to try it and continue practicing it. This will lead to more countries passing yoga legislations and eventually recognizing June 21st as a national holiday.