International Yoga Day is celebrated annually on June 21.

 

When did International Yoga Day start

 

On September 27, 2014, during his speech at the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi put forth his suggestion for the occasion of a ‘Yoga Day’. The draft resolution proposed by India was then endorsed by a record 177 member states. The first International Day of Yoga was observed around the world on June 21, 2015.

 

Why do we celebrate Yoga Day

 

PM Modi, during his speech at the UNGA, 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. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help in well being. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day."

 

What is the theme of Yoga Day 2022

 

The theme for International Yoga Day 2020 is "Yoga for Humanity"

 

Who started Yoga Day

 

177 member states of UNGA endorsed PM Modi's suggestion to celebrate June 21 as International Yoga Day.

 

Previous themes of International Yoga Day

 

2015: Yoga for Harmony and Peace

2016: Yoga for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals

2017: Yoga for Health

2018: Yoga for Peace

2019: Yoga for Heart

2020: Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family
2021: Yoga For Wellness
2020: Yoga for Humanity

 

Why is June 21 celebrated as Yoga Day

 

June 21, also called summer solstice, is the longest day of the year. Therefore, it was decided that the International Yoga Day would be celebrated on this day.

 

Importance of Yoga

 

Practiced in India since the 5th century, Yoga has been beneficial in keeping the body and mind in sound health. A holistic approach, Yoga targets all the different systems of the body and mind. It is said that the asanas make the body strong and flexible, as health improves; the mind too is renewed with confidence. The practice of Pranayama regulates the purification of the internal system and the organs, acting as a superior and able supplement to asanas. The energy that is generated in the body through these physical practices is then channeled into meditation or Dhyan for stability, peace and calm.