Prime Minister, Narendra Modi releasing the commemorative postage stamps on Surya Namaskara, ahead of the International Day of Yoga, in New Delhi on Monday. Union Minister for Communications &amp; Information Technology, Ravi Shankar Prasad and  MoS 

International Yoga Day

Yoga

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I did not anticipate such response to my call for Yoga day: PM

Ramdev (Photo: Facebook)

Participants strike a pose during a group yoga session at a park in Beijing. Several hundred Chinese yoga enthusiasts participated in a mass yoga session to mark International Yoga Day, which falls on June 21. Photo: PTI

HRD ministry to setup Yoga Departments in six central varsities this year

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		International Yoga Day is celebrated annually on June 21.</div>
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		<strong>When did International Yoga Day start</strong></div>
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		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 &lsquo;Yoga Day&rsquo;. 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.</div>
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		<strong>Why do we celebrate Yoga Day</strong></div>
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		PM Modi, during his speech at the UNGA, said, &quot;Yoga is an invaluable gift of India&#39;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.&quot;</div>
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		<strong>What is the theme of Yoga Day 2022</strong></div>
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		The theme for International Yoga Day 2020 is &quot;Yoga for Humanity&quot;</div>
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		<strong>Who started Yoga Day</strong></div>
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		177 member states of UNGA endorsed PM Modi&#39;s suggestion to celebrate June 21 as International Yoga Day.</div>
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		<strong>Previous themes of International Yoga Day</strong></div>
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		2015: Yoga for Harmony and Peace</div>
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		2016: Yoga for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals</div>
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		2017: Yoga for Health</div>
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		2018: Yoga for Peace</div>
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		2019: Yoga for Heart</div>
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		2020: Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family<br />
		2021: Yoga For Wellness<br />
		2020: Yoga for Humanity</div>
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		<strong>Why is June 21 celebrated as Yoga Day</strong></div>
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		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.</div>
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		<strong>Importance of Yoga</strong></div>
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		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.</div>
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Learn about when is International Yoga Day celebrated, its theme, yoga day importance, news and more here at Business Standard.

Page 8 - Latest Updates on International Yoga Day

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