International Yoga Day 2024: Theme, History and Celebration
Last Updated :
27 Feb, 2024
International Yoga Day is celebrated annually on June 21st to promote awareness about the benefits of yoga and meditation worldwide.
Yoga helps our bodies healthy and strong, calms our minds, and makes us feel happy and peaceful. It offers physical fitness, stress relief, mental clarity, and emotional balance. It also fosters a deeper spiritual connection and improves overall quality of life.
This article covers the History and Origin of International Yoga Day, its Theme, Benefits of Yoga, and many more.
Let’s dive right in.
International Yoga Day
The following is a brief overview of International Yoga Day:
| Aspect |
Details |
| Name |
International Day of Yoga |
| Observed by |
Worldwide |
| Type |
International |
| Significance |
Official United Nations promotion of global health, harmony, and peace |
| Celebrations |
Yoga sessions, workshops, events |
| Date |
June 21 |
| Frequency |
Annual |
| First time |
June 21, 2015 |
| Origin |
Proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his UN address in 2014 |
| UN Declaration |
Introduced by India’s Permanent Representative Asoke Mukherji in the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 |
| Co-sponsors |
177 Member States co-sponsored the resolution, the highest number for any UNGA resolution of such nature |
| Commemorative Items |
Reserve Bank of India issued a 10-rupee commemorative coin in 2015; UNPA issued 10 stamps on Asanas on a single sheet in 2017 |
| Symbolic Date |
June 21 was chosen due to its significance as the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and as a special day in many cultures |
About more than 5000 years ago, it was in India that the ancient practice of doing Yoga started. Yoga enhances the physical, mental & spiritual well-being of a person. Yoga is a way through which the human body gets connected with the mind & soul, a step towards enlightenment. It gained further recognition in the West, where it was promoted as a kind of exercise and relaxation that will help deal with chronic pain and physical injuries.
During Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s speech at the UN General Assembly on 27th September 2014, where India’s ambassador, Asoke Kumar Mukerji, proposed a resolution designating 21st June as International Yoga Day.
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International Yoga Day History
Here is the origin and history of International Yoga Day:
- Proposal:
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea of an International Day of Yoga during his address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2014.
- UN Declaration:
- On December 11, 2014, India’s Permanent Representative Asoke Mukherji introduced the draft resolution for International Yoga Day in the United Nations General Assembly.
- The resolution received broad support, with 177 Member States co-sponsoring it, making it the highest number of co-sponsors for any UNGA resolution of such nature.
- The resolution was adopted without a vote, officially establishing June 21st as the International Day of Yoga.
- Symbolic Date:
- June 21st was chosen as the date for International Yoga Day due to its significance as the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
- In Indian calendars, it also marks the transition to Dakshinayana and the beginning of yoga teachings by Lord Shiva to mankind, according to Hindu mythology.
- Observance:
- The first International Day of Yoga was celebrated on June 21, 2015, with millions of people participating in yoga sessions, workshops, and events worldwide.
- Since then, it has been observed annually on June 21st, with various activities promoting the practice and benefits of yoga for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
- Global Recognition:
- In addition to the UN declaration, several countries and organizations have officially recognized and celebrated International Yoga Day, organizing diverse events to promote yoga’s benefits.
Yoga an ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ is a Sanskrit word, which means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.
International Yoga Day – Timeline:
|
Date
|
Event
|
|
Beginning of 200 CE
|
Earliest evidence of Yoga being practised.
|
|
27th September, 2014
|
A proposal by the Indian delegation during PM Narendra Modi’s speech at the UN General Assembly to have 21st June as International Yoga Day.
|
|
21st June, 2015
|
For the 1st time ever, Yoga Day is celebrated in India & abroad.
|
|
21st June, 2018
|
Over 100,000 people attend the biggest yoga class, which is held in India.
|
Maharshi Patanjali, the Father of Yoga, was the first yogi who came up with Yoga and the true purpose behind it, in his Yoga Sutras.
Yoga in various forms, is practiced globally and is gaining popularity. On 11th December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as International Yoga Day, recognizing its universal appeal. 21st June being the date of Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere was selected as the day to celebrate International Yoga Day. Its main aim is to raise awareness about the various benefits of practicing yoga.
Theme of International Yoga Day
Several themes have been sent over the years on the International Yoga Day, some of them are following:
|
Year
|
Theme
|
Description
|
|
2023
|
Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
|
Means ‘one earth, one family, one future’, which focuses on doing yoga regularly that will lead to the well-being of a person
|
|
2022
|
Yoga for Humanity
|
Meaning that Yoga is universal; can be practised anywhere, at any time, and by anyone irrespective of age, gender, culture or nationality.
|
|
2021
|
Yoga for well-being
|
Emphasis on value of yoga for a person’s health.
|
|
2020
|
Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family
|
Focused on staying at home and doing Yoga with family while observing social distancing during COVID. Many people could be seen digitally connected and doing yoga.
|
|
2019
|
Yoga for Heart
|
Importance of Yoga for the overall health of body, mind, society, and even our climate.
|
|
2018
|
Yoga for Peace
|
Value of establishing peace in the world; how yoga makes a person calm & peaceful
|
|
2017
|
Yoga for Health
|
Holistic approach to yoga, both physical and mental well being.
|
|
2016
|
Yoga for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals
|
Role of Yoga in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals
|
|
2015
|
Yoga for Harmony & Peace
|
Doing Yoga leads to harmonious & peaceful environment
|
Significance of International Yoga Day
Yoga being an old practice combines meditation, physical postures, breathing exercises and ethical principles. All in one, it is the most efficient way to promote the overall well-being of an individual. International Yoga Day will inspire people to practice yoga regularly and improve their physical and mental health.
Since the resolution passed by the United Nations in 2014, International Yoga Day has been celebrated worldwide & has seen huge participation. The United Nations in 2014, aims to promote yoga as a comprehensive strategy for wellbeing. International Yoga Day 2024 aims to highlight how Yoga may help in accomplishing the 17 sustainable development goals set forth by the United Nations.
International Yoga Day Logo
The logo of International Yoga Day reflects the essence of Yoga that is Harmony & Peace.
Let us have a look at each of the elements in the Logo for the International Yoga Day, in the table given below:
|
Element
|
Meaning
|
|
Folded Hands
|
The union of individual & universal consciousness which creates a perfect harmony between the mind & body, man & nature.
Therefore making it a holistic approach to health & well being.
|
|
Brown Leaves
|
Earth
|
|
Green Leaves
|
Nature
|
|
Blue
|
Water
|
|
Brightness
|
Fire
|
|
Sun
|
Energy and inspiration
|
Benefits of Yoga
Yoga has numerous benefits for everyone, especially if it is practiced daily, in early morning. The benefits of Yoga are:-
- Increased muscle strength and tone
- Improved respiration, energy and vitality
- Creates a balanced metabolism
- Improves Cardio and circulatory health
- Athletic performance gets better
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FAQs on International Yoga Day
When is International Yoga Day?
International Yoga Day is celebrated annually on June 21st.
What is Yoga?
Yoga an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ is a Sanskrit word, which means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.
What is the importance of International Yoga Day?
Yoga being very important to reduce stress, anxiety and depression related issues, & maintain health makes it necessary to promote its practice. Having a day dedicated to doing Yoga makes awareness & the benefits of Yoga known to all. Thus making it important to celebrate International Yoga Day on 21st June every year.
Who invented Yoga?
Maharshi Patanjali, the Father of Yoga, is said to be the first yogi who came up with Yoga.
What does the logo of International Yoga Day mean?
The logo of International Yoga Day reflects the essence of Yoga that is Harmony & Peace.
Who declared International Yoga Day?
During Prime Minister’s Mr. Narendra Modi’s speech at the UN General Assembly on 27th September, 2014, where India’s ambassador, Asoke Kumar Mukerji, proposed a resolution designating 21st June as International Yoga Day.
When was the first International Yoga Day?
The first International Yoga Day was celebrated on June 21, 2015.
What was the theme of first International Yoga Day?
The theme of the first International Yoga Day in 2015 was “Yoga for Harmony and Peace.”
When is the national yoga day in India?
The National Yoga Day in India is celebrated annually on June 21st, which coincides with the International Day of Yoga.
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