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Home > News & Articles > When is International Yoga Day: Date, History, Importance, Theme, Universal Appeal, Celebration 2024
Suman Saurav
Updated on 15th June, 2024 , 5 min read
When is International Yoga Day: Date, History, Importance, Theme, Universal Appeal, Celebration 2024
When is International Yoga Day Latest Updates
- In a build-up to celebrate International Yoga Day on 21st June 2024, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi shared videos and insightful messages for all. He shares the videos of different “asanas” of yoga. Additionally, he urges everyone to incorporate yoga in their daily life. Narendra Modi is deeply inclined to Yoga and his posts and shares on social media highlights it.
- PM Narendra Modi is going to celebrate International Yoga Day on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar on 21st June.
When is International Yoga Day History and Background
International Yoga Day is celebrated on 21st June every year. Considering its universal significance, the United Nations promulgated 21st June as the International Day of Yoga. UN proclaimed on 11 December 2014 that 21st June be celebrated as International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131. India put forward the draft resolution creating the International Day of Yoga, which was endorsed by a record-breaking 175 member states. The proposal was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the start of the 69th session of the General Assembly, when he stated: "Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition." Yoga represents the integration of mind and body, thinking and action... a comprehensive approach that is beneficial to our health and well-being. Yoga is more than just exercise; it is a method to discover oneness with yourself, the world, and nature.
The motion recognizes "the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health." In this regard, the World Health Organization has also urged its member nations to assist their citizens in reducing physical inactivity, which is one of the top ten main causes of mortality worldwide and a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes.
However, yoga is more than a physical activity. According to one of its most prominent practitioners, the late B. K. S. Iyengar, "Yoga cultivates ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one's actions." It is of the essence to understand the importance of international yoga day in our daily life.
Note: 10th International Day of Yoga will be celebrated on 21 June 2024.
When is International Yoga Day: Why Do We Celebrate it?
International Yoga Day is celebrated worldwide to raise awareness regarding the benefits and significance of yoga. As already reiterated, yoga is not just a physical exercise. It is more than that. Yoga is a process of keeping mind and body in sync. As stated in the scriptures, mind and body of a human beings are interconnected. Without good physical health, mental health cannot function properly. Yoga not only balances the functionalities of physical body but also is a panacea for restlessness, attention deficit and various mental disorders. When we are not at ease, it is called “disease”. Yoga is an activity of easing both mental and physical dysfunctions.
In his September 2014 UN address, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi put forward an annual Day of Yoga on June 21. June 21 is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The day is of consequence in many areas of the world. Following the initial idea, the United Nations endorsed the draft resolution titled "Day of Yoga" in 2014. The Indian delegation convened the consultations. The Reserve Bank of India released a 10-rupee commemorative coin in 2015 to commemorate International Yoga Day. In April 2017, the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) released ten stamps featuring Asanas on a single sheet to commemorate International Yoga Day.
International Yoga Day was celebrated on 21 June 2015 for the first time. The Ministry of AYUSH consolidated the important arrangements in India. 35,985 people, including PM Modi and dignitaries from 84 nations, performed 21 asanas (yoga postures) for 35 minutes at Rajpath in New Delhi, becoming the largest yoga class ever held, and with the largest number—84—of participating nations. Similar days have been held in cities in India and around the world each year since then.
The Hon’ble Prime Minister, on the second International Day of Yoga announced two Yoga awards – one International and other National – to be given on the occasion of International Day of Yoga. The purpose of the Award is to recognize and felicitate individual(s)/ organization(s) who have made significant impact on the society for a sustained period of time by way of promotion and development of Yoga.
UN observes this International Yoga Day as the Yoga for women's empowerment.
International Yoga Day: Logo and Meaning
International Yoga Day logo speaks volumes of what it respresents. The folding of both hands in the logo represents Yoga, the IYD logo union, which depicts the union of individual consciousness with universal consciousness, a perfect harmony between mind and body, man and nature, and a holistic approach to health and well-being. Brown leaves represent the Earth element; green leaves represent Nature; blue represents the Water element; brightness represents the Fire element; and the Sun represents the source of energy and inspiration. The logo represents harmony and peace for humanity, which is the essence of yoga.
When is International Yoga Day: 8 Limbs of Yoga
There are 8 limbs of yoga. According to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, there is an eight-fold path leading to liberation, known as the ‘Ashtanga Yoga System’ or ‘8 Limbs of Yoga’ (the word ‘ashta’ means ‘eight’ and ‘anga’ means ‘limb’). A comprehensive overview of all limbs are tabulated below:
International Yoga Day: 8 Limbs of Yoga | Explanation |
YAMA | It involves restraints, moral disciplines or moral vows, control about the things around us. Non-violence, truthfulness and right use of energy come under it. |
NIYAMA | It involves rules and regulations, conduct and behavior concerning daily life of an individual. Cleanliness, contentment, discipline and self-control come under it. |
ASANA | It means posture. There are many asanas suggested. Asanas have a scientific justification keeping in mind the alignment of the body. |
PRANAYAMA | Breathing Techniques and excercises come under it. “Pran” means life. Perhaps one of the most fascinating things about Pranayama is the fact that it can mean two totally different things, which may lead us in two totally different directions at this point on the path to freedom…. |
PRATYAHARA | It means Sense withdrawal. Control on sense gratification is one of the most important aspects of yoga. |
DHARANA | It means Focused Concentration. Visualisation, and focusing on the breath are all practices of dharana. |
DHYANA | It means meditation. Mediation is the best way to control your mind. There are many techniques of meditation prescribed in scripturas. |
SAMADHI | Bliss or enlightenment. Samadhi is the last aspect of Patanjal Yog Sutras. After we’ve re-organised our relationships with the outside world and our own inner world, we come to the finale of bliss. |
When is International Yoga Day: Themes
Previous themes of International Yoga Day are bulleted below:
- 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
- 2024 - Yoga for Women Empowerment
International Yoga Day theme 2024 is unique in various aspects as it focuses on improving the health and wellness of women. Women health is directly connected to family health.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is International Yoga Day?
International Yoga Day is celebrated on 21st June every year.
When was first International Yoga Day?
On June 21, 2015, first International Yoga Day was celebrated.
What is International Day of Yoga history?
International Day of Yoga was supported by UN after India proposed it because of it universal significance.
How to write an essay on international yoga day?
You can write an essay on international yoga day. You can start by giving introduction and history. After that,you must write its importance and celebration. A conclusion must be written summarizing your viewpoints.