International Day of Yoga: An Indian Heritage that Shows the Way of Life

Yoga Day

Yoga is an art, a science and a philosophy that touches the life of man at every level; physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga means join together.

Yoga indicates 'union' or 'oneness '. At the deepest spiritual level Yoga allows to reveal the self.

Origin:

Derived from Sanskrit which means 'to join' or 'to unite'.
Related to Hindu mythology; Lord Shiva is seen as the first Yogi or Adiyogi.
Swami Vivekananda, the introducer of Yoga to the 'West'; demonstrated Yoga postures (Asanas) at a World Fair in Chicago in the 1890s. 

History of the International Day of Yoga:

International Yoga Day is also called World Yoga Day. For the first time, it was celebrated on 21 June 2015. The idea was proposed by India's Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi. Modiji during his speech at the United Nations on 27 September, 2014, provided the idea to the world. Modiji stated, "Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition".

The First Observation:

The first ever International Day of Yoga dates back to 21 June, 2015.
Modiji's proposal got recognition on 11 December 2014 looking at it's universal appeal. 
The United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131.
Decisions was acclaimed by 177 Nations.
The Ministry of Ayush made the necessary arrangements in India. 
35,985 people including Modiji and dignitaries from 84 nations performed 21 Yoga postures for 35 minutes at Rajpath in New Delhi.
Millions of people around the globe performed Yoga postures around the globe.

Principles: 

Proper Relaxation.
Proper Exercise.
Proper Breathing.
Diet.
Positive thinking.

Themes of Yoga from 2015 to 2022:

2015: Yoga for Harmony and Peace.
2016: Connect the Youth. 
2017: Yoga for Health. 
2018: Yoga for Peace.
2019: Climate Action.
2020: Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family.
2021: Yoga for well-being.
2022: Yoga for Humanity

Advantages of Yoga:

-Improves flexibility.
-Builds strength.
-Increases muscle tone and definition. 
-Improves ballance.
-Supports joints health.
-Prevents back pain. 
-Teaches better breathing.
-Fosters mental calmness.
-Reduces stress.
-Increases self confidence.

The International Day of Yoga 2022:

The theme for International Yoga Day 2022 is ‘Yoga for Humanity’. The ministry has designed special programmes for the specially-abled and transgender population, women and children. The 8th edition of International Yoga Day will also witness an innovative programme ‘Guardian Ring’ that will see the participation of enthusiasts, along with the sun’s movement, i.e. beginning from the east and marching towards the west. 

Yoga should be practiced regularly as it works on the level of one's body, mind and energy.

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