International Yoga Day: All You Need To Know!

International Yoga Day or International Day of Yoga is celebrated on 21 June annually. It took a shape in the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a day for Yoga. The mental, physical, and spiritually enticing practice of Yoga started being celebrated in 2015.

Yoga and its importance

The term 'Yoga' is derived from Sanskrit which means to reunite or join. It is symbolic of the union of mind and body. Yoga originated some 5000 years ago in India. It was developed as a process to interconnect the mind, soul, and body. As it started gaining popularity in the west, it became an exercise and a method to relax. Through Yoga, you can easily calm down your nerves, alleviate any physical concerns, get relieved of any chronic pain, and attain bodily well-being.

Significance of 21 June

June 21 is also called the summer solstice. It is considered the longest day of the year when the sun is out for most parts of the day. From Yoga's perspective, the summer solstice allows the transition to Dakshinayana. Hence, it was chosen as an ideal day to celebrate a healthy mind and body.

UN Declaration

After the Draft Resolution was presented in the UN General Assembly, it received support from 177 member countries. PM Modi in his statement emphasized Yoga's invaluable importance. He also stressed the fact that how Yoga connects us to nature.

Benefits of Yoga

• Yoga and fitness

Yoga ensures that a person is healthy in its true sense. The different postures of yoga encourage overall fitness and balance of the body. In addition, an enhanced mental strength, physical power, stamina, and detoxification of the body.

• Yoga and stress relief

Some precious moments of yoga each day is a good way to eliminate everyday stress. Be it physical or mental, certain practices like meditation and Pranayama are perfect for preventing stress.

• Yoga and inner peace

There is a serious need for peace in this robust world. Yoga done regularly gives you extensive inner peace. It is vital to calm your disturbed peace. Moreover, breathing exercises in yoga are very helpful against unwanted stress. Immune system enhancement and protection from frequent diseases is another one of Yoga’s benefits.