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International Yoga Day is celebrated on 21st June, since 2015 every year. Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, proposed the idea of International Day of Yoga during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on 27th September 2014. The first International Yoga Day was celebrated on 21st June 2015. The day was established to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga. The word yoga originates from Yuja, a Sanskrit word which means, “to join or to unite”, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. The practice of yoga has been dated back to pre-vedic Indian traditions. Yoga helps achieve mental and physical fitness. Around the world, yoga is practiced in variety of forms. In this article we will discuss about the history, theme and significance of International Yoga Day.
History of International Yoga Day
The idea of particular day to celebrate yoga was proposed by the current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on 27 September 2014. Following this initial proposal, India’s permanent representative, Asoke Mukherji introduced a draft resolution entitled as “International Day of Yoga”, in the United Nations General Assembly on 14th October, 2014. This received support from 177 Members and was adopted without a vote. Also Narendra Modi suggested the date 21st June in his UN address to celebrate as International Yoga Day, as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
In 2015, Reserve Bank of India issued a 10 rupees commemorative coin to mark Yoga Day. On 21st June, 2015 the first International Day of Yoga was celebrated all around the world. The Ministry of AYUSH made the necessary arrangements in India. Around 35,985 people, including prime Minister Narendra Modi and dignitaries from 84 nations, performed 21 asanas also known as yoga postures for 35 minutes at Rajpath, in New Delhi. This event created two Guinness world records, one for the largest yoga class and the other for largest number of participating nationalities in India.
International Yoga Day 2023 Theme
The International Yoga Day 2023 theme is “Humanity.”
The theme for International Yoga Day 2022 is “ ‘Yoga for Humanity ”,which appropriately portrays how yoga served humanity in alleviating sufferings during Covid-19. The Day will be marked at a time when COVID-19 pandemic continues to upend lives and livelihoods of people globally.
The theme for Yoga Day 2021 was “Yoga for well-being.”
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International Yoga Day 2023 Date: June 21
International Yoga Day 2021 will be celebrated on Monday, June 21, 2023. Since 2015, IDY is observed on June 21 to spread awareness among the masses about the importance of Yoga and its effects upon human health.
How International Yoga Day 2023 is celebrated?
Due to COVID – 19 pandemic, Yoga practitioners around the world have shut down the yoga studios and turned to home practices and online yoga classes. Hence, IDY 2023 will be celebrated through digital media all over the globe due to the pandemic and lockdown imposed in various countries as a countermeasure to avoid the pandemic. The United Nations offers yoga resources to its personnel and others on the Coronavirus portal’s section on Wellness. Usually, on this day, People gather in groups and perform various asana and pranayams together. Organizers give awareness to the public about the importance of the yoga practice in daily life and how it helps in curing and healing.
How International Day of Yoga 2023 will be Celebrated in India?
On 21st June 2023, IDY will be celebrated in India and the rest of the world. The Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India has also started preparation of the IDY 2023 program. The ministry of Ayush has been taking numerous steps to enhance the acceptance and adoption of the practice of Yoga worldwide.
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International Yoga Day 2023: Previous Themes
Significance of International Yoga Day
A particular day for Yoga was initiated to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga, a physical, mental and spiritual practice. The World Health Organization mentions yoga as a means to improve health in its Global action plan on physical activity 2018 – 2030: more active people for a healthier world. Yoga has many medical benefits and it helps ease stress and promote relaxation. Thus it has become very important to celebrated Yoga day.
Few benefits of Yoga:-
- Relieves Anxiety and Depression.
- Yoga can help relax and Boost one’s Mind.
- Increases muscle strength and tone.
- Improves respiration, energy and vitality.
- Yoga can help people with back pain and spinal issues find relief.
- Weight Loss.
- Boost cardio and circulatory health.
- Improves athletic performance.
The late B. K. S. Iyengar a famous practitioners quoted, “Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions”.
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International Yoga Day 2023 Quiz
1) What does the word “yoga” mean?
Answer: Join or Unite
2) How many koshas do humans have as per the yogic system?
Answer: 5
3) Karma yoga is a branch of yoga based on the teaching of?
Answer: Bhagavad Gita
4) In 2021, which International Day of Yoga was celebrated?
Answer: 7th
5) What is the age limit to start Yoga?
Answer: From the age of 5 to 80 is the right age to practice Yoga.
6) Food control important during the Yogasanas True or False?
Answer: True. Otherwise people will get several disease
7) Which time is better for doing Yoga?
Answer: Early morning with empty stomach and the evening
8) What type of yoga are most yoga disciplines based on?
Answer: Hatha
9) What yoga asana is recommended to balance the sacral/splenic chakra?
Answer: Combra
10) What does “yogas chitta vritti nirodha” mean?
Answer: Yoga is cessation of the mind
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Other Important Links:
- Weekly English Vocabulary Based on the Hindu Editorial 2023 June 11
- List of Geographical Indications (GI) Tags in India
- Top Malayalam Current Affairs 2023 May 31 to June 06
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