Everything you need to know about International Yoga Day – June 21

The International Day of Yoga (IDY), also called World Yoga Day, International Yoga Day or simply, Yoga Day, is celebrated worldwide on June 21 every year.

Origin of the International Day of Yoga

It was India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had given a call for the adoption of June 21 as the International Yoga Day. During his address to the UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014, Modi said -

“Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. This tradition is 5000 years old. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help us deal with climate change. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.”

Why PM Modi suggested the adoption of June 21 as International Yoga Day?

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself suggested this date, June 21. He did so because this time of the year, called the Summer Solstice marks the transition to Dakshinayana. It is believed that Lord Shiva, who was the first ever practitioner of yoga and was addressed as ‘Aadi Yogi’, started to share his knowledge pertaining to yoga to people on this specific day. It was on this day that Lord Shiva turned into Aadi Guru, the first yoga teacher.

Also, this time of the year, the ‘Dakshinayana’ is considered to be apt for pursuing spiritual practices. It is said that the nature supports all spiritual and ‘yogic’ practices carried during this time. Then, June 21 is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and holds significance in many parts of the world as well.

So, there could have been no better day that PM Modi could have suggested for declaration as the International Yoga Day.

UN Declaration of the International Yoga Day

Later, on December 11, 2014, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared to internationally observe June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.

Significance of Yoga Day in India

This day holds special value for Indians since Yoga, which is a physical, mental and spiritual practice, originated in India. Yoga is considered to be a disciplined journey of the self, to the self and through the self and shares immense significance in different parts of the country. Even before the UN declared June 21 as the IDY, several formal and informal groups and institutions practicing yoga used to celebrate World Yoga Day on different dates. Here in India, we also have a lot many institutions, which practice and promote yoga such as The Art of Living Foundation.

Here in India, we have several popular yoga gurus such as Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, who is the Father of Modern Yoga, Swami Sivanand, Paramahansa Yogananda, Sri Aurobindo, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Baba Ramdev Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev Ji.

Baba Ramdev – Yoga Guru

International Day of Yoga 2016

This year on June 21, 2016, the second International Day of Yoga will be observed worldwide. The day will be celebrated by practicing yoga ‘asanas’, conducting meditation sessions and organizing programs to spread awareness about yoga and how can we adopt it to benefit from it.

Yoga Day 2016 festivities in Jaipur

• 3-Day yoga training workshop at Anuvibha Kendra, Malviya Nagar

Isha Foundation and Dainik Bhaskar have jointly organized a 3-day long, free yoga training workshop at Anuvibha Kendra, Malviya Nagar. This workshop will focus on training participants on performing some of the ‘asanas’ that help in enhancing health, peace, love, calmness, happiness in success in life.

When: from June 18 to June 20, 2016

Timings: from 7 to 8:30, both in the mornings and the evenings at all three days

Venue: Anuvibha Kendra, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur

For free registration and other queries, contact: +91-9261165555, +91-9828272110

• 4-Day Yoga workshop at Nursery Circle, Vaishali Nagar

A 4-day yoga training workshop has been organized by Nagar Nigam, Jaipur at Nursery Circle, Vaishali Nagar, Jaipur. The workshop starts from June 18 and will go until the International Day of Yoga on June 21. The timings for the workshop are from 5:30a.m. to 7a.m. in the morning for all 4 days.

When: from June 18 to June 21, 2016

Timings: from 5:30a.m. to 7a.m.

Venue: Nursery Circle, Vailshali Nagar, Jaipur

• International Yoga Day program at SMS Stadium

Another program has been organized on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 to celebrate the International Day of Yoga. Hosted by Ayurved and Indian Medicine Department Rajasthan, this program will take place at the SMS Stadium, Jaipur. The event proceedings will start from 7a.m. in the morning and a good crowd is expected to grace the venue for the celebration of the second International Day of Yoga.

When: June 21, 2016

Timings: 7a.m. in the morning

Venue: SMS Stadium, Jaipur

If you are among the spirituality lovers or yoga practitioners, this event can be a good start to your day on June 21.

We wish you all a very happy and healthy Yoga Day!