INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA

Introduction :- International Day of Yoga is celebrated on 21st June annually. It was proclaimed by the United Nations in December 2014; hence the first International Yoga Day was observed in 2015. The proposal in this regard was made by the Indian Prime Minister and backed by 177 member states.

Yoga An Ancient Indian Practice :- Yoga is a kind of spiritual, physical and mental exercise originated in India. For centuries yoga has been practiced by ascetics and spiritual gurus of India, but in the late 20th century it became a household name across India. The credit of popularizing yoga within the country of its origin goes to some ascetic social reformers who wanted people to benefit from the practice of yoga. Yoga gradually became more and more popular with millions of Indians practicing it every day. Yoga classes also became a hugely watched program on television. Thus begins the success story of yoga, which by 2014 was globally recognized by the United Nations and other nations.

How is International Yoga Day observed? 

All the participating nations observe International Yoga Day by encouraging people to take up yoga as a routine everyday exercise and also to make them aware of the benefits of doing yoga regularly. Yoga professionals in India as well as in other nations play an important role in this regard. There are many yoga teachers in other nations who have learned yoga in India and now are teaching it to the people in their homeland. Such yoga teachers are the backbone of the events and play the crucial role of taking yoga to the masses.

India is the country where the practice of yoga originated in the ancient era; therefore it had been widely practiced by many spiritual gurus and aesthetics throughout the country. Yoga in India has become a household name and is practiced by millions every day. People gather at gardens, clubhouses, stadiums, and other places on International Yoga Day and practice yoga together. Many also practice yoga in their houses and balconies and inspire others to follow.

Significance of International Yoga Day

Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that originated around 3000 BCE and is highly beneficial for physical, mental and spiritual strength. Practicing yoga in daily life has tremendous health benefits like – improves flexibility of the body; weight loss; overall development; improved concentration; reduces stress level; etc. Practicing yoga makes one, more calm, composed and confident as never before. It improves the happiness quotient of your life. On the other hand, yoga also acts as a preventive measure for several lifestyle diseases like blood pressure, hypertension, and diabetes, etc. People practicing yoga regularly, live longer, healthier, and happier than those who don’t. Practicing it will also take you to a new spiritual level where you will find more meaning in your life and existence.

Conclusion :- Practicing yoga is very rewarding and has the potential of turning your life upside down, both physically as well as spiritually. It is being practiced in India for thousands of years and has withstood the test of times saving millions from sickness and providing them health and happiness.