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What is the purpose of International day of Yoga and how we celebrate it?

Jun 27, 2023 ● Chirag Saxena

Celebrated on the 21st of June every year, International Yoga Day hails the physical and spiritual ability that yoga has introduced to the world. It is an outstanding source of exercise and healthy activity that millions join in and practice regularly.

For several, yoga is the best way to connect with the soul, body, and mind in a way that has lived for centuries. The International yoga day started to be observed since the year 2015 which is an effort made by our Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It is important to know that the 21st of June is selected for celebrating yoga day because it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Yoga is contemplated as a 5000-year-old tradition that combines mental, physical as well as spiritual to achieve synchronization of the body and mind.

It is also said that yoga is an art and science that is designed for living a healthy lifestyle. The word yoga and roots in Sanskrit and is coined from the word ‘yuj’ which means to join or unite. Yoga is classified into four different categories: Karma yoga, Jnana yoga, Bhakti yoga, and Kriya yoga.

Read more about 7 best places in the world for yoga program and holiday.

International Yoga Day?

International Yoga Day is basically a designated United Nations Day which is observed every year on June 21. This day aids in increasing global awareness about the positive effects of yoga. Every year, yoga-related events are conducted around different countries in order to aid people in adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Importance of international yoga day?

International yoga day has great importance not only in terms of promoting physical & mental health but also nurturing global unity and harmony. Since its initiation in the year 2015, International Yoga Day has turned out to be a global movement that promotes the practice of yoga and its positive influence on entire well-being.

One of the major importance of International Yoga Day is that it promotes both mental as well as physical health. You need to understand that yoga is a complete practice that comprises physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation as well.

It is already proven that yoga has several health benefits like decreasing stress and anxiety, boosting immunity, and improving flexibility as well as balance. Also, International Yoga Day encourages people to adopt yoga as a means of attaining health and wellness. It also highlights the significance of making yoga a part of daily routine.

The other significance of International Yoga Day is that it increases awareness about yoga and its advantages. In India, Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years but recently it has gained huge popularity around the world. The main aim of international yoga day is to help people around the world to understand the science behind yoga and also promote its practice across the world.

The celebration of International Yoga Day also encourages people to explore different forms of yoga and understand yoga can help them to improve their mental as well as physical well-being.

International yoga day also plays a vital role in promoting worldwide unity and harmony. This yoga day is celebrated in more than 190 countries across the world and brings different cultures, backgrounds, and religions together in order to practice yoga and endorse peacefulness.

Not only this, but the day also acts as a platform for people who wish to connect and learn from each other and nurture a sense of global community. International yoga day serves as a reminder to take care of physical and mental well-being by performing yoga every day.

How international yoga day celebrated?

International yoga day is marked by different events and activities which not only promote the practice of yoga but also its advantages. Below-stated are some ways in which International Yoga Day is celebrated:

  • Mass Yoga Sessions

    One of the major features of International Yoga Day is mass yoga sessions. During these sessions, people assemble in large groups to practice yoga together. These sessions are conducted by trained yoga instructors in different public properties like stadiums, parks, and community centers.

  • Workshops and seminars

    On International Yoga Day, a number of organizations and educational institutions organize different workshops and seminars. In this way, people are educated about the benefits of yoga and their overall well-being. These events are further led by experts in the field of yoga and offer an opening for people to learn and ask questions about yoga.

  • Online yoga classes

    In recent years, online yoga classes have turned out to be popular because of the Covid-19 pandemic. On International Yoga Day, different organizations and yoga studios give free online yoga classes in which people can participate easily right from the comfort of their homes.

  • Cultural programs

    On the occasion of International Yoga Day, various cultural programs are conducted like music and dance performances. All these programs underline the role of yoga in promoting unity as well as harmony in diverse cultures as well as traditions.

  • Social media campaigns

    In recent years, social media campaigns have turned out to be an essential part of International Yoga Day celebrations. Through social media campaigns people share their experiences of practicing yoga along with the impact on their lives through different hashtags.

Traditions of international yoga day?

International Yoga Day is generally a new holiday due to which there are not any time-honored traditions. However, yoga itself is an old art that revives your mind and calms the soul.

The main aim of this day is to boost new people so that they adopt the yogi lifestyle and associate it with their inner chakra. New people sign up for yoga and make their own flow of movements in combination with their favorite music. Before starting the practice of yoga, new yoga mats, and pants are required.

Therefore, International Yoga Day recognizes and hails India’s most old traditions and culture. This day acts as a reminder of the significance of maintaining and promoting traditional yoga practices.