International Yoga Day is observed annually on June 21st to raise awareness of the many advantages of yoga practice. The summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, falls on this particular day. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about the holistic advantages that yoga offers for our well-being. It highlights the significance of striking a balance in our hectic lives and promotes harmony in our mental, emotional, and spiritual selves. Yoga helps us reduce stress, cultivate mindfulness, and enhance our overall health and vitality.

Universe Public School(CBSE & RBSE) is excited to announce its celebration of International Yoga Day, an event dedicated to promoting holistic wellness and unity through the practice of yoga. On this unique day, teachers, students, and parents will join forces to do a variety of poses that improve mental, emotional, and spiritual health. There will be mindfulness workshops, discussions about the advantages of yoga in daily life, and guided yoga sessions offered by qualified teachers during the celebration. Universe Public School hopes to promote healthy habits, a sense of community, and the value of balance and quiet in our fast-paced world by taking part in International Yoga Day.

What is Yoga?

Yoga, an ancient practice originating in India, encompasses mental, physical, and spiritual elements. The Sanskrit word “yoga” means “union of body and consciousness,” signifying the harmonious relationship between both. Yoga is practiced in many different ways and has become very popular in today’s Globe.

The Theme For International Yoga Day 2024

The Theme for International Yoga Day 2024 is “Yoga For Women Empowerment”.

The purpose of Yoga Mahotsav 2024 is to spread yoga as a global movement, with a focus on improving women’s health and well-being as well as world peace and health. 

The Ministry has prioritized women’s health regardless of age or circumstance by actively supporting research on a range of illnesses impacting women, including stress management and PCOS/PCOD. This initiative aims to promote women’s empowerment through evidence-based research.

What are The Benefits of Yoga For Kids?

Yoga is promoted extensively in the World Health Organization’s worldwide action plan on physical activity and health. Yoga offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhance Strength and Flexibility: Children can greatly increase their strength and flexibility by practicing yoga. 
• Cultivate Mindfulness: By encouraging students to move and hold their bodies mindfully, yoga poses help students enhance their motor skills and range of motion.
• Enhance Concentration: Youngsters are encouraged to concentrate on their breathing while carefully adjusting their bodies into exact yoga poses, which enhances their concentration.

History of International Yoga Day?

The proposal for a worldwide day dedicated to yoga was first put forth by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 during his speech to the UN General Assembly. This marks the beginning of Worldwide Yoga Day. He described yoga as “an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition” and said that it could “contribute to creating a healthier planet.” He emphasized that yoga is a way to find a sense of unity with oneself, the world, and nature in addition to being a physical kind of exercise. The proposal was met with widespread support. June 21 was designated as International Yoga Day by Resolution 69/131, which was approved by the UN General Assembly on December 11, 2014. All UN members were urged by the resolution to “observe International Yoga Day annually, to raise awareness of the many benefits of yoga.”

The first International Yoga Day was celebrated on June 21, 2015, with events taking place in over 190 countries. Since then, people from all around the world have continued to celebrate International Yoga Day every year.

International Yoga Day Timeline 

• 200 BCE (Beginnings): We know that around this time there were the first records of Yoga’s existence.
• September 27, 2014 (India Proposes): Narendra Modi and the Indian delegation propose to create International Yoga Day.
• June 21, 2015 (First Ever): In India, more than 36,000 people mark the inaugural Yoga Day.
• June 21, 2018 (Yoga For All): In India, more than 100,000 people are attending the biggest yoga class.

Significance of International Yoga Day

1. The purpose of International Yoga Day is to increase public awareness of the numerous advantages of yoga.

• • • Yoga is a physical and mental wellness activity that has been demonstrated to benefit the mind and body.
    • It can assist to improve flexibility, reduce stress, and increase strength.

2. International Yoga Day is a global initiative to encourage yoga practice.

• • • Yoga is a discipline that people of all ages and capacities can benefit from.
    • It is an excellent method to enhance your general well-being and establish a connection with your body and mind.

3. A chance to honor India’s rich cultural legacy is provided by International Yoga Day.

• • • India is the birthplace of yoga, which has been a significant aspect of Indian culture for thousands of years.
    • International Yoga Day is a way to honor his tradition and share it with the world.

4. The goal of International Yoga Day is to encourage harmony and peace.

• • Yoga is a practice that helps us to let go of negativity and tension and to concentrate on the present moment.
  • It can assist us to connect with our inner selves and to find peace and harmony in our lives.

Traditions of The Day

Since International Yoga Day is a relatively new celebration, there aren’t any established customs. But Yoga itself is an ancient art that refreshes the mind and soothes the soul. The purpose of the day is to inspire newcomers to embrace a yogic lifestyle and connect with their inner chakra. When they first start yoga, newcomers design their sequence of poses to their calming music.  Before starting Yoga, new mats and yoga pants are bought. Those who are proficient in yoga experiment with new poses and teach their acquaintances. Teachers also provide customized group yoga retreats.

Why We Love International Yoga Day 

• It’s Inclusive

People of all religions, age groups, nationalities, and social backgrounds can celebrate, because yoga is accessible to all. Anybody can start practicing yoga because there are so many distinct variations. It doesn’t matter what size or degree of fitness you have—all yoga poses have modifications, and introductory classes are available in all styles.

• Yoga Helps You Manage Stress

Sometimes life can be stressful, and this can hurt our physical health. Have back or neck pain, sleeping problems, and headaches? Regular yoga practice will benefit you with all of the above since it fosters mental clarity, relaxation, and the release of chronic stress.

• Practicing Yoga is Healthy

This is no surprise, but it bears repeating. Yoga relieves tension, anxiety, and back pain by stabilizing and strengthening the spine. It boosts flexibility, keeps the metabolism in check, and aids in weight loss. Yet these are only a few of the many advantages it offers.

FAQs

What is International Yoga Day?

International Yoga Day is celebrated annually on June 21st to raise awareness about the benefits of practicing yoga and to promote global health, harmony, and peace.

What is the Theme For International Yoga Day 2024?

The Theme for International Yoga Day 2024 is “Yoga For Women Empowerment”.

Who initiated the concept of International Yoga Day?

The idea of celebrating International Yoga Day was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. The United Nations formally established June 21st as International Yoga Day in December 2014.

What are the benefits of practicing yoga?

Yoga has several advantages for the body, mind, and soul. These advantages include increased mental clarity and focus, reduced stress, enhanced flexibility, strength, and balance, and an overall sense of well-being.

Can children and seniors participate in yoga?

Yes,  yoga is suitable for people of all ages, including children and seniors. Yoga lessons can be customized to meet the needs and skill levels of various age groups, and adjustments can be made to suit personal restrictions or health issues.

Are there different types of yoga?

Yes, there are many different styles and types of yoga, ranging from gentle, restorative practices to more vigorous, dynamic forms. Popular yoga styles with distinct emphasis and methods include Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Kundalini, and Iyengar.