Every year, on the 21st of June, we celebrate the International Day of Yoga. This special day boosts global awareness. What's it about? Yoga and its health advantages! The one who suggested this? Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi. The United Nations embraced this idea in 2015. The day bursts with energy all over the world each year. Its goal? To share yoga as a practice that could change lives.
By 2024, the world will be celebrating the 10th event of International Yoga Day. That's ten years of this popular occasion. Read on to learn about the history, importance, theme, and common yoga poses. These are recommended for International Yoga Day 2024.
History and Origin of Yoga
Yoga began in ancient India more than 5,000 years ago. Ancient Indian monks and sages developed this whole system. It brings balance between the body and mind. The term 'yoga' comes from the Sanskrit word 'yuj' which means to unite or join.
Early roots of yoga were established in the civilization of the Indus valley. Over the centuries, different yoga schools developed. They added physical postures, breathing, and meditation.
The inaugural International Yoga Day made its mark on 21 June 2015. Why this day? As it turns out, it's the summer solstice. For those in the Northern hemisphere, that means it's the year's lengthiest day. The festivities kicked off in New Delhi, India, with PM Modi at the helm. Similar events then echoed this celebration around the globe.
In December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly adopted June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. They did this through resolution 69/131. Since then, International Yoga Day celebrations have grown a lot. They now have participation from over 190 countries each year.
International Yoga Day 2024
In 2024, International Yoga Day will be commemorated on Friday, 21 June marking the 10th anniversary since its inception.
Some key highlights of International Yoga Day 2024 are:
- Date: 21 June 2024 (Friday)
- Theme: "Yoga for Women Empowerment"
- Main Event: India
- Global Reach: 190+ countries
Empowering Women Through Yoga' is the chosen theme for 2024. The idea is to encourage women to practice yoga for their overall health and wellbeing. There will be special occasions, large-scale yoga classes, and campaigns planned. Special events, mass yoga sessions, and campaigns will be organized. They will happen during the 10th edition. It will focus on this theme.
Significance and Benefits of Yoga:
Here are some of the key benefits and significance of yoga:
- Improves flexibility, strength, balance and posture of the body
- Helps relieve stress and provides mental clarity
- Lowers blood pressure, heart rate and risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Manages depression, chronic anxiety and other mental health issues
- Regulates metabolism and aids weight loss
- Provides relief from migraines, arthritis, back pain and other disorders
- Boosts immunity and overall health
- Fosters self-realization and inner peace
- Promotes harmony and global understanding across cultures
The Day of Yoga brings people together worldwide. They celebrate yoga's power to transform. It reminds us of yoga's potential in making our lives better at physical, mental and spiritual levels.
Common Yoga Poses and Asanas:
Let's dive right into common yoga asanas suited for beginners.:
- Surya Namaskar (सूर्य नमस्कार), or Sun Salutation, is a 12-pose yoga string. It's good warm-up and boosts flexibility.
- Trikonasana(त्रिकोणासन) is also called Triangle Pose. It is a standing posture. It stretches and strengthens muscles and improves balance.
- Adho Mukha Svanasana (अधोमुखश्वानासन), also known as Downward Facing Dog, is a 'V' shape pose. It's good to make your arms, shoulders strong and stretches your leg muscles.
- Vrikshasana(वृक्षासन) is Tree Pose. It is an excellent hip opener. It also improves mind-body balance and control.
- Bhujangasana(भुजंगासन) is the Cobra Pose, a bending backwards pose. It opens the chest and shoulders, keep the spine flexible.
- Dhanurasana(धनुरासन), or Bow Pose, is slightly similar to a Cobra. It makes back muscles stronger and helps open the chest.
- Balasana (बालासन) It's also called Child's Pose. It helps make your mind peaceful and gives a nice, gentle stretch to your hips, thighs, and ankles.
- Shavasana (शवासन), the Corpse Pose, is all about relaxation. You do it by lying flat on your back when you're done with your session.
- Kapalbhati Pranayama (कपालभाति प्राणायाम) is a cool breathing trick that makes your lungs stronger and gets your blood moving better.
- Anulom Vilom (अनुलोम-विलोम) is another nostril breathing exercise. It's amazing at getting your mind to chill out.
The International Day of Yoga is a great time to welcome yoga into your routine for improved wellness. On June 21, 2024, let's unite once more. We'll be marking the 10th instance of this world event, promising to make yoga a daily practice. Yoga, with roots in old India, is a present to humanity for promoting healthier and serene living.
