• The United Nations observes International Day of Yoga on June 21. It aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practising Yoga.

• Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘Yoga’ derived from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness.

• Today it is practised in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity.

International Day of Yoga

• The United Nations had proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga by adoption of a resolution in December 2014 following an Indian initiative that was supported by a record number of 177 Member States of the United Nations. 

• While addressing the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27, 2014, PM Narendra Modi had urged the world community to adopt an international Day of Yoga.

• The first International Day of Yoga was celebrated around the world in 2015.

This year’s theme

• This year’s theme is “Yoga for well-being”.

• Beyond its immediate impact on physical health, the COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated psychological suffering and mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, as pandemic-related restrictions continue in various forms in many countries. 

• This has highlighted the urgent need to address the mental health dimension of the pandemic, in addition to the physical health aspects. 

• The message of Yoga in promoting both the physical and mental well-being of humanity has never been more relevant. A growing trend of people around the world embracing Yoga to stay healthy and rejuvenated and to fight social isolation and depression has been witnessed during the pandemic.

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