International Day of Yoga on June 21

• International Day of Yoga (IDY) is celebrated globally on June 21 every year.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the country in celebrating the 12th International Day of Yoga, participating in an event with thousands of people at Kolkata’s iconic Red Road.

• This year’s theme is “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, which emphasizes the importance of yoga for all ages.

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 175 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.

• 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.

• It integrates the body, mind, spirit, and soul, offering a holistic approach to health and well-being 

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

• Yoga can be a valuable practice for healthy aging because it supports many of the abilities that help people stay active, independent, and engaged as they grow older. 

• By combining gentle movement, stretching, breathing exercises, and mindfulness, yoga can help improve balance, flexibility, strength, and mobility, while also supporting mental well-being and stress management. 

• Because yoga can be adapted to different fitness levels and health conditions, it offers an accessible way for many older adults to maintain their physical and emotional health.

• Yoga can be an important instrument in the collective quest of humanity for promoting sustainable lifestyle in harmony with planet Earth.