International Yoga Day: History, Theme, and Significance
International Yoga Day is celebrated on 21 June to spread awareness about the importance and effects of yoga on the health and well-being of people. It is celebrated on the day since 2015 after its inception in UNGA in 2014. The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in his UN address in 2014, had suggested the date of 21st June, as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and shares a special significance in many parts of the world.
International Yoga Day 2023: Theme
The theme of International Yoga Day 2023 is “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.” This theme highlights the importance of yoga as a tool for promoting physical and mental well-being, as well as for fostering a sense of community and peace.
Previous Year’s Themes of International Yoga Day are mentioned below:
| Year | Theme |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Yoga for Harmony and Peace |
| 2016 | Yoga for the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals |
| 2017 | Yoga for Health |
| 2018 | Yoga for Peace |
| 2019 | Yoga for Heart |
| 2020 | Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family |
| 2021 | Yoga for Well-being |
| 2022 | Yoga for Humanity |
History of International Yoga Day
The idea of an International Day of Yoga was first proposed by the current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on 27 September 2014.
Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover a sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and nature. Changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help in well-being. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.
On 11 December 2014, India’s Permanent Representative Asoke Mukherji introduced the draft resolution in the United Nations General Assembly. The draft text received broad support from 177 Member States who sponsored the text, which was adopted without a vote. This initiative found support from many global leaders. A total of 177 nations co-sponsored the resolution, which is the highest number of co-sponsors ever for any UNGA Resolution of such nature.
Quick facts about Yoga and its impact on humans
Here are quick facts about Yoga.
- Yoga is over 5000 years old.
- The word ‘yoga’ comes from the Sanskrit language and literally means ‘union’.
- Yoga is one of the oldest physical disciplines in the world.
- 36 million people in the US regularly practice yoga.
- Americans practicing yoga has grown by over 50% in the last four years.
- 72% of yoga practitioners are women. People aged between 30 and 49 years old practice yoga more than any other age group.
- Research has shown that practicing yoga can delay aging.
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