Home > Topics > World Yoga Day

World Yoga Day

June 21 was recognised as the International Day of Yoga by the United Nations in 2014. It all started on September 27 three years ago when Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested that June 21, the Longest Day of the Year in the Northern Hemisphere, should be made the International Day of Yoga. In his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Narendra Modi said: “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 the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help in well being. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.” History of International Yoga Day: How PM Narendra Modi started journey of the spiritual practice from the United Nations!

FROM A PROPOSAL TO AN INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED DAY

It was just a proposal but the UNGA considered the initiation of the spiritual practice around the world and decided to bestow it with the significance it deserves in the form of the International Yoga Day. In the initial stage before June 21 was recognised as the International Yoga Day, informal consultations on the draft resolution entitled “International Day of Yoga” was held on October 14, 2014. Two months later, on December 11, India’s Permanent Representative Asoke Mukherji introduced the draft resolution in UNGA. The draft received the support from 177 Member States who sponsored the text, which was adopted without a vote. While this initiative found support in many global leaders, 177 nations co-sponsored the resolution, the highest number of co-sponsors ever for any UNGA resolution of such nature.

WHY UNITED NATIONS ADOPTED IT

(a) Noting the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health.

(b) Underscoring the fact that global health is a long-term development objective that requires closer international cooperation through the exchange of best practices aimed at building better individual lifestyles devoid of excesses of all kinds.

(d) Recognizing also that wider dissemination of information about the benefits of practicing yoga would be beneficial for the health of the world population.

WHY JUNE 21

One of the reasons why Narendra Modi proposed the day of June 21 as International Yoga Day is because it is the longest day in a year. June 21, as the longest day, holds significance in may parts of the world.

From the perspective of yoga, the summer solstice marks the transition to Dakshinayana. Dakshinayana is the six-month period between the Summer solstice and Winter solstice. The first full moon after the Summer solstice is known as Guru Poornima. Dakshinayana is also considered a time when there is a natural support for those pursuing spiritual practices such as Yoga.

Lord Shiva is said to have begun imparting the knowledge of yoga to the mankind on this day. What is Yoga, its history, relevance and how International Yoga Day came into being.

The United Nations declared June 21 as the International Yoga Day on December 11, 2014. The first International Yoga Day function held on June 21, 2015, at Rajpath in the national capital witnessed Narendra Modi performing Yoga along with over 200 million people across the country and over 37,000 people in Delhi alone. The second edition was held in Chandigarh with the participation of over 30,000 people in the presence of the Prime Minister.

Text by Chanchal Chauhan.

Will Daisy Shah ever go size zero? Watch this EXCLUSIVE video to find out
Pooja Nayak | June 21, 2018 6:27 PM IST
Not everyone gets it right when it comes to fitness. Many feel the key to looking fit is only by los...
Will Daisy Shah ever go size zero? Watch this EXCLUSIVE video to find out
indiacom
2018-06-21T07:27:01+00:00
2018-06-21T07:27:01+00:00
World Yoga Day
India.com
World Yoga Day 2018: Kangana Ranaut and Shilpa Shetty share fitness secrets with inspiring videos
Rajat Tripathi | June 21, 2018 1:16 PM IST
The world is celebrating Yoga Day today and it is about time we all embraced the power of this fitne...
World Yoga Day 2018: Kangana Ranaut and Shilpa Shetty share fitness secrets with inspiring videos
indiacom
2018-06-21T02:16:57+00:00
2018-06-21T02:16:57+00:00
World Yoga Day
India.com
International Yoga Day 2018: 4 asanas to perform for a healthy mind
Aishwarya Iyer | June 21, 2018 10:58 AM IST
Yoga is excellent to stay fit. A healthy body is a reflection of a healthy mind. Stress can ruin eve...
International Yoga Day 2018: 4 asanas to perform for a healthy mind
indiacom
2018-06-20T23:58:07+00:00
2018-06-20T23:58:07+00:00
World Yoga Day
India.com
Rajnath Singh, Ram Naik, Yogi Adityanath Lead Yoga Day Celebrations in UP
IANS Feeds | June 21, 2018 10:15 AM IST
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanat...
Rajnath Singh, Ram Naik, Yogi Adityanath Lead Yoga Day Celebrations in UP
indiacom
2018-06-20T23:15:03+00:00
2018-06-20T23:15:03+00:00
World Yoga Day
India.com
International Yoga Day 2018: Yoga for a healthy mind and body
Editorial Team | June 21, 2018 9:40 AM IST
From time immemorial yoga has been considered the best form of exercise to stay healthy. Yogasanas h...
International Yoga Day 2018: Yoga for a healthy mind and body
indiacom
2018-06-20T22:40:13+00:00
2018-06-20T22:54:58+00:00
World Yoga Day
India.com
World Yoga Day: Pictures of Kareena Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Alia Bhatt will inspire you to take fitness seriously
Rajat Tripathi | June 21, 2018 8:00 AM IST
We learn a lot from Bollywood while growing up. So many of us have learnt the matchstick trick by Aa...
World Yoga Day: Pictures of Kareena Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Alia Bhatt will inspire you to take fitness
indiacom
2018-06-20T21:00:52+00:00
2018-06-20T21:02:01+00:00
World Yoga Day
India.com
Now, doctors make room for yoga positions in prescriptions
Agencies | June 20, 2018 6:14 PM IST
A new age yoga start-up in the national capital region, Karma Spark is offering clinical yoga therap...
Now, doctors make room for yoga positions in prescriptions
indiacom
2018-06-20T07:14:13+00:00
2018-06-20T07:14:13+00:00
World Yoga Day
India.com
Kapil Sharma Looks Unrecognizable in these Latest Airport Pictures
India.com Entertainment Desk | June 20, 2018 1:53 PM IST
Comedian cum actor Kapil Sharma , who has won hearts of many with his great sense of humour, has bee...
Kapil Sharma Looks Unrecognizable in these Latest Airport Pictures
indiacom
2018-06-20T02:53:39+00:00
2018-06-20T02:53:39+00:00
World Yoga Day
India.com
Ministry Says Yoga Is Not A Sport, But DU Colleges Still Reserve Seats
IANS Feeds | June 12, 2018 2:20 PM IST
Is yoga a sport? The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) says it is not. Yet, 11 Delhi Unive...
Ministry Says Yoga Is Not A Sport, But DU Colleges Still Reserve Seats
indiacom
2018-06-12T03:20:00+00:00
2018-06-12T03:20:00+00:00
World Yoga Day
India.com
Yoga Day Images: Hilarious memes of politicians performing asanas on International Yoga Day 2017
Aadil Ikram Zaki Iqbal | June 21, 2017 3:24 PM IST
New Delhi, June 21: Leading the celebrations of the third edition of the International Yoga Day, Pri...
Yoga Day Images: Hilarious memes of politicians performing asanas on International Yoga Day 2017
indiacom
2017-06-21T04:24:30+00:00
2017-06-21T04:32:33+00:00
World Yoga Day
India.com
International Yoga Day 2017 highlights: How the day was celebrated across the world
Pragati Ratti Sharma | June 21, 2017 5:05 AM IST
Wed, 21 Jun 2017 11:15:42 amOn the occasion of International Yoga Day, Congress party workers protes...
International Yoga Day 2017 highlights: How the day was celebrated across the world
indiacom
2017-06-20T18:05:16+00:00
2017-06-21T03:02:52+00:00
World Yoga Day
India.com
International Yoga Day 2017 celebrated across the world, PM Modi, thousands perform Yoga in Lucknow
Pragati Ratti Sharma | June 21, 2017 1:25 PM IST
New Delhi, June 21: Millions on Wednesday performed Yoga early in the morning as the world celebrate...
International Yoga Day 2017 celebrated across the world, PM Modi, thousands perform Yoga in Lucknow
indiacom
2017-06-21T02:25:27+00:00
2017-06-21T02:48:31+00:00
World Yoga Day
India.com
International Yoga Day: Malaika Arora Khan, Bipasha Basu and Shilpa Shetty have an inspiring message to keep you motivated
Snehal Rajani | June 21, 2017 12:33 PM IST
It's International Yoga Day today and we know how Bollywood is obsessed with gymming and yoga. In th...
International Yoga Day: Malaika Arora Khan, Bipasha Basu and Shilpa Shetty have an inspiring message to keep
indiacom
2017-06-21T01:33:36+00:00
2017-06-21T01:33:56+00:00
World Yoga Day
India.com
International Yoga Day 2017: Suryanamaskar and its benefits; Watch Video Tutorial
Pragati Ratti Sharma | June 21, 2017 11:26 AM IST
New Delhi, June 21: The world is celebrating the 3rd International Yoga Day today, June 21. Prime Mi...
International Yoga Day 2017: Suryanamaskar and its benefits; Watch Video Tutorial
indiacom
2017-06-21T00:26:27+00:00
2017-06-21T00:26:27+00:00
World Yoga Day
India.com
International Yoga Day 2017: PM Narendra Modi Performing Yoga in Lucknow Telecast at Doordarshan
Aadil Ikram Zaki Iqbal | June 21, 2017 5:00 AM IST
New Delhi, June 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead a crow of 51,000 in doing yoga in Lucknow...
International Yoga Day 2017: PM Narendra Modi Performing Yoga in Lucknow Telecast at Doordarshan
indiacom
2017-06-20T18:00:51+00:00
2017-06-21T00:23:19+00:00
World Yoga Day
India.com
International Yoga Day 2017: Most iconic Yoga Gurus ever who changed definition of personal fitness
Vaibhav Tiwari | June 21, 2017 7:39 AM IST
New Delhi, June 21: Today is World Yoga Day. It is being celebrated across the world. This day was a...
International Yoga Day 2017: Most iconic Yoga Gurus ever who changed definition of personal fitness
indiacom
2017-06-20T20:39:28+00:00
2017-06-20T20:56:48+00:00
World Yoga Day
India.com
3rd International Yoga Day: PM Modi, UP CM Yogi to perform Yoga in Lucknow; 180 countries set to celebrate
Ravi Kaushal | June 20, 2017 11:32 PM IST
New Delhi, June 21: Embracing the mantra for a healthy life through Yoga, citizens of more than 180 ...
3rd International Yoga Day: PM Modi, UP CM Yogi to perform Yoga in Lucknow; 180 countries set to celebrate
indiacom
2017-06-20T12:32:48+00:00
2017-06-20T15:14:29+00:00
World Yoga Day
India.com
International Yoga Day 2017 Schedule: Time of all Events, Where to Watch Live Streaming & Telecast of PM Narendra Modi Performing Yoga in Lucknow
Aadil Ikram Zaki Iqbal | June 20, 2017 5:00 PM IST
New Delhi, June 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Lucknow tomorrow to celebrate the Intern...
International Yoga Day 2017 Schedule: Time of all Events, Where to Watch Live Streaming & Telecast of PM Nare
indiacom
2017-06-20T06:00:39+00:00
2017-06-20T06:00:39+00:00
World Yoga Day
India.com
Mann Ki Baat Highlights: PM Narendra Modi wishes Muslims on Ramadan, says constructive criticism strengthens democracy
Ravi Kaushal | May 28, 2017 12:24 PM IST
New Delhi, May 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the nation through his monthly r...
Mann Ki Baat Highlights: PM Narendra Modi wishes Muslims on Ramadan, says constructive criticism strengthens
indiacom
2017-05-28T01:24:29+00:00
2017-05-28T01:41:21+00:00
World Yoga Day
India.com
World Yoga Day Special: Ssharad Malhotra, Asmita Sood, Shashank Vyas debate about yoga vs gymming
Urmimala Banerjee | June 21, 2016 3:40 PM IST
Most of them feel both are important for great health though there is a slight tilt towards gymming ...
World Yoga Day Special: Ssharad Malhotra, Asmita Sood, Shashank Vyas debate about yoga vs gymming
indiacom
2016-06-21T04:40:22+00:00
2016-06-21T06:15:51+00:00
World Yoga Day
India.com