International Yoga Day 2023

Introduction

On June 21, several activities and initiatives were held all around the nation to commemorate the 9th International Yoga Day (IYD). The International Yoga Day theme for this year is “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” which celebrates togetherness and raises awareness of India’s sociocultural heritage.

Who initiated the concept of International Yoga Day?

Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister, was the one who came up with the idea for International Yoga Day. Prime Minister Modi suggested the idea of designating a day for yoga in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2014, claiming that yoga is a priceless gift from ancient Indian tradition and has the potential to have a positive impact on people and societies around the world. He emphasized the entire approach to well-being that yoga takes, which includes mental, physical, and spiritual health. The idea gained resounding support from UN members, and on December 11, 2014, a resolution designating June 21 as International Yoga Day was adopted.

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How is International Yoga Day celebrated around the world?

Around the world, International Yoga Day is observed in a variety of ways.

1. Mass Yoga Sessions: Large-scale yoga classes are held in public places like stadiums, parks, and community centers. These gatherings, which are frequently organized by seasoned instructors or yoga gurus, bring individuals of different ages and socioeconomic backgrounds together to practice yoga together.
2. Cultural Programs: Cultural gatherings that highlight yoga’s variety and its ties to diverse traditions and civilizations are organized. These shows could include musical and dance acts, meditative practices, and yoga demonstrations by instructors from various nations.
3. Online Campaigns: Online campaigns are used to spread awareness of International Yoga Day due to the growing use of digital channels. People are encouraged to engage in and learn about yoga through sharing knowledge, videos, and instructions via social media platforms, websites, and mobile applications.
4. Government Initiatives: International Yoga Day is frequently planned and promoted by governments at the municipal, national, and international levels. They could hold formal meetings, invite well-known people to encourage yoga and fund community gatherings and infrastructure.
5. Community Initiatives: On International Yoga Day, yoga studios, fitness centers, and community organizations frequently provide special yoga classes, workshops, or free sessions to include their local communities and educate people about the advantages of yoga.

What are the benefits of practicing yoga?

Yoga has several positive effects on the body, mind, and spirit.

1. Improved Flexibility: Asanas (yoga postures) help to enhance the range of motion in your joints, muscles, and connective tissues by promoting flexibility.
2. Increased Strength and Stamina: Numerous yoga positions need using and stabilizing a variety of muscular groups, which with practice increases strength and stamina.
3. Stress Reduction: A sense of inner peace and relaxation may be effectively cultivated through yoga’s incorporation of deep breathing, meditation, and relaxation practices.
4. Better Posture: Yoga promotes optimal alignment and increases body awareness, which improves posture. Chronic back, neck, and shoulder discomfort brought on by bad posture can be relieved by doing this.
5. Increased Energy and Vitality: Dynamic yoga sequences and certain breathing methods can increase energy, enhance circulation, and promote general vitality.
6. Improved Focus and Concentration: Yoga’s fusion of physical exercise, breath management, and mental concentration can help with concentration, mental clarity, and general cognitive performance.
7. Enhanced Mind-Body Connection: Yoga promotes an overall sense of well-being by building a better connection between the mind and body via the combination of breath, movement, and mindfulness.

What is the Significance of Yoga in Different Cultures and Religions?

Around the world, yoga is important to many different cultures and religions.

1. Hinduism: Hinduism has strong origins in yoga, which is regarded as a spiritual practice there. It is frequently viewed as a way to achieve self-realization and oneness with God. Yoga is one of the six traditional schools of Hindu philosophy, with several routes (such as Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, etc.) leading to liberation from the material world.
2. Buddhism: Some Buddhist lineages have included yoga practices. Yantra Yoga is a form of yoga that is used in Tibetan Buddhism, for instance, to strengthen and cleanse the body in order to prepare for meditation. The goal is to develop awareness and mindfulness.
3. Jainism: Jainism places a high value on yoga as a technique for mind- and body purification. Jains do yoga to gain spiritual enlightenment, self-discipline, and mastery over the senses.
4. Sikhism: Although Sikhism does not specifically emphasize yoga, many Sikhs engage in the practice to improve their physical and mental well-being. Yoga may support the Sikh philosophy of leading a balanced life and experiencing God.
5. Christianity: Some Christians have included yoga practices in their lives as a way to improve their physical health and well-being. There are various viewpoints on whether yoga is compatible with Christian beliefs, and some Christians opt to concentrate only on the physical parts of yoga while ignoring its spiritual components.

What are the Highlights of IYD 2023?

1. National Level Initiatives
   • In order to show the world’s commitment to yoga, the Prime Minister will teach a class at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
   • By allowing yoga observation at the village level, the Ministry of Ayush promotes “Har Aangan Yoga,” which means yoga in the courtyard of every home.
2. Yoga Bharatmala and Yoga Sagarmala
   • A chain of yoga protests would be organized by Indian military personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Security Force (BSF), and Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
   • Yoga Sagarmala will include yoga aboard the INS Vikrant’s flight deck as well as around the Indian coastline.
3. Yoga from the Arctic to Antarctica
   • Organization of yoga events in nations along the Prime Meridian line and in UN member nations through collaboration between the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Ayush.
   • Yoga classes will be given in Himadri in the Arctic and Bharati in Antarctica to highlight how far the practice may travel.
4. Ocean Ring of Yoga
   • Yoga demonstrations will be held in ports and onboard ships of friendly nations by the Indian Navy and merchant ships, encouraging international participation.
5. Promoting Tribal Artisans
   • In order to provide yoga mats created solely by tribal craftsmen, the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED) worked with the Ministry of Ayush.
   • These mats exhibit the tales, folklore, and creative traditions of the many tribes of India, representing their rich cultural past.
   • Products and communities including Medinipur’s Madur mats or Madhurkathi, Mayurbhanj’s Sabai Grass Yoga Mats, and Jharkhand’s Gondha Grass mats will be highlighted by TRIFED.

Conclusion

A worldwide celebration of yoga, International Yoga Day aims to spread the word about the many advantages of practicing yoga. On December 11, 2014, the United Nations General Assembly formally proclaimed it as a result of an initiative by India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. International Yoga Day, which is observed every year on June 21, is honored by a number of events and activities in different parts of the world. On this day, large-scale yoga sessions are planned, bringing individuals of all ages and backgrounds together to do yoga. To educate and enlist people in the practice of yoga, workshops, seminars, and cultural programs are held.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Sources:

• International Yoga Day 2023: Date, Theme, History, Objectives, and Significance (indianexpress.com)
• International Day of Yoga 2023 | MyGov.in
• Why International Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21, 2023 – Times of India (indiatimes.com)
• International Yoga Day 2023: Date, events, theme, history and significance | Mint (livemint.com)
• International Day of Yoga – Wikipedia
• International Yoga Day 2023 Date: Theme, History, Significance And All You Need To Know (indiatimes.com)
• International Yoga Day 2023 Highlights: From aircraft carrier to high altitude, India joins in Yoga celebrations (indiatoday.in)
• International Yoga Day 2023 updates | PM Modi says Yoga is free from patents and royalty payments – The Hindu