International yoga day: A Global Celebration of Yoga and Well-being

People across the world celebrate the International Yoga Day on 21st June. It is a global event. People celebrate this yoga day every year to promote the practice of yoga as well as highlight its numerous benefits. On this yoga day, people around the globe come together and celebrate this day as International Yoga Day.  The United Nations established 21 June as the International Yoga Day in 2014. The UN dedicated this day  for raising awareness across the globe about the numerous benefits of practising yoga. As we prepare to observe this special occasion, it’s good to increase our knowledge about the origins of yoga, its significance as well as the practices that make yoga an invaluable part of millions of lives across the world. Yoga in Rishikesh being so popular, this day is celebrated by everyone in their own way by performing some aspect of Yoga. Vinyasa Yoga Ashram one of the best Yoga school in Rishikesh, India chose to do Mauna (Silence day) followed by Bhakti Yoga and Indian traditional style dinner on this day.

The Beginning of International Yoga Day

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi put the proposal before the United Nation to dedicate a special day to Yoga to develop the awareness about the huge benefits of yoga for maintaining complete health and wellbeing around the world. The Prime Minister of India put the proposal while he addressed the United Nations General Assembly in September 2014. He told the people the holistic approach of yoga towards health and well-being. He described its significance beyond physical fitness, noting its role in fostering harmony between people and their environment. The UN member countries gave their huge support to this proposal and because of that, June 21, the summer solstice (longest day of the year), was taken for its symbolic importance, representing the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere as well as a time of great spiritual significance in many cultures.

The Philosophy of Yoga In Short

Yoga is an ancient practice of healthy living that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. The Sanskrit word “yoga” means “union.” According to the name, the philosophy of yoga has the main focus on the unity of mind, body and spirit. As per the philosophy,  a person can reach a state of balance as well as peace by harmonising these aspects.

Physical Benefits

Flexibility and Strength: Regular yoga practice improves flexibility as well as builds muscle strength while reducing the risk of injury and enhancing overall physical performance.

Proper Body Posture and Balance:

A person who performs yoga everyday has the right body posture and balance. Right body posture and balance are necessary for keeping the spine healthy as well as preventing chronic pain.

Respiratory and Cardiovascular Health

Pranayama (breath control), is one of the most important aspects of yoga. A person who performs daily pranayama, develops a higher lung capacity and good heart health.

Mental and Emotional Benefits

Stress Relief: Meditation and deep breathing, the important part of Yoga are renowned for their ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation. By dedicating a day to yoga, the world highlights a natural and effective way to deal with stress and improve mental health. Yoga day encourages people to incorporate these practices of yoga into their daily lives.

Mental Clarity: Regular practice improves focus, concentration as well as mental clarity which aids in better decision-making and creativity.

Emotional Stability: Yoga helps people  manage their emotions more effectively.  It gives a sense of inner peace. Starting your day with a morning yoga routine sets a positive mood for the day. Morning yoga makes the body wake up gently, increase circulation as well as energize the body for the day ahead.

Celebrating International Yoga Day And Incorporating Yoga In Daily Life

There are different themes for international yoga day every year. This year, the theme is “Yoga for Women’s Empowerment.” The theme for this year has been especially dedicated to women. This is to encourage them to take yoga into their everyday routine. This is a proven fact that yoga can make not only a great impact on the overall well being of human beings but also it is especially beneficial to women globally. Yoga gives positive results to women. It positively impacts the physical as well as the mental, spiritual, emotional health and social well-being of women. People across the world will come together on 21 June to celebrate the international yoga day. However, according to the theme, this time there will be a special concentration on women’s Empowerment. Yoga aspirants across the globe will take part in different yoga activities such as yoga seminars, yoga workshops, yoga  classes etc. and will try their level best to encourage women to incorporate yoga in their daily activities. Yoga events on June 21, will  definitely give encouragement to women to incorporate yoga into their everyday lives. The yoga day on June 21 can be celebrated at any place such as yoga studios, yoga schools and ashrams, parks, community centres etc. Apart from that online platforms are also good options as they offer yoga accessibility to everyone.

People across the world celebrate the International Yoga Day with great enthusiasm . Here are some ways any one can participate and make the most of this day as well as incorporate yoga in his or her daily life:

Join a Group Yoga Session

There are many communities which organise free yoga sessions in parks, community centres or online. Anyone can Join such a group session. This is a wonderful way to experience the collective energy as well as the great fun of practising yoga with others.

Try a New Yoga Style

Yoga practice is available in various styles. Each style offers its unique benefits as well as yoga challenges. Whether it’s Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, or Kundalini, experimenting with a new style of yoga deepens the practice of a person more and more as well as introduce him or her to new techniques.

Perform Meditation

On the international yoga day, it is good to set aside some time for meditation. It can be a great experience while doing a group session. Guided meditations are readily available online, making it easy for beginners to start their journey.

Educate Yourself About Yoga

Read books or watch documentaries about the history and philosophy of yoga. Understanding the roots and principles of yoga can be helpful in improving your practice as well as appreciation for this ancient discipline.

Yoga for All: Inclusivity and Accessibility

Inclusivity and accessibility are one of the most beautiful aspects of yoga. It is accessible to people of all ages, different fitness levels as well as backgrounds. Adaptive yoga practices ensure that individuals with disabilities or health conditions can also participate and reap the benefits.

Conclusion

International Yoga Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the benefits of yoga and educate people on how to practise it correctly. Many events, workshops, and classes are held worldwide to introduce beginners to yoga as well as deepen the practice of experienced yogis. This widespread education of yoga helps more people access the benefits of it. As we celebrate International Yoga Day, let us embrace the principles of unity and harmony that yoga teaches. Whether a person is a seasoned practitioner or a complete beginner, this yoga day provides everybody with an opportunity to learn as well as deepen his or her practice, explore new aspects of yoga. This day also gives a chance to share the benefits of yoga with others. By incorporating yoga into daily life, any one can enhance his or her physical, mental and spiritual well-being, fostering a healthier and more harmonious world.