International Yoga Day of 2024: Date, History, Theme, Event Information & Significance
International Yoga Day is celebrated on 21st June every year. This day is the longest day of the year and yoga helps people live longer lives. As the sun rises on 21st June 2024, individuals from all around the world will gather to celebrate International Yoga Day. International Yoga Day celebrates the spiritual and physical prowess that yoga has brought to the world stage. Although millions of people participate and practice it daily, it is a significant source of exercise and good activities.
When is International Yoga Day 2024?
International Yoga Day 2024 :- Stretch your body and calm your mind like never before on International Yoga Day on June 21. This special day is devoted to the holistic practice of yoga, which encourages physical, mental and spiritual well-being. It’s a time when individuals from various backgrounds assemble and take part in yoga classes, workshops and events all around the world, highlighting the attraction of this age-old practice to people of all ages and backgrounds. So, mark your calendars for June 21st 2024, and join the global celebrations of International Yoga Day to experience the many advantages of yoga for a healthier, more well-balanced life.
History of International Yoga Day
People all across the world are getting ready to start exercising on their yoga mats for International Yoga Day, but many may not be aware that yoga has a long history. Yoga is considered as an ancient practice that began in India more than 5,000 years ago. Yoga flourished as a way to interconnect the body, mind and soul to step closer into enlightenment. As the method gained popularity in the West, it was promoted as a kind of exercise and relaxation that might also help with chronic pain and physical injuries.
The idea of International Yoga Day was first initiated by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi on September 27, 2014, during his speech at the UN General Assembly, where India’s ambassador, Asoke Kumar Mukerji, proposed a resolution designating June 21 as International Yoga Day.
The date of June 21 was selected as it is the Summer Solstice, the day of the year with the maximum sunshine. Overall, it received support from 177 nations, the most number of sponsors to a UN resolution declaring June 21 as International Yoga Day. The first International Yoga Day was celebrated on June 21, 2015, in New Delhi by nearly 36,000 participants, including Prime Minister Modi and numerous other prominent political figures from around the world. Since then, the day has been commemorated in countries all over the world.
Themes of Internationa Yoga Day
- International Yoga Day 2021 Theme
In 2021, the theme for Yoga Day was “Yoga for well-being”. The theme emphasized the value of yoga for a person’s health. Since 2021 was also the year when the world was fighting the pandemic, individuals and communities all around the world realized the significance of the theme.
- International Yoga Day 2022 Theme
International Yoga Day has a different theme each year. Celebrations and discussions are held locally, nationally, and internationally depending on the theme. Ever since 21st June was announced as World Yoga Day, various schools, organizations and corporations have hosted diverse events to spread awareness about yoga as an exercise. The theme for Yoga Day in 2022 was “Yoga for Humanity.”
- International Yoga Day 2023 Theme
International Yoga Day 2023 was celebrated on the theme “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, which also represents ‘one earth, one family, one future’. This theme emphasizes how regular yoga practice contributes to the well-being of every person, regardless of discrimination.
Event Details for International Day of Yoga 2024
Date: June 21, 2024
Venue: Multiple locations and online
Significance of International Yoga Day
Yoga is an old practice that combines meditation, physical postures, breathing exercises and ethical principles to promote the overall well-being of individuals. International yoga day in 2024 will inspire people to practice yoga regularly and experience its beneficial effects on their physical and mental health. Before delving into the 2024 event, it’s important to understand why International Yoga Day is celebrated worldwide. The day, which was instituted by the United Nations in 2014, aims to promote yoga as a comprehensive strategy for wellbeing. International Yoga Day 2024 aims to highlight the contribution that yoga may make to accomplishing the 17 sustainable development goals set forth by the United Nations earlier this year.
International Yoga Day Timeline
- 200 BCE (beginnings): It has been discovered that these are the earliest reports of Yoga.
- September 27, 2014 (India proposes): Narendra Modi and the Indian delegation propose to create International Yoga Day.
- June 21, 2015 (first ever): In India, the first-ever Yoga Day is celebrated by almost 36,000 people.
- June 21, 2018 (yoga for all): Over 100,000 people attend the biggest yoga class, which is held in India.
Why do we celebrate Yoga only on 21st June?
International Yoga Day is celebrated annually on June 21st every year to spread awareness about the benefits of meditation and yoga worldwide. This specific date was chosen because it marks the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, when the day is the longest and the energies of nature are thought to be perfectly aligned. The day is celebrated on 21st June every year, is a global event that promotes the mental, physical and spiritual benefits of practicing Yoga.
