On Fri, 21 Jun, 2024, India is celebrating Yoga Day. Govt Officials, Celebrities and common people shared their pictures of Yoga through X platform with hashtag #yogaday #InternationalYogaDay2024
While people are celebrating the Yoga Day, others are protesting all over the country, criticizing the government over NEET Paper Issue.
source @timesofindia
The Origins of International Yoga Day
In 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested celebrating International Yoga Day at the United Nations General Assembly2. This idea was backed by an amazing 177 UN member states, making it a historic moment3. Finally, on December 11, 2014, the United Nations decided June 21 would be observed as International Yoga Day3 to honor yoga’s benefits for people and peace.
Prime Minister Modi’s Proposal at the UN General Assembly
On September 27, 2014, Prime Minister Modi shared his idea for an International Yoga Day at the United Nations2. The UN’s decision to support this created the International Day of Yoga, offering the world a day for health and unity3.
The Significance of June 21st as the Summer Solstice
Modi chose June 21 to celebrate International Yoga Day because it’s the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere2. The first celebration took place on June 21, 2015, in many cities, such as New York and New Delhi3.
This special day aims to bring global health and harmony through yoga3. The International Day of Yoga was first suggested in 2014 and adopted by the UN after Modi’s proposal for a yearly celebration3.
Since the first celebration in 2015, the International Day of Yoga has become a tradition3. Every year, cities across the globe join in, hosting events to promote yoga’s health and unity benefits3.
International Yoga Day Celebrations Around the World
International Yoga Day brings people together worldwide. It’s celebrated with joy in many countries. Events range from big yoga gatherings to cultural shows. They all aim to mark this special day9. These celebrations help everyone feel peace and unity10.
In India, where yoga began, the day is big. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led yoga at a top center in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. President Droupadi Murmu and Ministers joined in all over the nation9. Even with heavy rain, the 10th Yoga Day in Srinagar went on, showing the event’s global importance and ability to adjust10.
The United Nations and many countries have big yoga events too9. This year, the focus is on ‘Yoga for Self and Society’. The India Embassy was filled with excitement in Japan9.
People join from India’s Parliament to Times Square in New York City. Yoga is now a huge $80 billion market, with more growth expected. This shows how much people love yoga and its impact11.
