Why is June 21 International Yoga Day?

International Yoga Day is India's gift to the world. The idea of ​​commemorating the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere (June 21) as International Yoga Day , was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. Of the 193 member states of the United Nations, the proposal was approved by 177 countries.

June 21 , the day on which the summer solstice occurs, has a special meaning from the perspective of yoga. The practice of yoga dates back to the time of God Shiva , also known as Adi Guru , who is the guru or teacher of all the yogis in the world . It is believed that it was on the day of the summer solstice that Shiva began to impart the knowledge of yoga to the world and became the Adi Guru of yoga .

Yoga is said to have been a part of the Indian lifestyle in pre-Vedic times. Maharishi Patanjali codified and organized yoga postures or practices in the Yoga Sutras .

In 1893, Swami Vivekananda also introduced yoga to the West in his address to the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago.

Yoga is an important part of Indian culture and civilization . The practice of yoga is not only beneficial for the body ; it is also for the mind and soul through breathing.

International Yoga Day: a historic moment

The adoption of June 21 as International Yoga Day was a historic moment. In his address to the UNGA, Prime Minister Modi said something with which we can fully relate:

“For us in India, respect for nature is an integral part of spiritualism . We treat the bounties of nature as sacred. Yoga is a priceless gift from the ancient tradition of India. Yoga embodies the unity of mind and body ; thought and action ; moderation and satisfaction ; harmony between man and nature . A holistic approach to health and wellness . It is not about exercising, but about discovering the sense of unity with yourself, the world and nature . Changing our lifestyle and raising awareness can help us deal with climate change and improve our well-being ”.

Happy International Yoga Day.

namaste