International Yoga Day 2023: History, Date, Theme and Interesting Facts of International Yoga Day

What is the History of Yoga?

Yoga in India originated over 5,000 years ago. Thus, it is an ancient form of exercise and meditation that was practiced as a way to get closer to enlightenment. Later, with its gaining popularity yoga found its place as a form of exercise and relaxation. Celebration is done every year with great passion and zeal with the participation of thousands of people in India.

History of International Yoga Day

It is quite amazing to note that the history of yoga is centuries old. The practice of yoga is age-old and was likely to have originated in India more than 5,000 years ago. This practice was adopted by people since ancient times to connect the body with the mind and soul as well as for enlightenment. Later, with the popularity of yoga in the western countries, it was adopted by people as a way of relaxation and form of exercise that works towards the well-being of the body.

The initiation of the International Yoga Day was done by PM Narendra Modi in September 2014, at the United Nations General Assembly while giving his speech. Later the announcement of 21 June as International Yoga Day was done by passing a resolution, which was approved by 177 countries across the globe. This was the maximum number of countries to approve any UN resolution so far.

The reason for choosing June 21 as yoga day is that it is the day of Summer Solstice – a day with the longest period of daylight and when the Sun is at its highest position in the sky.

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Some facts about Yoga and Yoga Day

• There are over 2,00,000 yoga instructors in India
• There are over one hundred styles and poses of yoga
• The yoga mat was invented in 1982
• Yoga is an earliest form of art that refreshes the mind and soothes the body

Do you know when is International Yoga Day celebrated? Do you know when the first International Yoga Day was observed in India? Let’s learn about the significance of this day in detail.

When is International Yoga Day in 2023?

International Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21 every year, which is just round the corner. The main event of this year is going to be held in Mysuru, Karnataka and is likely to see the active participation of thousands.

International Yoga Day timeline

• Yoga’s existence goes back to 200 BCE when it was first reported
• On September 27, 2014 PM Narendra Modi and several other Indian delegates proposed the initiation of International Yoga Day
• On June 21, 2015, Yoga Day was first celebrated in India with the participation of 36,000 people
• On June 21, 2018 India witnessed the largest congregation on yoga day with the participation of over 100,000 people

Which Edition is 2023 International Yoga Day in India?

This will be the 9th Edition of the International Yoga Day, which was first celebrated on 21 June 2015. On September 27, 2014, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi had proposed the idea of International Yoga Day in the UN General Assembly while introducing a resolution to ascertain June 21 as the International Yoga Day. The proposal was appreciated and approved by 177 countries.

How Many People Participate in First Year (21 June 2015) in India?

The celebration on the first year saw the participation of over 36,000 people, including Prime Minister Modi who practiced different yoga asanas in New Delhi for 35 minutes. Since then the day has been celebrated around the globe.

What is the Theme of International Yoga Day 2023?

The theme of International Yoga Day, 2023 is ‘Yoga for Humanity’.

Along with being a significant form of exercise to stay active on a daily basis, yoga has given the world the spiritual expertise through meditation and various postures. Yoga has served as the best way to connect mind, body and soul for thousands of years.

Reasons to Practice Yoga Daily

There are numerous reasons to practice yoga on this International Yoga Day and beyond as mentioned below:

• The first reason, of course, is to practice yoga for health and wellness.
• To practice it as a form of exercise to stay fit.
• One can learn yoga to make it a profession as a yoga instructor.
• Yoga improves balance, flexibility and enhances strength.
• It helps in relieving back pain.
• Yoga eases the symptoms of arthritis.
• It is beneficial for heart health.
• Yoga relaxes the body and enhances better sleep.
• It also augments energy and mood.
• Yoga can be practiced to manage stress.
• Yoga allows you to have self care.
• Yoga also has many scientific benefits.

Practicing yoga can be started at any point in life. For beginners, you can look for yoga centers/studios offering yoga classes to learn the postures initially. You can also practice yoga at home looking at video tutorials or through online yoga classes.

The fact that it doesn’t require too many equipment or tools to practice yoga makes it all the more viable option. All you need is to wear flexible clothes to make it easy to practice the postures along with a yoga mat.

Why is International Yoga Day Significant?

• Yoga is all-inclusive as people across all religions and nationalities can participate and practice yoga
• Yoga helps in managing stress, which is one of factors that add to numerous diseases
• Yoga gives you mental peace and calmness by relieving stress
• Yoga practice on a regular basis is good for your health as it helps in reducing weight and increase flexibility