International Yoga Day 2024: International Yoga Day is observed on June 21 of each year. This occasion is an opportunity to raise awareness about the benefits of yoga and encourage people all over the world to practise it. It is also a time to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of yoga and to promote peace and harmony. Yoga is a mind-body practice that has been practised in India for over 5,000 years. It is a holistic practice that promotes relaxation and stress relief while also improving physical and mental health. Yoga consists of a series of postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation.
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International Yoga Day 2024: History
International Yoga Day was established following a United Nations General Assembly resolution on December 11, 2014. This initiative was proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2014, who suggested June 21, the summer solstice, as the ideal date due to its significance as the longest day of the year. The resolution was co-sponsored by 177 countries and proclaimed June 21 as International Yoga Day. The first celebration took place on June 21, 2015, in New Delhi, India, with a mass yoga demonstration led by Prime Minister Modi. Since then, International Yoga Day has been celebrated annually, each year focusing on a unique theme.
International Yoga Day 2024: Significance
International Yoga Day is a globally recognised event that serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it aims to increase global awareness of the numerous benefits of practicing yoga, encouraging people to adopt healthier lifestyles. Yoga is promoted as a holistic approach to physical fitness, mental well-being, and spiritual growth, making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities. The day also promotes unity, bringing together people from diverse cultures and backgrounds to embrace yoga as a unifying force, fostering a sense of global harmony. Additionally, yoga's stress-relieving and mental health benefits are particularly relevant in today's fast-paced world, highlighting the importance of mental health.
International Yoga Day 2024: Theme
The theme for International Yoga Day 2024 is 'Yoga for Women Empowerment.' This theme emphasises yoga's crucial role in addressing women's health issues, such as PCOS/PCOD and chronic stress. By focusing on women's overall well-being, the theme highlights yoga's potential to transform lives through physical, mental, emotional, and social empowerment. The aim is to spread yoga as a global movement, raising awareness of female health problems and promoting improved well-being for women everywhere.