International Day of Yoga: Celebrating the Roots and Benefits of this Ancient Practice

JUNE 22, 2023

Every year, on June 21st, people from across the world come together to celebrate the International Day of Yoga. This day is an occasion to share the ancient wisdom of yoga, and to promote its many health benefits.

The practice of yoga originated in ancient India, over 5,000 years ago. However, the history of yoga is not easy to trace, as much of it was passed on through oral tradition, and was only later transcribed in texts like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Nonetheless, the roots of yoga can be found in the Vedic scriptures, which were written in Sanskrit, the ancient language of India.

Yoga was initially a spiritual practice, which sought to unite the individual self with the cosmic self, or the divine. This was achieved through a combination of physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation. However, over time, the practice of yoga also came to be recognized for its many physical and mental benefits.

Today, yoga is practiced by millions of people from all walks of life, and its popularity continues to grow around the world. This is due in part to the many health benefits associated with the practice, such as increased flexibility, strength, and balance, as well as reduced stress and anxiety. Numerous studies have also shown that practicing yoga can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

The International Day of Yoga was first proposed by India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in 2014, during his address to the United Nations General Assembly. The proposal was quickly adopted, with the first International Day of Yoga being celebrated on June 21st, 2015. Since then, millions of people from across the world come together every year to celebrate this ancient practice, and to promote its many benefits.

In conclusion, the International Day of Yoga provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the ancient practice of yoga, to learn about its rich history and benefits, and to come together as a global community. So why not take some time out of your day to practice yoga, and to experience its many physical, mental, and spiritual benefits for yourself? Namaste!