On June 21, the world celebrates International Yoga Day, established by UN General Assembly resolution № 69/131 in 2014, in order to raise awareness among the world community about the benefits of yoga and its adoption into a way of life.
The holiday was first celebrated in June 2015, and the initiative to establish and choose the date of the Day belongs to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. And this is no coincidence. India is the birthplace of yoga, where this teaching has been cultivated since ancient times. The choice of date fell on the longest day of the year for half of the globe. This date, associated with the activity of the Sun, has a certain significance for many peoples and is known as the summer solstice.
The initiative of the Prime Minister of India was supported by all 175 states with representation in the UN General Assembly, and in December 2014, June 21 was proclaimed International Yoga Day. Such unanimous support for the establishment of the holiday is due to the recognition of the benefits that the teaching of yoga brings and cultivates for physical and psychological health, which in the modern world with growing stress on the psycho-emotional nature of man plays an important role.
Yoga – is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice, and the word «yoga» comes from Sanskrit and means «connection» or «connection», symbolizing the connection of body and consciousness.
For some, yoga – is a way to relax, for others – to put your body in order (Photo: EpicStockMedia, licensed by depositphotos.com)
For a long time now, the attitude of people in different countries towards ancient Indian teaching as a special form of worldview and self-improvement has made it popular. For some, yoga – is a way to relax after physical and emotional stress at work or in business, for others – to bring the body back to normal, or improve it. And someone, thanks to yoga, begins to perceive the world around them differently and have a new attitude towards the realities of life.
Every person, taking yoga practice seriously, finds for himself what he needs. Moreover, today there are several areas of yoga. Achieving internal harmony, harmony with the outside world, improving the physical and mental forces of the body occurs through the practice of complex exercises.
In recent years, the importance of yoga, which promotes both physical and mental health, has never been more relevant. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people around the world became more active in yoga to promote health as well as combat social exclusion and depression. Yoga also plays a significant role in the treatment and recovery phase of COVID-19 patients. Yoga is especially useful for relieving anxiety.
In addition, not only adults, but also children can do yoga. According to UNICEF, it helps maintain the physical activity of children, who can practice many yoga poses without any risk and receive the same benefits as adults. These benefits include increased flexibility and fitness, attentiveness and relaxation.
Every person, taking yoga practice seriously, finds for himself what he needs (Photo: master2, licensed by depositphotos.com)
Taking its roots in Hinduism, the practice of yoga is also associated with Buddhism, where the main goal of – is comprehensive harmony. Interest in the ancient Indian school in Europe and America arose in the 19th century, and the growth in popularity of this teaching occurred already in the 20th century. Today, the number of yoga adherents continues to grow around the world. Russia does not stand aside either, where the popularity of yoga is growing every year.
The annual celebration of International Yoga Day has become another date when adherents of this teaching can gather, exchange experiences, conduct joint classes and master classes. Such events, which take place every year under a certain motto, are open in nature and are held in parks and squares, attracting the attention of people.
In proclaiming International Yoga Day, the UN emphasized that the desire for harmony practiced by this Indian teaching helps overcome stress, reduces aggressiveness and fosters mutual respect. And this, in turn, helps the formation of the world around man, and therefore within society.
Infographics – poster «June 21 — International Yoga Day»