International Yoga day 21st June 2020: Theme, History & Facts

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.

Yoga is a prevalent practice in India. Its presence stretches from the lofty peaks of the Himalayas in the north to all the way down to the Sunny beaches of Indian Ocean. 

A Brief History of Yoga in India

The discovery of seals and relics featuring the figures performing Yoga Sadhana at Indus Valley civilization puts the origin of Yoga at around 2700 BC on the historical timescale. With the earliest mention of Yoga in Rig Veda (1700BC), several other ancient texts such as Upanishad, Bhagvat Geeta etc. also include various disciplines of Yoga.

Maharshi Patanjali is considered as the Father of Yoga. Yoga Sutra, a collection of 196 Sanskrit Sutras on theories of Patanjali's Yoga, defines eight libs of Yoga, namely yamas, niyamas, asanas, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyan, and samadhi.

Modern-day Yoga

Swami Vivekanand introduced Yoga to Western Societies. His book "Raja Yoga" Popularised the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali among the western audience. 

Modern-day Yoga generally emphasizes on the physical wellbeing of the practitioner. Modern Yoga styles can be traced back to the Hatha Yoga, a discipline of Yoga which insists more on the physical exercises. Contemporary Yogies performs various yoga asanas (Pose) such as Suyranamskar, Ashtanga Namaskara, Hasta Uttanasana etc. to master both spirit and body. Today it is practised in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity.

International Day of Yoga: First proposed by the current PM of India

• The idea of an International Day of Yoga was first proposed by the current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on 27 September 2014.
• The draft resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga moved by India was endorsed by a record 175 member states. The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practising yoga.

First International Day of Yoga

• The first International Day of Yoga was observed around the world on 21 June 2015.  
• The theme of International Yoga Day 2015 was 'Yoga for Harmony and Peace'.
• The Ministry of AYUSH made the necessary arrangements in India. 35,985 people, including PM Modi and dignitaries from 84 nations, performed 21 asanas (yoga postures) for 35 minutes at Rajpath in New Delhi, becoming the largest yoga class ever held, and with the largest number—84—of participating nationalities. and for the largest number of participating nationalities (84 nations). Similar days have been held in cities in India and around the world each year since then.

Theme International Day of Yoga 2020

• The theme of this year is "Yoga for Health - Yoga at Home".
• As the world is fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, people are stuck at home; and Yoga, a perfect exercise routine to maintain the physical well-being is also providing an effective means to deal with the stress and anxiety of isolation and uncertainty of social distancing and lockdown. 

On International Yoga Day, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged us all to participate in the "My Yoga, My Life" video Blogging contest. It is jointly organized by the Min. of AYUSH and the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR). 

2020 Virtual Event

Due to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations has organized a Virtual Event to celebrate 6th International Yoga Day online on 19 June 2020. 

So, this is all about the Yoga and International Yoga Day 2020. If you liked the article then share it among your friends and up vote it. For more articles like this, stay tuned with us. 

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