International Day of Yoga 2020: Theme, History and Benefits of Yoga

2020-06-21 | Team PendulumEdu

International Day of Yoga or World Yoga Day is celebrated every year on 21^st June to raise awareness regarding the benefits of practicing Yoga. The day was first celebrated in 2015 with the theme “Harmony and Peace”. RBI issued a 10-rupee commemorative coin on the first International Day of Yoga.

The United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution 69/131 on 11^th December 2014 to mark 21^st June as the International Day of Yoga. 21^st June was selected as it the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere and is of great significance for many people in the world.

In 2016, Yoga was listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the proposal during the 69^th session of the General Assembly and said, “Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action ... a holistic approach [that] is valuable to our health and our well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and nature.”

The theme for the year 2019 was “Yoga for Climate Action.”

The theme for the year 2020- “Yoga for Health- Yoga at Home”. The theme has been decided in the view of global COVID-19 pandemic and maintaining social distancing.

(Source: un.org)

History of Yoga in India

• Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India.
• Yoga is one of the six major orthodox schools of Hinduism.
• The practice of Yoga finds mention in Rigveda and Upanishads.
• Patanjali, the father of Ashtanga, compiled the Yogasutra.
• According to Patanjali, the purpose of Yoga is to overcome the attachments to the physical world in order to realize one’s consciousness.
• Adinath and Gorakhanath of the Nath Sampradaya revived the tradition of Yoga during the middle ages.
• Swami Vivekananda, in 1893, introduced the world to Vedanta and Raja Yoga.
• Yoga Gurus, like Baba Ramdev, Sadguru, Ravi Shankar, etc. later expanded the practice of Yoga worldwide.
• From its ancient beginnings in India over 5,000 years ago to the modern gyms, schools, parks and everywhere today, Yoga is the world’s favorite holistic health practice.

What does the Logo of International Yoga Day symbolize?

• Joining Hands- Union of Individual and Universal Consciousness, Harmony between body and mind, harmony between man and nature
• Globe- Oneness
• Green Leaves- Nature
• Brown Leaves- Earth
• Blue Human Figure- Water
• Brightness- Fire Element
• Sun- Source of Energy and Inspiration

Benefits of Yoga

According to WHO, lack of physical exercise has been the top ten leading causes of death globally and also a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases like cancer, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, etc.

Yoga has gained popularity worldwide due to its various benefits. Some of the benefits of Yoga are as follows:

• Relieves Stress and Anxiety
• Helps in fighting Depression-Brings happiness, promotes positive thinking
• Aids in Weight Loss- Burning calories
• Improved digestion
• Improved sleep quality
• Increases immunity
• Increase Flexibility and Muscle Strength
• Lower Risk of Heart Diseases, Lowers Cholesterol and increases heart rate
• Improved Concentration and Boosts confidence

STAY HEALTHY, STAY SAFE, STAY AT HOME and DO YOGA!!!

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