June 21 is celebrated globally as International Day of Yoga for 5 years now. Proposed and put forth to the United Nations by Shri Narendra Modi, PM of India. This day is observed to raise global awareness about the health benefits of this age old practice given to the world by India.
The resolution on International Day of Yoga was introduced by India’s Ambassador to UN Asoke Mukerji and saw 177 nations joining as supporters of this resolution and as co-sponsors, the highest recorded number ever for any General Assembly resolution in the United Nations.
June 21 was declared International Yoga Day by the United Nations on December 11, 2014 officially.
Theme for International Yoga Day: 2019
The theme for year 2019 for International Yoga Day is Climatic Change and will be observed and spoken about during the celebrations on June 20 in the US along with renowned Yoga gurus and numerous participants.
Origin of Yoga
The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’ which means coming together. Yoga basically is a means of activity which unites the inner self of an individual with the outer world, the universe thus bringing about absolute balance and harmony between the soul, mind, body of the individual and the nature.
It is believed that dedicated practice of yoga results in the attainment of moksha and kaivalya i.e. absolute liberation and freedom of the mind and the soul.
The origin of yoga stretches back to thousands of years with the forming of the first ever civilization. Even before any languages or religions emerged, yoga found its origin. Shiva is believed to be the first preacher of it and is also known as the Adiguru or the Adiyogi.
According to our Vedic history, the texts quote “Several Thousand years ago, on the banks of the lake Kantisarovar in the Himalayas, Adiyogi poured his profound knowledge into the legendary Saptarishis or "seven sages”. The sages carried this powerful yogic science to different parts of the world, including Asia, the Middle East, Northern Africa and South America. Interestingly, modern scholars have noted and marvelled at the close parallels found between ancient cultures across the globe. However, it was in India that the yogic system found its fullest expression. Agastya, the Saptarishi who travelled across the Indian subcontinent, crafted this culture around a core yogic way of life.”
The first ever civilisation, the Indus Valley Civilisation has numerous figures on the walls of the remains depicting Yoga asanas. In fact, Jainism, Buddhism, Shaivism, Vaishnism- all the ancient religions mention yoga in their scriptures. In fact, written evidences of Yoga are found even during the pre-Vedic period.
Reap the Numerous Benefits
Yoga is not confined to any religion nor does it encourage any practices that could be deemed objectionable by any part of the society. All it does is wonders for your body and your mind.
Some of the many benefits you’d gift yourself through regular and dedicated practice of yoga are increased flexibility of the body, increased immunity, stronger respiratory system, prevention from ailments, longevity of muscles and bones, increased focus, peace of mind, weight reduction, regulation of the circulatory system and numerous others.
For women, yoga has added benefits in regulating and the proper functioning of the female anatomy and a smooth pregnancy for the mother-to-be!
Many yoga asanas are targeted on a specific body part and the best part about yoga is that the effects are long term.
In today’s hectic and stressful lives, yoga is the best solution. Not only does it beat stress, it helps calm your nerves and brings down restlessness. It is especially good for those involved in mental labour as it increases concentration.
Even for mental issues like clinical depression, mental fatigue, nervous breakdowns, yoga does wonders.
Yoga and the World
The popularity of yoga has seen a staggering increase in the past few years. According to recent surveys, it can be deduced that there are over 300 million active yoga practitioners worldwide currently. The United States of America alone has over 6000 Yoga centres. And it is all the giving of India to the world. We should all take immense pride in this fact that something that originated on our ancient lands today has benefitted the mankind at such a humongous scale!
The Extremely Flexible Yoga
Just like the flexibility it provides to the body, Yoga is extremely flexible. No specific equipments required, no fancy gears, no expensive tutorials. Just a devoted practice every day and you will begin to experience the wonderful benefits of Yoga!
Especially for women because they are the nurturers of any society, it is imperative that remain in the best of health and mental well-being. So you wonderful, lovely ladies, make it a point this International Day of Yoga to indulge in this lovely activity on a daily basis and promise yourself and your family a healthy, happy life!
And because yoga can be performed in the simplest and the most basic of the outfits, here are some outfits you can pick from! These will make your sessions all the more enjoyable. So, Yo-ga girl!!
