9th International Day of Yoga 2023
9th International Day of Yoga 2023
![]() |
| International Yoga day |
Yoga session led by H.E. Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi
The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations invites you to a celebration of the 9th annual International Yoga Day on 21 June 2023, from 8:00-9:00 AM EST at the North Lawn of UN Headquarters in New York.
Prior registration is required to attend the event. Please RSVP.
Please direct all queries related to the event to the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, pmi.rsvp@gmail.com and Watch live on UN WebTV.
What is Yoga and why do we celebrate it?
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. Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity. Recognizing its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131. The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.
The draft resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states. The proposal was first introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address during the opening of the 69th session of the General Assembly, in which he 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 resolution notes “the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health.” In this regard, the World Health Organization has also urged its member states to help their citizens reduce physical inactivity, which is among the top ten leading causes of death worldwide, and a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes.
But yoga is more than a physical activity. In the words of one of its most famous practitioners, the late B. K. S. Iyengar, “Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions.”
Yoga in the Intangible Cultural Heritage?
Yoga was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. The philosophy behind the ancient Indian practice of yoga has influenced various aspects of how society in India functions, whether it be in relation to areas such as health and medicine or education and the arts. Based on unifying the mind with the body and soul to allow for greater mental, spiritual, and physical well-being, the values of yoga form a major part of the community’s ethos.
WHO launches mobile app for yoga?
WHO in collaboration with the Government of India, has launched WHO mYoga - a yoga app to help people stay active and healthy. The app contains a collection of videos and audio files to teach and accompany yoga practice and is an easy-to-use and free tool for both people, who are trying yoga for the first time, and those who already practice yoga regularly. The app was developed by BeHe@lthy BeMobile, a joint initiative between the World Health Organization and the International Telecommunication Union.
Why do we mark International Days?
International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, mobilize political will and resources to address global problems and celebrate and reinforce the achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.
International Day of Yoga 2023
People have different ways of relaxing, some of them healthier than others. Some people drink a glass of wine, some doze off in front of the TV, and some people prefer physical pursuits. One of the best and oldest ways to release the tension building up in both the body and the mind is by practicing yoga. The benefits of practicing yoga, such as mastering countless techniques of controlling the body and the mind, have been widely recognized by the Western world for years, and International Yoga Day aims to continue to inform people how much dedicating a bit of time to the art of yoga can improve their lives. It is not just a physical practice, but also a mental one, with many of the teachings of yoga reflecting mental and spiritual states, and allowing your body to wander and drift into unknown realms that will give you a focus in your life and calmness with your soul.
International Yoga Day 2023 Theme, Date, History
Theme: The theme for International Yoga Day 2023 “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”
History: International Yoga Day was proposed by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, during his address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2014. He suggested June 21st as the date for the celebration as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and has special significance in many parts of the world.
United Nations Recognition: The United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution to establish International Yoga Day on December 11, 2014. The resolution recognized the holistic benefits of yoga and its compatibility with the principles and values of the United Nations.
Purpose: The purpose of International Yoga Day is to raise awareness about the benefits of yoga for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It aims to encourage people to adopt a healthier lifestyle and embrace yoga as a means to achieve harmony within themselves and with the world around them.
FAQ;
Who declared International Yoga Day?
Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity. Recognizing its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131.
Who is the father of yoga?
Patanjali is known as the father of modern yoga. In some parts of India, Tirumalai Krishnamacharya is also considered as the father of modern yoga.
Recommended Articles:
https://www.vbsblogs.com/2023/07/role-of-the-vitamins.html
https://www.vbsblogs.com/2023/07/second-language.html
https://www.vbsblogs.com/2023/07/elvish-yadav-bigg-boss-ott.html
https://www.vbsblogs.com/2023/07/the-power-of-critical-thinking-decision.html



Post a Comment