The international community observes June 21 as International Yoga Day, recognising the many benefits of the ancient Indian practice of yoga. The year 2022 marks the 8th annual International Yoga Day. The main event of 8th edition of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2022 will be held at Mysuru Palace, Karnataka. The United Nations theme for this year is “Yoga for Humanity”.
What is ‘yoga’?
- The word ‘yoga’ is derived from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolising the union of a person’s body and consciousness.
- “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, symbolising the union of body and consciousness,” the United Nations website says.
Background –
- Although yoga has long been recognised as India’s gift to the global culture of wellness, the official UN recognition came after a push by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014.
- The UN proclaimed June 21 as International Day of Yoga by passing a resolution on December 11, 2014 during the 69th session of the General Assembly.
- The AYUSH protocol describes the folding hands logo of Yoga Day as reflecting “the union of individual consciousness with that of universal consciousness, a perfect harmony between mind and body, man and nature, the holistic approach to health and well being. The brown leaves in the logo symbolise the earth element, the green leaves of nature, blue is the fire element while the sun symbolises the source of energy and inspiration.”
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