International Yoga Day 2023: Date, Theme, History, and significance

International Day of Yoga 2023: The significance of International Yoga Day lies in its ability to bring people from various backgrounds, cultures, and nations together to celebrate and practice yoga.

9th International Yoga Day: Yoga encourages mindfulness, promotes physical fitness, reduces stress, and cultivates a sense of inner peace and harmony. (Source: Freepik)

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International Day of Yoga 2023: International Yoga Day is celebrated annually on June 21. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the numerous benefits of practicing yoga and promoting its holistic approach to health and well-being. Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India and has gained worldwide popularity for its physical, mental and spiritual benefits.

Theme

The theme for International Yoga Day 2023 is determined by the United Nations, which officially recognised this observance in 2014. Each year, the theme focuses on a specific aspect of yoga that highlights its relevance and impact on society. “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” is the theme for this year’s International Yoga Day 2023 which beautifully captures our shared aspiration for “One Earth, One Family, and One Future.”

History and Significance

The history of International Yoga Day dates back to September 2014 when India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, proposed the idea during his address to the United Nations General Assembly. He emphasised the importance of yoga as a holistic approach to health and well-being and suggested that June 21 should be declared as International Yoga Day. His proposal received overwhelming support from the UN member states, leading to the adoption of June 21 as International Yoga Day by the United Nations General Assembly on December 2014.

The significance of International Yoga Day lies in its ability to bring people from various backgrounds, cultures, and nations together to celebrate and practice yoga. It serves as a platform for individuals and communities to experience the physical and mental benefits of yoga and understand its profound impact on personal and societal well-being. Yoga encourages mindfulness, promotes physical fitness, reduces stress, and cultivates a sense of inner peace and harmony.

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On International Yoga Day, various events and activities are organised worldwide to commemorate this occasion. Yoga enthusiasts, practitioners, and experts conduct yoga sessions, workshops, and demonstrations in parks, public spaces, schools, and yoga studios. These events aim to encourage people of all ages and abilities to try yoga and experience its transformative effects.

International Yoga Day highlights the significance of yoga as a holistic practice for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It provides an opportunity for individuals and communities to come together and experience the transformative effects of yoga. Through its global observance, it promotes the acceptance, recognition, and dissemination of yoga as a valuable tool for personal and societal harmony and health.

(Catch us live on Indian Express’ official Instagram account on International Yoga Day (Wednesday, June 21) at 3 pm as we interact with Dr Rohit Sabharwal, Senior Faculty, Art of Living’s Sri Sri School of Yoga)