International Day of Yoga: History, Importance, Themes and Quotes

United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga to raise global awareness about the benefits of practicing Yoga. Though International Day of Yoga is celebrated once a year it propagates the idea of making yoga a part of the daily routine. The idea of observing annual Yoga day was proposed in the United Nations by India and 175 member countries endorsed the proposal. The first International Day of Yoga was celebrated in 2015 and since then it is a global annual celebration.

Background of International Day of Yoga

Since Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India, the proposal of celebrating Yoga day was put forth by India. PM Narendra Modi of India explained the value of Yoga in his address during the opening of the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly. He explained that this ancient practice called Yoga embodies unity of mind, body, thought and action. He further said that Yoga is not just about exercising but about discovering the sense of oneness with yourself, nature and the world.

The UNGA noted that today Yoga is practiced in various parts of the world and it needs to be popularized more. It can prove to be an important lifestyle change that can bring balance in attitude and day-to-day life of the citizens of the world. Recognizing the importance and accepting the worldwide appeal of Yoga, the UN proclaimed 21 June as International Day of Yoga on 11 December 2014.

On 21 June 2015, the first global celebration of International Day of Yoga was organized. Since then it is being observed every year to spread awareness about the benefits of making Yoga a part of daily routine.

Themes of International Day of Yoga

2021: Yoga at Home and Yoga at Family

As the world is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the theme highlights the importance of continuing yoga at home and with family. One should not only continue practicing yoga for staying healthy but should also promote family members to practice Yoga.

2020: Yoga for Health- Yoga at Home

The 2020 theme of International Day of Yoga was given in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic hence it highlighted the importance of doing yoga and staying at home simultaneously.

2019: Climate Action

The theme was chosen to signify the importance of Yoga in fighting climate change as it offers people a sense of harmony with self, society and nature.

2018: Yoga for Peace

The theme highlighted the importance of Yoga in infusing the sense of oneness with nature and the world thus promoting peace in the world.

2017: Yoga for Health

The theme highlighted the role of Yoga in maintaining the physical as well as mental health of Individuals.

2016: Connect the Youth

The theme was aimed at connecting the youth to the ancient practice of Yoga.

2015: Harmony and Peace

The theme for the first edition of International Day of Yoga was Harmony and Peace. It highlighted Yoga as an element that can bind the entire world together and promote a harmonious and peaceful relation.

Importance of Yoga for Persons with Disabilities

Though International Day of Yoga is aimed at making everyone aware of the importance of practicing Yoga we are focusing on persons with disabilities because WeCapable aims at empowering persons with disabilities. It is very important to exclusively mention persons with disabilities as most of the persons with some physical limitations believe that they cannot practice yoga. This is a myth! Yoga is for all and everybody can practice yoga.

Individuals with disabilities or those with chronic health conditions can also do yoga. They can make Yoga a part of their daily routine to keep themselves healthy. They can practice breathing yoga asanas or modified physical posture asanas. There are many versions of yoga designed specifically for the needs of persons with physical limitations. These modified yoga asanas are termed ‘adaptive yoga’.

Practicing yoga (or adaptive yoga) can help persons with disabilities in maintaining their physical as well as mental health. With health they can achieve their highest potential as an individual.

Many of the yoga asanas are designed to tone and strengthen muscles and to improve the flexibility of the body. These asanas are beneficial for many persons with disabilities who suffer from stiffness of the body. Research has shown that practicing yoga regularly enhances overall health and may slow down the pace of progressive disabilities. In addition to its physical benefits, Yoga is found effective in improving mental health and reducing stress levels too.

This International Day of Yoga let’s make yoga a part of our lifestyle and let’s be empowered!