International Day of Yoga (IDY)
Background
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 the 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 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 the 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 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.
Yoga for Health
The theme for the 2017 celebration, organized by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, is 'Yoga for Health.' The theme highlights the fact that yoga can contribute in a holistic way to achieving an equilibrium between mind and body. The organizers believe that this approach to health and wellbeing can make a direct and useful contribution to humankind's quest to achieve sustainable development and move towards lifestyles that are in harmony with nature.
The theme for the 2017 celebration, organized by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, is 'Yoga for Health.' The theme highlights the fact that yoga can contribute in a holistic way to achieving an equilibrium between mind and body. The organizers believe that this approach to health and wellbeing can make a direct and useful contribution to humankind's quest to achieve sustainable development and move towards lifestyles that are in harmony with nature.
International Yoga Day is used to celebrate to make the people to get them every kind of knowledge and information about the facts and effects of Yoga on the health of the people. Yoga gives the people much more calmness and peace with lots of Confidence and Courage to the people by which they can do many of the activities in a better way. Yoga makes the people to create a better attitude towards every people by which there is lot of better coordination with many of the people. Yoga gives lots of Confidence and knowledge which is helpful for the people to create a lot of better attitude amongst every citizen to focus on the developmental and welfare activities for the people.
Many places have started celebrating this day by peforming Yogathon Challenge - 108 Sun Salutations
Believed to have originated 5,000 years ago, sun salutations creates a full body workout. Practicing sun salutations is one way to honour the sun and bring its power into your heart.
Yoga teaches you to be patient with yourself and your body and to accept yourself and your body at this moment. A consistent Yoga practice makes you more flexible, more aware, and over time it becomes easier to get into poses that were harder for you (we promise!). Listen to and respect your body. We’ve created a suggested 4 week training schedule to help you get ready for the 108 challenge. Select your pace based on your individual fitness level.
Believed to have originated 5,000 years ago, sun salutations creates a full body workout. Practicing sun salutations is one way to honour the sun and bring its power into your heart.
Yoga teaches you to be patient with yourself and your body and to accept yourself and your body at this moment. A consistent Yoga practice makes you more flexible, more aware, and over time it becomes easier to get into poses that were harder for you (we promise!). Listen to and respect your body. We’ve created a suggested 4 week training schedule to help you get ready for the 108 challenge. Select your pace based on your individual fitness level.
Useful Resources
Yoga with Modi
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