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International Yoga Day: A Celebration of Health and Well-Being

Pranjulaa

International Yoga Day is celebrated annually on June 21st and this year’s theme is “Yoga for Humanity.” The day is a global celebration of the ancient Indian practice of yoga, which is known for its many health and well-being benefits.

Yoga has been shown to improve flexibility, strength, and balance. It can also reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Yoga can also improve heart health, respiratory function, and sleep quality. In addition to its physical benefits, yoga can also boost mental and emotional well-being. Yoga can help people to focus, relax, and reduce stress. It can also improve self-esteem and body image. Yoga is a safe and effective exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels. 

This year, International Yoga Day, 2023 was celebrated at The Trafalgar Square in London a day prior of the actual day, on 20th June in the morning. Thousands of people from all over the UK gathered here to celebrate health and well-being by embracing the practice of yoga in London. 

This day was first proposed by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. Here is a timeline tracing the journey of International Yoga Day, beginning with the Modi government, its international platform, and the present benefits in the context of health and post COVID-19 period.

Modi Government: In September 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the United Nations General Assembly and proposed the idea of celebrating a dedicated day for yoga. His aim was to promote yoga as a holistic approach to health and well-being, connecting body, mind, and soul.

United Nations Recognition: Following Prime Minister Modi’s proposal, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution on December 11, 2014, declaring June 21st as the International Day of Yoga. This resolution received overwhelming support from 177 countries, including many co-sponsors.

International Platform: Since its inception, International Yoga Day has gained significant popularity worldwide. The event provides a global platform to promote the ancient Indian practice of yoga, emphasizing its physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. It encourages people from all walks of life to participate in yoga activities and learn about its positive impact.

Global Participation: International Yoga Day has witnessed extensive participation from people across the globe. Yoga enthusiasts, practitioners, and novices gather in parks, public spaces, and yoga studios to participate in mass yoga sessions, workshops, and demonstrations. Various countries organize events and activities to celebrate the day, spreading awareness about yoga and its benefits.

COVID-19 Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in 2020, presented unprecedented challenges to global health. During this time, the importance of maintaining physical and mental well-being became even more crucial. Yoga gained prominence as a valuable tool to cope with the stresses and anxieties brought on by the pandemic. Many individuals turned to yoga for its calming and centering effects.

Photo by Felipe Borges on Pexels.com

International Day of Yoga in the UK:

The practice of yoga has gained popularity in the United Kingdom, and the UK government has acknowledged its potential benefits for physical and mental well-being. While the UK government has not specifically initiated a dedicated day or program like International Yoga Day, there are various ways in which the government and other organizations promote and support yoga within the country.

National Health Service (NHS): The NHS, the publicly funded healthcare system in the UK, recognizes the benefits of yoga and encourages its incorporation into people’s lifestyles. The NHS Choices website provides information on yoga, including its potential benefits, different styles of yoga, and how to get started. It highlights yoga as a way to improve flexibility, strength, and balance while reducing stress and anxiety.

Physical Education in Schools: The UK government has emphasized the importance of physical education in schools, which often includes various forms of exercise, including yoga. Schools may incorporate yoga as part of their physical education curriculum, promoting its benefits and encouraging students to engage in physical activity that focuses on both physical and mental well-being.

Well-being and Mental Health: The UK government has a growing focus on mental health and well-being. Yoga is recognized as a practice that can contribute to mental well-being, stress reduction, and relaxation. While the UK government has not introduced a specific national day or program for yoga similar to International Yoga Day, its recognition of the benefits of yoga and support for its incorporation into various settings demonstrate a growing acknowledgment of yoga’s potential impact on health and well-being within the country.

Today, International Yoga Day has become a global celebration, promoting the practice of yoga and its benefits for individuals and communities worldwide. It serves as a reminder of the power of holistic approaches to health and well-being.

Here are some ways to celebrate International Yoga Day:

  • Attend a yoga class. There are many yoga classes offered on International Yoga Day. You can find classes at gyms, community centers, and yoga studios.
  • Practice yoga at home. If you cannot attend a yoga class, you can practice yoga at home. There are many online resources that can teach you the basics of yoga.
  • Invite friends and family to join you. Yoga is a great way to connect with friends and family. Invite your friends and family to join you in a yoga practice.
  • Make a donation to a yoga organization. There are many yoga organizations that promote the practice of yoga and its benefits. You can make a donation to a yoga organization to help support their work.

International Yoga Day is a great opportunity to learn more about yoga and its benefits. It is also a great opportunity to practice yoga and connect with your community.



About the author:
A Global Talent Visa awardee, the author Pranjulaa Singh is certified Level 1 (200 hours) and Level 2 (400 hours) professional yoga teacher,  from New Age Yoga Institute, Yoga Certification Board, Ministry of Ayush. Pranjulaa Singh has been teaching yoga for over 5 years and has a wealth of experience in helping people of all ages and abilities find their own unique path to yoga. In addition to teaching yoga, Pranjulaa is also a writer, poet, and voice actor. She has published two books of poetry, and her work has been featured in several magazines and online publications. Pranjulaa is also a regular contributor to the Pranjal Arts blog, where she writes about yoga, spirituality, and her life experiences.

She can be contacted on pranjulaasingh@gmail.com, https://pranjulaasingh.com/ 

Published by Pranjulaa

Poet’s bio: An Msc in Creative Industries (Management) from Birkbeck, University of London, I wrote my first poem when I was only 13 years old, and currently I hold a collection of about 800 poems. I was enrolled into Poetry College, Batch of 2019 in Mumbai, and have Msc in Creative Industries Management, from University of London (2015). My poems have been published on Poetry Nature, Poets India, Image Curve and Nocturne Journal, amongst others. An author to “Short and Sweet Story”, published at Storytel as an audio book, I am now working on my first independent book of poems. Recently, I won a cash prize for a poetry competition based on a painting organized by Arts Illustrated and NDTV Mojarto. You can read some glimpses of my poems on @poetrybypranjulaa I continue to work as an independent art consultant and researcher while managing my venture, Pranjal Arts which has a private collection of around 200 Indian art paintings. List of awards: •Awarded Scholarship for Creative writing by Mayo College Girl’s School, Ajmer(2011) •Represented Birkbeck, University of London at British Chamber of Commerce Conference in London, UK as Potential Leaders of the future. (2015) •Venue Ambassador, Birkbeck, University of London (2015) •Invited for the “Thrive” Conference on Arts fundraising in Bath, UK (2015) •Awarded on International Women’s day for showing international leadership in the field of Indian dance and poetry (2016 ) •Awarded the Lions Pride Award during the international service week.(2018) •Selected for World Governance Expedition to Russia, organized by Vision India Foundation (2019)

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