International Yoga Day

Watch Video on Common Yoga Protocol.

Background

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 International Yoga Day by resolution 69/131. June 21, which is the Summer Solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and has special significance in many parts of the world.

International Yoga Day aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.

IDY logo

Folding of both hands in the logo Symbolise Yoga, the union, which reflects the union of individual Consciousness with that of universal Consciousness, a perfect harmony between mind & body, man & nature; a holistic approach to health & well being. The brown leaves symbolise the Earth element, the green leaves symbolise the Nature, blue symbolises the Water element, brightness symbolises the Fire element and the Sun symbolise the source of energy and inspiration. The logo reflects harmony and peace for humanity, which is the essence of Yoga.

Benefits of Yoga

Yoga is very necessary and beneficial for all human beings if it is practiced by all on daily basis in the early morning. The benefits of Yoga include :-

• Increased muscle strength and tone
• Increased flexibility
• Improved respiration,energy and vitality
• Maintaining a balanced metabolism
• Weight reduction
• Cardio and circulatory health
• Improved athletic performance

Theme for 2022

The theme for 2022 is "Yoga for humanity".

The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented human tragedy. Beyond its immediate impact on physical health, the COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated psychological suffering and mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, as pandemic-related restrictions were introducedin various forms in many countries. This has highlighted the urgent need to address the mental health dimension of the pandemic, in addition to the physical health aspects. 

People around the world embraced yoga to stay healthy and rejuvenated and to fight social isolation and depression   during the pandemic. Yoga is also playing a significant role in the psycho-social care and rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients in quarantine and isolation. It is particularly helpful in allaying their fears and anxiety.

In addition to the human suffering, the COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted several key vulnerabilities of the economic and developmental models of countries around the world. Future prosperity demands that the member states rebuild differently as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The essence of yoga is balance - not just balance within the body or that between the mind and the body, but also balance in the human relationship with the world. Yoga emphasizes the values of mindfulness, moderation, discipline and perseverance. When applied to communities and societies, Yoga offers a path for sustainable living.

Yoga can be an important instrument in the collective quest of humanity for promoting sustainable lifestyle in harmony with planet Earth. In keeping with this spirit, the theme for this year’s Yoga Day celebrations is “Yoga for Humanity.”

IDY 2022: Suggested activities in India

Yoga is an invaluable ancient Indian practice with numerous benefits to both physical and mental health. The International Day of Yoga has evolved into India’s most significant public health initiative taken by the Government of India by shaping it into a form of a mass movement. 

Citizens can also be actively involved in IDY through the following suggested activities:

• Guardian Ring: An innovative program named “Guardian Ring”, will showcase the IDY celebration in 75 countries from east to west, with the movement of the sun, covering 16 time zones. It will be a wonderful Relay Yoga Streaming program telecasted live on DD channels.
• Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) demonstration at 75 heritage/iconic sites: To celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, CYP demonstration at 75 heritage/iconic sites of tourist importance across the country promoting India Branding (Monument in the Background).
• Static and Innovative Digital Exhibition: The Ministry of Ayush will organize a “Digital Yoga Exhibitions” at Mysuru, Karnataka on Yoga's ever-increasing global impact. The exhibition will showcase the illustrious history and development of Yoga and the achievements of all previous editions of the International Day of Yoga including the strength of Yoga, best practices, research highlights, Common Yoga Protocol, etc.
• Start-up Yoga challenge: The Start-up Yoga challenge has been launched by the Ministry of Ayush, in partnership with Startup India and Invest India, that envisages inviting startups and individuals who have developed products (devices or software applications or both) related to yoga to track the treatment delivery and outcome trajectory over time and will provide valuable health-related information about these interventions. The main objectives of the start-up challenge in yoga and wellness applications will be to identify and nurture key talent and innovators in this sector and develop smart novel products in this area.
• Joining thousands of others on IDY by doing the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) performance on 21st June 2022.
• CYP training videos are available on MoA’s Yoga Portal (https://yoga.ayush.gov.in/yoga/) and on MDNIY’s website (http://www.yogamdniy.nic.in/). They are also available on social media handles and platforms of the Ministry and MDNIY as free resources. YouTube videos on the Common Yoga protocol are available in various languages (https://yoga.ayush.gov.in/common-yoga-protocol).
• Participate in the quizzes, photo contests hosted on MyGov platform ensuring that you are part of the buzz around IDY.

Related resources

1. UN page on IYD
2. Common Yoga Protocol in multiple Indian languages
3. Multimedia resources on Yoga
4. Year Long Yoga