International Yoga Day 2023: Date, Theme, History, And Significance

Every year International Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21 worldwide to raise awareness about the numerous benefits of yoga and promote its holistic approach to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

This year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead a yoga session for the first time at United Nations Headquarters in New York on the 9th International Day of Yoga to be celebrated on June 21.

In India, International Yoga Day celebrations will be held at 26 major sites across Delhi on June 21, the Union ministry of Ayush has stated.

These 26 sites include key locations such as Kartavya Path, Red Fort, Connaught Place Central Park, Commonwealth Games Complex and major green spaces such as Nehru Park, Lodhi Garden, and Coronation Park, among others.

International Yoga Day Theme 2023

The theme for this year's International Day of Yoga is 'Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'.

What is Yoga and why do we celebrate it?

Yoga has gained huge popularity worldwide due to its ability to enhance flexibility, strength, balance, and overall fitness. Recognising its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131.

The word 'yoga' derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness. Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity.

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 nature."

"The importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health," he added.

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."