Context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads the 10th International Day of Yoga celebrations in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on June 21, 2024.
Key Highlights:
Theme of the 10th International Yoga Day
- This year’s theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” highlights yoga’s essential role in promoting individual well-being and societal harmony.
Global Health and Wellness:
- The event aims to gather thousands of participants to promote global health and wellness through yoga.
- The Prime Minister addressed the gathering and participated in the Common Yoga Protocol session, highlighting the importance of yoga in fostering physical, mental, and spiritual growth.
Grassroots Movement:
- Prime Minister has written to all Gram Pradhans, urging them to make holistic health a people-led movement by raising awareness about yoga and millets.
- His letter is expected to spur yoga activities in Panchayats, Anganwadis, and Community Health Centers, continuing the tradition of previous IDY (International Day of Yoga) editions.
Nationwide and Global Celebrations
- This year’s celebrations will span the nation, with notable events such as “Yoga for Space,” where ISRO centers and units will participate in the Common Yoga Protocol.
- Globally, Embassies and Indian Missions will join the celebrations, showcasing yoga’s widespread influence.
About the ‘International Day of Yoga’
- The International Day of Yoga is celebrated annually on June 21st.
- It was established by the United Nations in 2014 following a proposal by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- The aim of the day is to raise awareness of the many benefits of practicing yoga.
About ‘Yoga’
- Yoga, an ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice, with roots dating back to 2700 BC, offers a holistic approach to well-being.
- Seals and fossils from the Indus-Saraswati valley civilization depict people practicing Yoga Sadhana, indicating its early existence despite being undocumented.
- According to Yogic lore, yoga dates back to the dawn of civilization, with Lord Shiva recognized as the first yogi, or Adiyogi.
- The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” which means “to yoke or to join” It refers to the union of the mind, body, and spirit.
- Yoga combines postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation to promote overall health and well-being.
- There are many different mudras of yoga, each with its own focus.
- Some of the most popular mudras include Hatha yoga, Vinyasa yoga, Iyengar yoga, Ashtanga yoga, and Kundalini yoga.