21 JUNE YOGA DAY
Historical & Cultural Roots
Ancient Origins: Yoga traces back over 5,000 years to the Indus-Sarasvati civilization. The earliest mention is in the Rigveda, but it was systematized by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras (c. 400 CE).
Solstice Significance:
June 21 (summer solstice)
revered in yogic tradition as
the day Adiyogi (the first yogi, Shiva) began transmitting knowledge to the Saptarishis
UN Adoption: India’s PM Narendra Modi proposed it in 2014, emphasizing yoga as a "holistic approach to health and well-being." A record 177 nations co-sponsored the UN resolution—the highest ever for such initiatives.
Global Celebrations & Scale
India: Massive sessions led by the PM, with thousands on Rajpath (Delhi). In 2023, 75,000+ participants practiced together.
Worldwide:
Times Square (NYC): Annual "Solstice in Times Square" draws 10,000+ yogis.
Eiffel Tower (Paris): Group sessions with views of the monument.
UN Headquarters: Diplomatic community sessions.
Records: The 2015 inaugural event set a Guinness Record for:
Largest yoga class (35,985 people).
Most nationalities participating (84 countries).
Core Practices Highlighted
International Yoga Day promotes all aspects of yoga, including:
Āsanas (Postures): E.g., Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation), Tadasana (Mountain Pose).
Prāṇāyāma (Breath Control): Techniques like Nadi Shodhana (alternate-nostril breathing) for mental clarity.
Dhyāna (Meditation): Mindfulness and focused awareness.
Yogic Philosophy: Study of texts like the Bhagavad Gita or Yoga Sutras.
Scientific & Health Benefits
Recognized by WHO and medical bodies:
Physical: Improves flexibility, cardiovascular health, and chronic pain (e.g., arthritis).
Mental: Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression; enhances focus.
Preventive: Lowers risk of lifestyle diseases (diabetes, hypertension).
Studies show just 12 weeks of yoga significantly lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels.
Controversies & Criticisms
Cultural Appropriation: Debates on divorcing yoga from its spiritual roots in the West.
Commercialization: Concerns over "McDonaldization" of yoga (e.g., $100 leggings, goat yoga trends).
Inclusivity: Efforts to make yoga accessible to all body types, disabilities, and socio-economic groups.
Post a Comment