International Yoga Day 2022: Theme, History, Significance

International Yoga Day is celebrated every year on 21 June all over the globe. The day is observed in order to bring in awareness regarding the wellbeing and the impact of yoga.

For most, getting up early is a task of bravery. And above that, doing yoga on a hectic work schedule can be salubrious. And along with the work from home culture, there is barely any physical movement. In the face of the cosy situation, wellness and body fitness can't be brushed off. It's better late than never. It's important to get out of our beds and the cosy, comfy corners of our homes and get ourselves involved in physical activities like yoga.

It's that time of the year when the sun will hide behind the sky and it will be drizzling all around us. June not only brings in the monsoon but also the ‘International Yoga Day.’ Internationally, 94 per cent of Americans practise yoga for their well-being, says the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).

Yoga, a spiritual practice, dates back its history to ancient times and is mentioned in the holy text-Rigveda. Today, more than an entitlement, it is perceived as a means of fitness and bliss. 

Commencement of International Yoga Day

In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), proposed a mandatory celebration of yoga across all countries. In his speech, he mentioned how yoga is an invaluable treasure from ancient Indian history. The initiative was stood up by 177 nations, and the proposal was finally passed, and  from 21 June 2015, people across the globe started celebrating ‘International Yoga Day." The date 21 June was chosen with a purpose as it marks the summer solstice and is the longest day in the northern hemisphere.

In 2015, on the first International Yoga Day, more than 35,000 citizens participated, and the celebration was held at Rajpath. The celebration arrangements were made by the AYUSH Ministry, where all the high-ranking officials from 84 nations performed 21 asanas for 35 minutes. 

Theme of 2022

The theme for 2022's International Yoga Day is "Yoga for Humanity’ which ponders upon the importance of yoga in everyone’s life. Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, said that yoga acted as a therapy for many during the Covid-19 pandemic times who were dealing with isolation and anxiety issues. Further, he said that yoga is not just a balance between body and mind but also a balance between humans and the world.

Celebrations on the western side

In 2021, more than 3000 people in New York performed yoga at the iconic Times Square while maintaining social distance and Covid norms. The 7th international yoga day was hosted in partnership with the Consulate General of India. The event was themed as a Solstice Event.

The Indian Embassy in the United States also celebrated International Yoga Day and the previous year's theme was 'Yoga for Wellbeing'. Many of the officials and the active yoga enthusiasts have joined the yoga session through the zoom platform and through the embassy social media handles.

This year, Chicago hosted an event to commemorate International Yoga Day on 18, June 2022 at the Grant Park,Chicago,Illinois. 

This year, the Yoga session which will be held in Mountain View, California will explain to the participants how to lead a healthy and happy life through the means of yoga and the techniques to fight against back the anxiety, improve sleep cycle, practice meditation and understand nuances of a yogic diet.

It’s a everyday routine

You are the one who determines your fitness level. Good nutrition and regular yoga can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and combat disease. A single day of yoga is not enough, one should practice 365 days a year. A more updated expression is "Be healthy, wealthy, and safe."