What is International Yoga Day?

Considering the fact that this official day of celebration has only been around since 2015, it’s not surprising that some of us would wonder, “What is International Yoga Day?” To understand its purpose and importance, it helps to learn about its inception, its meaning, its development over recent years and its impact on society.

Also known as the International Day of Yoga, World Yoga Day or simply Yoga Day, this day of observance takes place every year on June 21. Its intention is to recognize and celebrate the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of yoga and meditation. Moreover, it aims to promote the vibrations of good health, unity, peace and harmony throughout every nation.

The Origins

The introduction of an official Day of Yoga was proposed at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 by Narendra Modi, the current prime minister of India. The UN acknowledged that this ancient Indian discipline of overall well-being is consistent with its own values of non-violence and oneness. In addition, they recognized these values to be the foundation upon which positive developments in areas such as climate change, diplomacy and peaceful resolution can be achieved. On December 11, 2014, with the backing and endorsement of 175 countries, the United Nations declared June 21 of every year as The International Day of Yoga.

“On this first-ever International Day of Yoga, let us see the benefits of this practice in terms of individual well-being as well as our collective efforts to improve public health, promote peaceful relations and usher in a life of dignity for all.”
— Ban Ki-Moon, Former UN Secretary-General

The results were nothing short of remarkable. Yoga events, demonstrations, seminars, mass public classes, trending hashtags and an exceptional social media presence came to life in over 190 countries around the world. In New Delhi alone, an outdoor yoga session on the Rajpath attracted almost 36,000 participants of 84 different nationalities. It broke two Guinness world records for the largest yoga class and the greatest number of nationalities in one yoga lesson.

Significance of June 21

June 21 marks the northern hemisphere’s summer solstice when the daylight hours are longest, and the southern hemisphere’s winter solstice when the daylight hours are the shortest. The word solstice comes from the Latin sol, meaning ‘sun’ and sistere, meaning ‘to stand still.’ It is considered to be an auspicious time of the year in many cultures, religions and traditions around the world.

• In Hinduism, the summer solstice signifies the start of Dakshinayana, a phase of the year in Vedic astrology which is favourable for spiritual development.
• In Chinese and Taoist traditions, the summer solstice celebrated femininity, honoured the Earth and observed the Yin aspect of the Yin and Yang philosophy.
• Certain Native American tribes, particularly the Sioux, performed spectacularly dramatic sun-dances around the 21st of June, signifying regeneration, renewal, rebirth and the circle of life.
• The Stonehenge of ancient Britain, which was said by Celtic Druids to have been a place of spirituality and healing, consists of structures that were remarkably aligned to the sun during the June solstice, as if to direct and harness its powerful energy.
• Scandinavian, Germanic, Celtic and other European traditions welcomed the solstice, also known as Midsummer, with dancing, singing and huge bonfires to cultivate the sun’s energy and to ward off negative vibrations.
• The Sun Festival, or Inti Raymi, in Peru and other indigenous cultures of the Andes celebrate the Incan sun god, Inti, with 9 days of colourful and vibrant dances during their June solstice.

The Logo

The official logo for the International Day of Yoga symbolizes peace, harmony and oneness that characterizes the soul of this 5000-year-old system of physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

The blue colour of the yogi silhouette represents the fluidity, softness and purification of the Water element. The brown leaves represent the stability, sustenance and fruitfulness of the Earth element. The green leaves portray the fertility and abundance of nature. The large yellow sun embodies the concept of energy, enlightenment and inspiration. The globe behind the head, or crown chakra, indicates the state of pure consciousness radiating to every individual and every nation of the world. And the hands placed together in Anjali Mudra personifies Yoga: the union of body, mind and spirit.

International Yoga Day Themes

Based on the prevailing global event going on in a given year, every International Yoga Day holds a specific theme to teach and encourage the world on how to best manage it through the practice of yoga.

• 2015, 1st International Yoga Day: Yoga for Harmony and Peace
• 2016, 2nd International Yoga Day: Connect the Youth
• 2017, 3rd International Yoga Day: Yoga for Health
• 2018, 4th International Yoga Day: Yoga for Peace
• 2019, 5th International Yoga Day: Climate Change
• 2020, 6th International Yoga Day: Yoga at Home
• 2021, 7th International Yoga Day: Yoga for Well-Being
• 2022, 8th International Yoga Day: Yoga for Humanity
• 2023, 9th International Yoga Day: Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

Appropriation & Hindu Nationalism

Cultural appropriation of yoga and its South Asian traditions increases with each passing day – especially in western society. Some of things that are seen and done in the name of Yoga are often cringeworthy such as the hyper sexualization of yogic poses, the misuse of the word Namaste and various western “inventions” such as gun yoga, goat yoga, beer yoga etc. Thankfully, many South Asian yoga practitioners are “decolonizing” yoga, encouraging people to educate themselves and working toward preserving yoga’s spiritual, philosophical and cultural identity.

Back in India, there is another form of misuse. Yoga is being used as a tool by Hindu supremacists to spread Hindu nationalism, including its ideologies of Brahmanism, the caste system and oppression of other religions in India. But it’s important to know that Yoga is NOT Hindu, nor is it a religion. It it a spiritual practice that has its roots and origins in Samkhya philosophy, Buddhism, Jainism, Sufism, tantric traditions and Hinduism.

On a Closing Note…

When celebrating International Yoga Day, let’s remember that Yoga is not a political weapon, an organized religion or a cult. Yoga is about individual spiritual journeys, self-realization and a holistic way of life. It encompasses all eight limbs, not just physical poses. It breaks down barriers and unites the world. It encourages us to respect each other’s differences while living together in complete harmony. It is universal and doesn’t demand anything from anyone. This is what the International Day of Yoga truly honours.

Each passing year, Yoga Day is being celebrated in greater numbers and on grander scales. More and more people, communities and nations are participating in this special day that is dedicated to observing, appreciating and celebrating the gifts of yoga and meditation.

From prison yards to corporate offices; from the deck of a naval aircraft carrier to an Arctic base camp; from Times Square to Angkor Wat, the masses of people radiating the spirit of wellness make headlines every 21st day of June. And just for a day, the world’s attention is utterly and whole-heartedly turned towards positivity, peace and the essence of humanity.

Garden art at the Sivananda Ashram in the Bahamas