Millions across the globe on June 21st unfurl their yoga mats to celebrate International Yoga Day, a day of homage to the ancient Indian discipline that continues to transform lives globally. Why this particular day, and why do millions of people belonging to various walks of life, societies, and backgrounds converge to offer obeisance to yoga?
Explain the history, significance, and global importance of International Yoga Day and why places like Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world, are starting this movement.
History of International Yoga Day
International Yoga Day was formally adopted by the United Nations in 2014 at the behest of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his speech before the UN General Assembly, he had spoken of yoga’s holistic philosophy of health and becoming well and suggested June 21st as the date. Why? June 21st happens to be the summer solstice, the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere, a day many cultures have long celebrated and is a good luck day in yogic tradition.
This movement received the consensus-general,177 nations supported the resolution, and it was the most well-liked UN resolution in history. International Yoga Day has been celebrated each year on June 21st across the globe, which is a testament to the world’s acceptance and diversity of yoga.
Why Yoga Deserves a Global Celebration
Yoga is not merely a bodily exercise, it’s an ancient Indian religious tradition. It is made up of body positions (asanas), regulation of the breath (pranayama), meditation (dhyana), and codes of behaviour (yamas and niyamas). They balance body, mind, and soul with one another and get synchronised.
In a world which is in the process of rapidly evolving into a stressful, anxious, sedentary, and disease-prone world, yoga has turned out to be a force of healing and transformation. This has been sufficient to make the governments, schools, institutes, and masses of the entire world celebrate International Yoga Day by undertaking public demonstrations, workshops, and social sessions of yoga.
Rishikesh: The Heart of Yoga
When the students attempt to proceed further with the practice of yoga, they are drawn to Rishikesh, a holy town in the Himalayas. It is referred to as the Yoga Capital of the World and has been populated by sages, saints, and yoga gurus for centuries.
Yoga students from all around the world visit Rishikesh not only due to the peaceful environment but also due to the fact that they can utilise classes at prestigious institutions such as Shiva Yoga Peeth. Providing traditional as well as new classes, Shiva Yoga Peeth is a world-famous school for India-based Yoga Teacher Training Certification Courses.
Here, the students are given very serious training in every aspect of yoga, i.e., philosophy, anatomy, meditation, and also in teaching methodology.
Not only do they make them a Certified Yoga Teacher, but also prepare them to disseminate the legacy of yoga with integrity and sincerity.
Shiva Yoga Peeth’s role in Yoga education all over the world
Shiva Yoga Peeth has also been contributing a great deal towards disseminating the charm of Indian traditional yoga to every corner of the world. Being internationally certified, it welcomes students from the US, Europe, Australia, and other corners of the world in pursuit of studying yoga in Rishikesh.
What makes Shiva Yoga Peeth unique is that it focuses on the yoga philosophy and spirituality. Unlike other contemporary studios that do not learn the physical alone, Shiva Yoga Peeth teaches its students to view yoga as a path in life and as a spiritual journey. This makes their graduates not only fitness experts but actual yoga instructors who can change people’s lives.
Yoga as a Unifying Force
People go to beaches, parks, clubs, and even the web on International Yoga Day to take classes in yoga. This international love is a testament to the universality of yoga to cross religious, cultural, and geographical boundaries.
Yoga is a way to peace of mind, and peace of mind is a way to world peace. Balanced, conscious, and compassionate citizens build better societies and communities. International Yoga Day is thus a call to awareness of oneness and of overall wellness by humanity.
International Yoga Day is not merely a celebration, but a movement. A movement that teaches mindfulness, balance, harmony, and well-being for all. And as the world matures to accept yoga, the worth of such holy sites as Rishikesh and institutions like Shiva Yoga Peeth can only rise.
Whether one is just beginning the yoga journey or wishes to be a certified yoga instructor, there is no better time to become engaged in this life-altering practice than on June 21st. And no better place in which to do so than where it began, India.
So make a note of this International Yoga Day in your diary and stretch, inhale, and ponder, because yoga isn’t an exercise, it’s a philosophy.
