International Yoga Day 2024: A Decade Of Celebrating Holistic Health

International Yoga Day 2024 will be observed globally on June 21. The day highlights yoga's benefits for physical, mental, and spiritual health. This year marks the 10th celebration of Yoga Day, with Prime Minister Modi leading the event in Srinagar. Yoga Day aims to spread awareness about yoga's holistic benefits.

In 2023, PM Modi spearheaded Yoga Day events at the United Nations headquarters lawn in New York. For 2024, the theme is "Yoga for Self and Society," focusing on yoga's impact on individual and collective well-being. The term "Yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit root "yuj," meaning "to join," "to yoke," or "to unite." It signifies the harmony of mind and body, thoughts and actions, and humans with nature.

Yoga's roots trace back to ancient India. However, it was in September 2014 that Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed International Yoga Day during his United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) address. The prime minister noted, "Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action ... a holistic approach [that] is valuable to our health and our well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature."

The UNGA officially declared June 21 as International Yoga Day on December 11, 2014. Over the years, yoga has gained global popularity. Millions now practice yoga to improve their health and mental well-being. Yoga encompasses physical exercises, breathing techniques, and meditation, helping reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It also enhances flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance.

This year, PM Modi will lead the celebration on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar, addressing participants and joining a yoga session. The 10th International Yoga Day will also see events at the UN Headquarters in New York, maintaining the tradition of international participation.

Yoga is not limited to physical exercises. It includes breathing techniques and meditation, offering numerous mental and physical benefits. Yoga reduces stress, anxiety, and depression while improving flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance.

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