International Yoga Day 2023: History, Significance And Theme

India is a land known for contributing many innovations and best practices to the world community, among which Yoga is considered the most prominent Indian addition. Yoga is a 5000-year-old ancient practice to enhance flexibility and expedite human metabolism. It has various ‘Asanas’ specifically for every body part to boost its functioning. According to Indian historic scriptures, yoga used to be performed by the sages in the ancient time. Meditation is another form of yoga that helped these sages to reach the point of enlightenment. Due to its multiple benefits, this was adopted by many other countries and their countrymen to keep themselves healthy. 

History

As per the ancient belief system of Hinduism, Lord Shiva was the first yoga practitioner and also known as ‘Adiyogi’. Even in the gurukuls (Ancient school system), yoga was being taught as one of the disciplines and transferred from one generation to another. As it has abundant health benefits, the central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly to observe every 21st June as International Yoga Day. As the 21st day of June is the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere.

And on 11 December 2014 after immense acceptance by member countries, the proposal was adopted to celebrate every 21st June as International Yoga Day. 

Significance 

Yoga is another way of exercising that not only boosts our immune system, and reduces obesity but also relaxes our minds and gives the immense peace of mind. The practice of Yoga crossed the boundaries of households after the announcement of International Yoga Day and became part of the corporate world. It has also become a source of major income for many yoga professionals due to an escalation in yoga performance after being announced as Yoga International Day. 

According to the survey conducted by Yoga Journal reports in 2016, the number of Americans doing yoga has grown by over 50% in the last four years to over 36 million. 

On the very first International Yoga Day in 2015, nearly 35,985 people, including PM Modi and dignitaries from 84 nations, performed 21 asanas for 35 minutes in New Delhi.

Theme

As 2023 is the year when India is hosting G20 Summit with the theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ - One World, One Family. International Yoga Day 2023 is also celebrated with the theme of ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which majorly focuses on the unity and solidarity of the world for good health.