The International Day of Yoga is to be held on 21st June across the world. However, celebrations of the day have already begun in various nations.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in India around the sixth and fifth century BCE. It is derived from the Sanskrit language and means to join or unite, symbolizing the union of the body, mind, and the soul.
It became popular in the West in the 1970s and 1980s. Today, it is practised by people all across the world and is one of the most popular forms of exercise for the overall well-being.
Moreover, yoga is a very simple form of exercise, where all you need is some empty space and a mat.
In 2016, the UNESCO inscribed yoga as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
International Day of Yoga
Recognizing the benefits of this discipline, the United Nations, on 11 December 2014, proclaimed 21st June as the International Day of Yoga. This day seeks to raise awareness about the many benefits of this practice.
The resolution to establish this day was proposed by India and was introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Consequently, the first International Day of Yoga was held in 2015.
Celebrations for 2019 International Day of Yoga
People across the world have already begun the celebrations for International Yoga Day 2019. Nations such as the Netherlands, Croatia, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and Serbia have held events to spread more awareness about the benefits of yoga.
In the Netherlands, a large number of people including the Dutch Armed Forces, congregated at the Royal Palace on the iconic Dam Square to commemorate this event. Interestingly, the Dutch Ministry of Defence has introduced yoga to reduce stress and enrich the training program of its armed forces.
Yoga in the iconic Dam Square in Amsterdam! #InternationalDayOfYoga2019 celebrations organised by the Embassy of India in the Netherlands, featuring yoga sessions, Indian handicrafts and dance & music. @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @airnewsalerts @moayush @venurajamony @AmsterdamNL pic.twitter.com/uaVywCY55j
— IndiainNetherlands (@IndinNederlands) June 16, 2019
Similarly, many people gathered at the National Assembly of Serbia in Belgrade to commemorate this day.
#IDY2019 celebrations in front of National Assembly of Serbia, Belgrade #Zindagirahekshush @IndianDiplomacy @MEAIndia @moayush pic.twitter.com/TBdgYI5ysJ
— India in Serbia (@IndiaInSerbia) June 16, 2019
Here are pictures of celebrations in Cape Town, South Africa.
In true sense of the word #Yoga, the celebrations of International Day of Yoga today united humans with nature in a pristine environs of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens in Cape Town.#YogaDay2019 #IDY2019 #ZindagiRaheKhush pic.twitter.com/VvCX46qgra
— India in Cape Town (@IndiainCapeTown) June 15, 2019
Are you ready for Yoga Day 2019?
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