International Yoga Day: 2024
AGRITA CHHIBBER
On June 21st of each year, people worldwide unite to commemorate International Yoga Day. The ancient Indian discipline of yoga and its significant effects on mental, bodily, and spiritual well-being are acknowledged by this worldwide movement.
The term “yoga,” which comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” which means “to yoke” or “to unite,” represents the idea of achieving mental, physical, and spiritual harmony. It is a holistic approach to health that incorporates ethical concepts, breathing exercises, and meditation. It goes beyond simple physical postures.
In accordance with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Sanskrit root “Yuj,” which means “to join,” “to yoke,” or “to unite,” is where the word “yoga” originates. According to Yogic teachings, practicing yoga results in the unification of one’s own consciousness with that of the universe, signifying complete harmony between the mind and body as well as between man and nature.
Ancient Tradition: The practise of yoga dates back thousands of years to India. Honouring it signifies recognising its historical importance.
Holistic Well-Being: Yoga is more than just physical activity.
It promotes a feeling of general well-being by integrating mental and spiritual components.
Global Appeal: In recent years, yoga has become incredibly popular all over the world. The day honours the acceptance of it by everybody.
Yoga is more than just holding your breath and bending or twisting your body. It is a method to help you enter a level of awareness when you perceive and feel reality as it truly is. Your sensory body grows if you allow your energies to become joyful and ecstatic. This is the unity that yoga creates—the ability to feel the entire universe as a part of yourself, making everything one.
Patanjali, the originator of yoga, said, “Sthiram sukham asanam.” It means that your asana is a pose that seems balanced and firm. The fact that an asana is merely the first step in practicing yoga may surprise you. It motivates you to work towards the larger good. The goal of yoga is to achieve perfect harmony between your body, mind, and spirit. You will reach your full potential when you align yourself so that everything inside of you works perfectly.
Theme: Yoga for society and the self in 2024
The topic of this year’s 10th International Day of Yoga is “Yoga for Self and Society.” As a transforming practice, yoga stands for the oneness of restraint and fulfilment, the harmony of mind and body, and the balance between thought and action. It offers a comprehensive approach to health and well-being that calms our busy lives by integrating the body, mind, spirit, and soul.
On this unique day, we celebrate its transformative potential. Its subject, “Yoga for Self and Society,” sums up this age-old discipline nicely. Not only does yoga promote personal health, but it also strengthens the bond between the inner and outside selves.
Think of yoga as a kind of balancing that brings harmony to mind and body, action and thought, and personal fulfilment and discipline. Yoga provides a comprehensive approach to health and well-being by integrating the mental, physical, spiritual, and soul components; it is a much-needed source of calm in our hectic lives.
Why do we celebrate yoga, and what does it mean?
Yoga is a traditional Indian physical, mental, and spiritual discipline. The Sanskrit term for “yoga” means “to join” or “to unite,” signifying the integration of the body and the mind.
It is currently performed in many different ways all around the world and is becoming more and more well-liked. Acknowledging its global appeal, the United Nations declared June 21, 2014, as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131 on December 11, 2014.
The International Day of Yoga seeks to increase awareness of the various advantages of yoga practice on a global scale.
India presented the draft resolution that established the International Day of Yoga, and a record 175 member states supported it. In his speech to kick off the 69th session of the General Assembly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi originally proposed the idea, stating, “Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition.”
Yoga is a holistic method that is beneficial to our health and well-being since it embodies the unification of mind and body as well as thinking and action. Yoga is a means of discovering your sense of oneness with the world, yourself, and nature. It is not only a workout regimen.
“The importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and adhering to lifestyle patterns that foster good health” is mentioned in the resolution. The World Health Organisation has also called on its member nations to assist their citizens in reducing physical inactivity, as it is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease and is one of the top 10 causes of mortality globally.
On June 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will observe this year’s International Day of Yoga in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, along the Dal Lake. The event, which is set to take place at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on the lovely Boulevard road, is anticipated to draw between 3,000 and 4,000 attendees.
Yoga is a complete discipline that includes breathing exercises, relaxation methods, meditation, and physical postures. Yoga, which has its roots in ancient India, has become well-known throughout the world for its many health advantages. Through a series of poses (asanas) that stretch and develop muscles, yoga enhances flexibility, strength, and balance physically.
It improves joint health, increases circulation, and may even help with weight control. There are significant advantages to yoga for both people and society. Individually, yoga improves physical health by increasing strength, flexibility, and balance; it also improves mental health by lowering stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Consistent practice leads to a healthy and peaceful life by fostering inner calm, mindfulness, and self-awareness.
21-06-2024
Agrita Chhibber is a research scholar and from Jammu
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