Celebrated on June 21, International Yoga Day celebrates the physical and spiritual prowess that yoga has brought to the world stage. While it is an important source of exercise and healthy activity millions join in and practice daily. For many, these routines are a way to connect the body, mind and soul in a way that has existed for centuries.
WHEN IS INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY 2021?
June 21 has been recognised as International Yoga Day because it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY
The practice of Yoga is believed to have started with the very dawn of civilization. The science of yoga has its origin thousands of years ago, long before the first religions or belief systems were born. In the yogic lore, Shiva is seen as the first yogi or Adiyogi, and the first Guru or Adi Guru.
Several Thousand years ago, on the banks of the lake Kantisarovar in the Himalayas, Adiyogi poured his profound knowledge into the legendary Saptarishis or “seven sages”. The sages carried this powerful yogic science to different parts of the world, including Asia, the Middle East, Northern Africa and South America. Interestingly, modern scholars have noted and marvelled at the close parallels found between ancient cultures across the globe. However, it was in India that the yogic system found its fullest expression. Agastya, the Saptarishi who travelled across the Indian subcontinent, crafted this culture around a core yogic way of life.
TRADITIONS OF THE DAY
International Yoga Day is a relatively new holiday, so there aren’t any time-honored traditions. But yoga itself is an ancient art that refreshes the mind and soothes the soul. The day aims to encourage new people to adopt the yogi lifestyle and align with their inner chakra.
Newbies sign up for yoga and create their own flow of movements to their favorite relaxing music. Before starting yoga, new mats and yoga pants are bought. Those who are already skilled at yoga try out new combinations and introduce their friends to it. Special group yoga retreats are also offered by instructors.