International Yoga Day 2024 will be celebrated globally on June 21, highlighting the benefits of yoga for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. This year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has observed the International Day of Yoga in Srinagar during which he addressed the gathering and also participated in a yoga session. The event, which was scheduled to start at 6.30 am at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) on the banks of the Dal Lake, was disrupted due to heavy rain in the city. The arrangements were later shifted indoors.
Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit word for ‘union,’ emphasizes the connection between body, breath, and mind. This ancient Indian practice harmonizes the body, mind, and soul, and has gained widespread popularity for its numerous benefits. As we commemorate World Yoga Day, it’s an ideal time to embrace this holistic discipline and incorporate a daily yoga routine into our lives.
History of International Yoga Day
The origins of yoga date back to ancient India. However, the observance of International Yoga Day began in September 2014, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea during his address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). In his speech at the 69th session of the UNGA, he stated:
“Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies the 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 nature.” Following this, on December 11, 2014, the UNGA proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.
Each year, International Yoga Day adopts a specific theme to focus the celebrations and activities. The theme for 2024 is “Yoga for Self and Society.”
How Will International Yoga Day 2024 Be Celebrated?
On June 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will mark International Yoga Day in Srinagar, addressing the gathering and participating in a yoga session. Originally planned to start at 6:30 am at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) on the banks of Dal Lake, the event was disrupted by heavy rain and moved indoors. The 10th Yoga Day event will also be celebrated at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Acharya Lokesh of Agastya Yoga School emphasizes the significance of yoga: “Yoga is a fantastic way to get in shape, and take care of your body, mind, and spirit. It’s not just about fancy poses; it’s about feeling good in your skin and connecting with yourself.” He recommended Top 10 asanas as that can be easily integrated into even the busiest schedules, offering a comprehensive approach to fitness and a renewed sense of vitality and inner peace.
Top 10 Yoga Asanas to Practice Daily for Fitness
Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
Benefits: Enhances physical and mental balance.
Effects: Stretches and loosens the spine, clears congestion of spinal nerves, and stimulates the nervous system.
Additional: Useful for toning abdominal muscles and nerves, especially during the first six months of pregnancy.
Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)
Benefits: Strengthens side muscles, waist, and hamstrings.
Effects: Improves digestion, tones pelvic and reproductive organs, reduces waistline fat, and helps control pitta dosha.
- Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
Benefits: Increases flexibility in the hips and stretches hamstrings.
Effects: Tones abdominal and pelvic organs, and can help manage various health issues like menstrual disorders, liver problems, and asthma.
Unique: Can help reduce fever.
- Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose)
Benefits: Alleviates lower back pain and makes the spine flexible.
Effects: Stimulates the pancreas for diabetes control, tones spinal nerves, and relieves lumbago and muscle spasms.
- Padmasana (Lotus Pose)
Benefits: Promotes physical and mental stability and peace.
Effects: Calms the nervous system by influencing the lower spinal column, enhancing overall mental peace and physical health.
- Shalabhasana (Locust Pose)
Benefits: Strengthens lower back and pelvic organs.
Effects: Provides relief from backache, sciatica, and mild slipped disc, and stimulates appetite.
- Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Benefits: Expands the chest and improves breathing.
Effects: Relieves backache, keeps the spine healthy, and improves communication between the brain and body. Beneficial for slipped disc and sciatica with care.
- Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose)
Benefits: Influences prana shakti (life force) flow.
Effects: Redirects sexual energy towards consciousness development and controls nervous impulses related to reproductive and urinary systems.
- Bhadrasana (Gracious Pose)
Benefits: Excellent for meditation.
Effects: Enhances digestive power, balances prana flow, and calms the mind by applying pressure to key chakras (Muladhara, Swadhisthana, and Manipura).
- Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand Pose)
Benefits: Stimulates the thyroid gland.
Effects: Balances circulatory, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, nervous, and endocrine systems, relieves stress, and boosts the immune system. Promotes normal bone development and regeneration.
As we celebrate World Yoga Day, let us remember that yoga is a practice for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background. By incorporating yoga into our lives, we can cultivate a sense of well-being that extends far beyond the physical mat. Let’s continue to spread the message of yoga’s transformative power and create a healthier, happier world.