International Yoga Day- 2025: 21 June

Why in news?

• International Yoga Day is celebrated every year on 21 June.
• This day is celebrated with the aim of getting the importance of yoga recognized globally and to spread its benefits to the masses.
• Theme of the year 2025 (Theme of the 11th Yoga Day 2025): “Yoga for one earth, one health”

What is yoga?

• Yoga is an ancient Indian method which is the knowledge of balancing physical, mental and spiritual health.
• It is mentioned in Rigveda, Upanishad, Patanjali Yogasutra etc.
•  Yoga means ‘union’ or ‘integration’, that is, the harmony of body, mind, and soul.

History of International Yoga Day:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed to get yoga international recognition in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 27 September 2014.
• The proposal was co-sponsored by 177 out of 193 countries – one of the most supported proposals in UN history.
• After this, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared 21 June as International Yoga Day.

Why was 21 June chosen?

• This day is the longest day of the year.
• This time is considered important for the awakening of spiritual energy.
• In Indian culture, this day is also associated with the beginning of Adiyogi Shiva giving the knowledge of yoga to the Saptarishis as the first yogi.

Government of India and Yoga:

• Various programs, yoga certification and research are being done by the Ministry of AYUSH to promote yoga.
• Institutions like Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Central Yoga Institute, Indian Yoga Association are active in yoga education and research.
• Yoga has also been integrated into school curriculum, Fit India Campaign, and Swasth Bharat Mission.

Global Impact:

• Yoga Day is celebrated in 190+ countries of the world.
• Public yoga sessions are organized in cities like Times Square, New York, Paris, London, Tokyo, Beijing.
• WHO has also recognized yoga as useful in combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs).