International Yoga Day 2024: Tracing Back To The History, Significance And Themes Over The Decade

International Yoga Day 2024 will commemorate it’s 10th edition with the theme ‘Yoga For Self And Society’ on June 21.

The International Day of Yoga is a day in recognition of Yoga, that is celebrated across the world annually on June 21, following its adoption by the United Nations in 2014.

Brief History  

The initiative for ‘International Yoga Day‘ was proposed by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 2014 address to the UN as he cited the physical and mental health benefits of ‘yoga’ in daily life. The resolution garnered widespread global backing, with 177 countries co-sponsoring it in the United Nations General Assembly, where it was passed unanimously.

As a result, the first International Yoga Day was successfully celebrated on June 21, 2015, in various cities around the world, including New York, Paris, Beijing, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, and New Delhi.

A Look-Around On International Yoga Day Themes

Theme for International Yoga Day 2015: Yoga For Harmony And Peace

The first International Day of Yoga was celebrated globally on June 21, 2015. The main event took place at Rajpath in New Delhi, India, where a significant crowd, including PM Narendra Modi and dignitaries from various countries, practiced 21 asanas (yoga postures) for 35 minutes. This event in Delhi set two Guinness world records: one for the largest yoga class, with 35,985 participants, and another for the highest number of participating nationalities (84 nations).

Theme for International Yoga Day 2016: Yoga For The Achievement Of The Sustainable Development Goals

The Indian government aimed to build on the enthusiasm generated by the 2015 International Day of Yoga by encouraging increased youth participation in the celebrations for the current year. The ministry arranged an event named “The National Event of Mass Yoga Demonstration” in Chandigarh, which was attended by the Indian Prime Minister.

Renowned yogis, including Sadhguru and Baba Ramdev, also conducted large-scale yoga sessions on the designated day.

Theme for International Yoga Day 2017: Yoga For Health

In Lucknow, India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined 51,000 participants in a yoga event and practiced yoga himself. From New York to China, significant events occurred worldwide, with thousands of participants coming together to practice yoga collectively.

Theme for International Yoga Day 2018: Yoga For Peace

The celebration in Dehradun took place at the Forest Research Institute, where Prime Minister Modi led around 50,000 volunteers to commemorate the fourth anniversary of International Yoga Day.

In Kota, Rajasthan, over 100,000 individuals congregated for a yoga session, setting a Guinness World Record for the city.

Theme for International Yoga Day 2019: Yoga For Heart

The fifth International Yoga Day was enthusiastically celebrated in multiple regions of India. However, the primary event occurred in Ranchi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a gathering of more than 40,000 attendees.

Theme for International Yoga Day 2020: Yoga At Home And Yoga With The Family

On the occasion, the Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov sent a video message to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Theme for International Yoga Day 2021: Yoga For Wellness

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian mission to the United Nations opted for an online celebration on UN WebTV instead of holding in-person yoga events.

Theme for International Yoga Day 2022: Yoga For Humanity

The 8th International Yoga Day was commemorated across different regions of India, with the main event taking place in Mysore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a gathering of more than 15,000 attendees at the Mysore Palace Premises for this occasion.

Theme for International Yoga Day 2023: Yoga For Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

On International Yoga Day 2023, a historic yoga event took place at the U.N. Headquarters in New York, led by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The event was attended by top UN officials and notable individuals from around the world, including the current President of the UN General Assembly, Csaba Korosi, Hollywood actor Richard Gere, and the Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, among others.

Theme for International Yoga Day 2024: Yoga For Self And Society

International Yoga Day 2024 will be celebrated on June 21 with the aim of expanding yoga into a global movement that highlights women’s well-being and advocates for global health and peace.

The International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations will take place at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar on June 21 and will be led by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Significance Of International Yoga Day 2024

International Yoga Day acts as a cultural bridge, promoting peace and harmony. It highlights the benefits of yoga for physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual growth.

Key Benefits:

1. Global Awareness: Raises awareness about yoga’s benefits and encourages a healthier lifestyle worldwide.
2. Holistic Well-being: Promotes yoga as a holistic approach to fitness, mental health, and spiritual growth for all ages and abilities.
3. Unity: Brings people of diverse cultures together, fostering unity through yoga.
4. Mental Health: Stress-relieving benefits make yoga crucial in today’s world.
5. Yoga for Self and Society: Spreads yoga as a global movement, addressing social health issues.
6. Cultural Heritage: Honours yoga’s Indian origins, serving as soft power in diplomacy.

So, roll out your yoga mats and get ready to witness the 10th edition of the International Day of Yoga!