International Yoga Day 2021: Theme, Date, History & Facts

The ultimate goal of Yoga is to elevate one to the state of oneness, which breaks the shackle of worldly sufferings and liberates the Yogi, the one who practices Yoga, to a higher dimension of living.

A Brief History of Yoga in India

Yoga is a prevalent practice in India. Its presence stretches from the lofty peaks of the Himalayas in the north all the way down to the Sunny beaches of the Indian Ocean. 

The discovery of seals and relics featuring the figures performing Yoga Sadhana at Indus Valley civilization puts the origin of Yoga at around 2700 BC on the historical timescale. With the earliest mention of Yoga in Rig Veda (1700BC), several other ancient texts such as Upanishad, Bhagvat Geeta, etc. also include various disciplines of Yoga.

Maharshi Patanjali is considered the Father of Yoga. Yoga Sutra, a collection of 196 Sanskrit Sutras on theories of Patanjali's Yoga, defines eight libs of Yoga, namely yamas, niyamas, asanas, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyan, and samadhi.

Father of Modern Yoga

Tirumalai Krishnamacharya is considered the father of modern yoga. He was an Indian yoga teacher, ayurvedic healing, and scholar. In the 20th century, he was known as one of the most influential yoga teachers.

Modern-day Yoga

Swami Vivekanand introduced Yoga to Western Societies. His book "Raja Yoga" Popularised the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali among the western audience. 

Modern-day Yoga generally emphasizes on the physical wellbeing of the practitioner. Modern Yoga styles can be traced back to Hatha Yoga, a discipline of Yoga that insists more on physical exercises. Contemporary Yogies performs various yoga asanas (Pose) such as Suyranamskar, Ashtanga Namaskara, Hasta Uttanasana, etc. to master both spirit and body. 

International Yoga Day - 21st June

On the proposal of India, the United Nations, on 11 December 2011, declared 21 June as the International Yoga Day. The theme of this year is "Yoga for well-being". As the world is adjusting to the current ongoing scenario, people are stuck at home; and Yoga, a perfect exercise routine to maintain physical well-being is also providing an effective means to deal with the stress and anxiety of isolation and uncertainty of social distancing and lockdown. 

On International Yoga Day 2021, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the lead event at 6:30 this morning.

2021 Virtual Event

Due to the prevailing situation, The the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations has organized a Virtual Event to celebrate 7th International Yoga Day online on 19th June 2021. Culture Ministry is celebrating Yoga Day 2021 under the 'Yoga is an Indian Heritage' campaign.

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