The 11th edition of the International Day of Yoga (IDY), to be observed on June 21, will be celebrated with the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” The theme reinforces the interdependence between human health, environmental sustainability, and planetary well-being. It also aligns with India’s vision of “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” which gained prominence during its G20 presidency.
Since its inception, the International Day of Yoga has evolved into a global movement for wellness. From 9.59 crore participants in 2018, the reach of the event has expanded significantly, with an estimated 24.53 crore people across the world taking part in the 2024 celebrations. This growing participation reflects the universal resonance of yoga as a tool for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Yoga, a timeless gift from India’s ancient tradition, continues to be recognised as one of the most effective practices to promote holistic health. The term “Yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘yuj’, which means to join, to yoke, or to unite. The essence of yoga lies in its philosophy of integration—of mind and body, thought and action, and of human beings with nature. It is this holistic foundation that makes yoga not just a practice, but a way of life.
The United Nations General Assembly officially recognised June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in its resolution 69/131 on December 11, 2014. India had proposed the resolution, which was supported by a record 175 member states. Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the idea in his address at the 69th UN General Assembly session on September 27, 2014. The date was chosen to coincide with the summer solstice, the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere—a day that holds special significance in many cultures and is symbolically aligned with the principles of balance and harmony promoted by yoga.
Since the first International Day of Yoga was celebrated in 2015, India has remained at the forefront of its global observance. Under the stewardship of the Ministry of AYUSH, the annual event has received active support from state governments, Indian embassies, and UN bodies, making it one of the most widely recognised health movements in the world.
The logo of the International Day of Yoga is a visual representation of its underlying philosophy. The folded hands signify the concept of unity and consciousness—between individuals and the universe, between the body and the mind. The logo also incorporates elements of nature: brown leaves for earth, green for flora, blue for water, fire represented through brightness, and the sun as a symbol of energy and vitality. Together, these elements convey the message of harmony with nature, which is central to the practice of yoga.
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