Until International Day of Yoga are 24 days.
In 2023 International Day of Yoga is on 21st June (Wednesday).
International Yoga Day is observed on June 21st. The date remains the same and for the first time it was celebrated in 2015. On this occasion, events are held in more than 170 countries around the world dedicated to yoga, which is recognized as the cultural heritage of India promoting a healthy lifestyle.
History of International Yoga Day
Since the end of the 1990s, mainly thanks to the Portuguese teacher of yoga, Amrt Suryanand Maha Raj, local initiatives have been taken to establish a one-day international yoga feast, 24 hours free of bloodshed worldwide, dedicated to the practice of yoga.
In 2011, this initiative was strongly supported by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Art of Living Foundation), who organized a conference in Bangalore („Yoga as a science contributing to world peace”). Numerous spiritual teachers participating in the event called on the UN and UNESCO to establish 21 June as International Day of Yoga.
After the political tsunami in Indian politics in 2014 and the change of government, the new Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, a yoga practitioner, gave state support for this initiative and gave a speech at the United Nations in New York City in which he recalled that yoga is an invaluable gift from an ancient tradition and embodies the unity of mind and body, thought and action. He also pointed out the benefits for health and well-being that regular exercise brings.
A few months later the UN unanimously supported the resolution to establish an international yoga day, thus confirming that the practice of yoga is not associated with any religion. A record number of countries (177) have indicated their willingness to co-sponsor the work of organising this event. On June 21st, 191 countries are hosting sessions and lectures on yoga, including Pakistan, which a few years ago refused to grant visas to a group of Indian yoga teachers. The organisation involves Indian diplomatic missions, the Art of Living Foundation and local yoga schools around the world.
Did you know?
On June 21st each year, the so-called Dakshinayana, lasting for 6 months, starts, which is a period particularly beneficial for spiritual practices.