International Yoga Day 2023: When and Why It Is Celebrated

Have you ever felt the stress of daily life weighing you down, making you yearn for a moment of peace? Don’t worry, you're not alone. It’s quite common to experience this in a fast-paced world. But once a year, on International Yoga Day, also known as World Yoga Day, people around the globe find a shared solution – they roll out their mats, take a deep breath, and dive into the world of yoga.

International Yoga Day, also known as World Yoga Day, is a global celebration of balance, health, and inner peace. It is celebrated with much enthusiasm and dedication on June 21 each year. This day is dedicated to the ancient Indian practice of yoga, a discipline that promotes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. But why is this day marked on our calendars, and what makes it resonate with so many? Let's delve into the heart of this worldwide event.

The Significance of June 21

Why June 21? Well, that’s because it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the summer solstice. This day holds special significance in many parts of the world, symbolizing the transition from spring to summer. It was chosen as the date for International Yoga Day because it symbolizes light, clarity, and awakening, all of which are aspects of yoga. The summer solstice is a time of renewal and rebirth, mirroring the transformative power of yoga.

Celebrating Yoga Day 2023

International Yoga Day 2023 promises to be a grand event, with people from all walks of life participating in yoga sessions worldwide. The day will see a series of activities, including yoga demonstrations, discussions, music and meditation sessions, and more. Schools, colleges, and other educational institutions will organize special yoga sessions for students, emphasizing the importance of yoga in maintaining physical and mental health.

The Theme of International Yoga Day 2023

Each year, International Yoga Day is celebrated with a specific theme to focus on an aspect of yoga that can benefit society. For instance, the theme of international yoga day 2022 was “Yoga for Humanity” which was intended to shed light on the physical, mental and emotional state of people.

The theme for 2023 is "Yoga For Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam." This Sanskrit phrase translates to "the world is one family," emphasizing the universal brotherhood that yoga promotes. The theme aims to highlight the role of yoga in fostering global unity and harmony.

The History of International Yoga Day

Let’s dive into how the concept of Yoga Day came into place. The idea of an International Yoga Day was first proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. He suggested this day to raise global awareness about the numerous benefits of practicing yoga. The proposal received overwhelming support, with a record 177 nations co-sponsoring the resolution, making it the highest number for any UNGA resolution of such nature. The first International Yoga Day was celebrated worldwide on June 21, 2015.

The Evolution of Yoga Day Celebrations

Over the years, World Yoga Day has grown in popularity, with more and more people participating in the event every passing year. The day is not just about performing yoga postures but also about spreading awareness of the benefits of yoga and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Yoga sessions, workshops, and seminars are organized in various parts of the world, where yoga experts and enthusiasts come together to practice and learn.

In India, the day is marked with mass yoga sessions attended by government officials, celebrities, and thousands of citizens. Prime Minister Narendra Modi often leads the session in New Delhi, with similar events held in cities across India and around the world. These events serve as a platform to discuss the impact of yoga on health and lifestyle and to promote its incorporation into daily routines.

Also read: What is the best time to meditate- Morning, Evening, or?

The Power of Yoga

Yoga is more than just a form of exercise. It's a holistic practice that improves mental health, promotes physical fitness, and fosters spiritual growth. Yoga helps in stress management, improves flexibility and balance, enhances concentration, and promotes overall wellness. On International Yoga Day, let's embrace the power of yoga and make it an integral part of our lives.

If you’re new to yoga and need a headstart, Level Supermind has an entire Yoga series for you. Not just for beginners, there are yoga poses for people at intermediate and advanced levels as well.

Also read: What is the right type of meditation for you?

Meditation: The Heart of Yoga

While yoga is often associated with physical postures, at its core, it's a meditative practice. It’s not just beneficial for your body but for your mind as well. Meditation is an integral part of yoga, helping to quiet the mind and deepen the connection between mind and body.

Meditation involves focusing the mind, often by concentrating on a specific thought, object, or activity. It encourages attention and awareness, helping to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.

On International Yoga Day, meditation takes center stage. Whether it's a sunrise meditation session to start the day or a guided meditation to close a yoga class, it's a key part of the day's activities.

Also read: How to make 10 minute meditation fit to your schedule

As we look forward to International Yoga Day 2023, let's remember the importance of meditation in our yoga practice. It's not just about the physical postures but also about finding inner peace and clarity.

This World Yoga Day, let's not forget to take a few moments to sit in silence, close our eyes, and meditate. Whether it's a part of your morning yoga routine or a way to wind down in the evening, meditation can enhance your yoga practice and bring a sense of peace and tranquility.

Also read: How to do meditation for overthinkers

Remember, every day can be a yoga day. Whether it's 21 June yoga day or any other day of the year, let's make yoga and meditation a part of our daily lives. After all, the benefits of yoga and meditation aren't limited to just one day. They're practices that can enhance our lives every day.

Are meditation and yoga the same?

Read more: Meditation vs yoga: Which practice suits you the best?

Meditate with Level Supermind

Meditation has a profound effect on your mind. But it can’t happen overnight. It takes time to observe the difference it brings along. With Level Supermind, you can begin your journey of meditation and no, language wouldn’t be a barrier. You can meditate in your preferred language be it Hindi, English, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, Tamil or Kannada through the Beginners series.

The Benefits of Yoga

Yoga offers a multitude of benefits for both the body and the mind. Physically, it can increase flexibility, improve balance, enhance strength, and promote better posture. Regular yoga practice can also help manage chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Mentally, yoga is known for its ability to alleviate stress and anxiety. It encourages mindfulness and helps create a sense of calm and peace. It can also improve concentration, memory, and cognitive functioning.

Different Types of Yoga

There are several types of yoga, each with its unique focus and benefits. Hatha Yoga, for example, is great for beginners and focuses on basic postures and breathing exercises. Ashtanga Yoga is a more challenging style that follows a specific sequence of postures. Vinyasa Yoga involves fluid transitions between poses and is often paired with music. Yin Yoga is a slow-paced style where poses are held for longer periods, ideal for stretching and meditation.

Also read: Meditation vs sleep: Can meditation replace sleep in 2023?

Starting a Yoga Practice

Starting a yoga practice is easier than you might think. All you need is a quiet space, a yoga mat, and comfortable clothing. Begin with simple poses, and gradually move on to more complex ones as your flexibility and strength improve. Remember, the goal is not to perform the perfect pose but to connect with your body and mind.

There's a reason why many people prefer to do their yoga practice in the morning. Morning yoga sessions can be a great way to kickstart your day. They can help to boost your energy, clear your mind, and set a positive tone for the day ahead.

Starting your day with yoga can have several benefits. It can help to increase your flexibility, improve your posture, and boost your mood. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and well-being that can carry through the rest of your day.

On International Yoga Day, many people start their day with a morning yoga session. You're not just doing yoga on your own, but at the same time as millions of people around the world, so this can be a very powerful experience. It's a reminder of the global yoga community and the shared commitment to health and well-being.

So, as we look forward to International Yoga Day 2023, consider starting your day with a morning yoga session. It could be the perfect way to celebrate the day and embrace the power of yoga.

Final thoughts

Yoga is a powerful tool for mental health. It can help manage stress, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve sleep quality. The meditative aspects of yoga promote mindfulness, helping you stay present and focused. This can be particularly beneficial in our fast-paced world, where distractions are abundant.

Yoga is not about exercise but discovering the sense of oneness with ourselves, the world, and nature.