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International Day of Yoga
International Day of Yoga
June 21, 2026
International Day of Yoga History
The United Nations General Assembly declared June 21st as the International Day of Yoga on Dec 11, 2014. Addressing the UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014, the Prime Minister of India said:
“Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being.
It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help us deal with climate change. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.”
On Dec 11, India’s Permanent Representative introduced the draft resolution in the United Nations General Assembly. The draft text received broad support from 177 Member States, including the United States. The draft text was adopted without a vote. Hence, June 21, 2015 was the first International Day of Yoga.
History of International Yoga Day
Yoga is an ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in India. It is an important part of Indian culture and civilization. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. In the last fifty years, thousands of people from all over the world have made it a part of their daily routine.
Yoga is more than a physical activity. It promotes lifestyle patterns that foster good health. It also reduces the rate of health-challenging diseases in the world. Lastly, it aims to develop a habit of meditation for peace of mind and self-awareness. For those reasons, International Yoga Day helps spread growth, development, and peace throughout the world.
The date of June 21 was chosen as it is the summer solstice, the day where there is the most sun out of every other day of the year. The summer solstice is celebrated in several cultures and has special significance in many parts of the world.
What are the Benefits of Practicing Yoga?
Incorporating yoga into your daily routine can help enhance your health, improve your balance and flexibility, and reduce symptoms of depression. But there are several other benefits to practicing yoga that you might be missing.
• It’s Inclusive
People of all age groups, religions, nationalities, and social backgrounds can practice yoga. Fast-paced, slow-paced, meditative, and restorative are some of the different forms of yoga that you can practice. Size and fitness levels don’t matter — there are modifications for every yoga pose.
• Helps Manage Stress and Pain
Do you have back or neck pain, difficulty sleeping, or headaches? If you regularly practice yoga, it can create mental clarity and calmness to lower blood pressure, relieve stress or anxiety, and improve sleep quality. It can also strengthen and stabilize the spine, relieving chronic back pain and arthritis.
• Helps Improve Breathing
Yoga focuses on controlling the breath through breathing exercises and techniques. Improving breathing can help build endurance, optimize performance, and keep your lungs and heart healthy. This breathwork is ideal for those with lung disease, heart problems, and asthma.5