International Day of Yoga (June 21st)
On 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed
21 June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131
What is Yoga and why do we celebrate it?
Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.
Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity.
Recognizing its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131.
The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.
The draft resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states. The proposal was first introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address during the opening of the 69th session of the General Assembly, in which he said: “Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action ... a holistic approach [that] is valuable to our health and our well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature.”
The resolution notes “the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health.” In this regard, the World Health Organization has also urged its member states to help their citizens reduce physical inactivity, which is among the top ten leading causes of death worldwide, and a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes.
But yoga is more than a physical activity. In the words of one of its most famous practitioners, the late B. K. S. Iyengar, “Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions.”
About the IDY logo
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Folding of both hands in the logo Symbolize Yoga, the union, which reflects the union of individual Consciousness with that of universal Consciousness, a perfect harmony between mind & body, man & nature; a holistic approach to health & well being.
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The brown leaves symbolize the Earth element, the green leaves symbolize the Nature, blue symbolizes the Water element, brightness symbolizes the Fire element and the Sun symbolize the source of energy and inspiration.
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The logo reflects harmony and peace for humanity, which is the essence of Yoga.
International Day of Yoga
Yoga is a 5,000-year-old physical, mental and spiritual practice Having its origin in Bharat (India), Which Aims to transform both body and mind. On December 11 in 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21st as the International Day of Yoga. The declaration came after the call for the adoption of June 21st as International Day of Yoga by Hon’ble Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi during his address to UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014 wherein he stated: "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 the nature. " In Suggesting June 21, which is the Summer Solstice, as the International Day of Yoga, Mr. Narendra Modi had said that, "the date is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and has special significance in many parts of the world. "
Yogi and mystic, Sadhguru notes the importance of this day in the yogic tradition: “On the day of the summer solstice, Adiyogi [the first yogi] turned south and first set his eyes on the Saptarishis or Seven Sages, who were his first disciples to carry the science of yoga to many parts of the world. It is wonderful that June 21 marks this momentous event in the history of humanity.”
INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT
“175 nations, including USA, Canada and China co-sponsored the resolution.” It Had the "highest number of co-sponsors ever for any UNGA Resolution of such nature."
PREVIOUS EFFORTS
The idea to celebrate World Yoga Day has Been Proposed by many. Amongst them is a call by Significant international Humanitarian and meditation and Yoga Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in December two thousand and eleven.Following the Adoption of the UN Resolution, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar lauded the Efforts of Hon’ble Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, stating That "It is very Difficult for any philosophy, religion or culture to survive without state patronage. Now, official recognition by the UN would Further spread the benefit of Yoga to the entire world. "
Celebrating since 2015 in Japan
Celebrating International Day of Yoga in collaboration with Embassy of India, Tokyo since 2015 and could promoted YOGA to more than 10,000 people in Japan
International Day of Yoga 2021
Patanjali Japan Foundation in collaboration with the Embassy of India, Tokyo Japan organized 9 Days Yoga program on the occasion of International Day of Yoga 2021 on the theme of “Yoga for Unity and Well-being”
Theme: Yoga for Unity and Well-being
Concept: Conduct 45 minutes daily yoga session for healthy living
Dates: June 13 to June 21, 2021
How: ZOOM
Fee: Free of Charge
Summary
All 9 Days completed successfully with 569 participants for all sessions. All sessions were conducted online.
More than 10K total reach on social media; a very good improvement over previous year's IDY celebrations.
Apart from PJF’s event, we led the yoga sessions organized by other prominent organizations with more than 805 attendees in total.
Total number of shivirs: Total 26 (9 by PJF and 3 by GIIS, 1 by Tokyo Skytree and 13 by Rakuten Group)
Certificate of Appreciation: Certificate of Appreciation is awarded to our yoga teachers and volunteers for their time, effort and knowledge sharing.
Certificate of Participation: Certificate of Participation is awarded to all the participants who attended with their Email address in Zoom.
Summary Link
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FB Album (All selected photos): https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=patanjali.japan.foundation&set=a.4153095841448120
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Consolidated summary Link: https://www.patanjali.jp/post/complete-info-international-day-of-yoga-2021-day-1-2-3-7-8-9
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Youtube link of all the videos of all days: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtAhlpIluME3zB6iuvHJYu11rwIhY_PUp