International Yoga Day 2020

The International Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21 every year. The proposal to observe Yoga Day was introduced by PM Modi in his address during the opening of the 69th Session of the General Assembly back in 2014.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz 2020

Key-Points

The draft resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states.

The date of 21 June was suggested as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and shares a special significance in many parts of the world.

The first International Yoga Day celebration was organised at Rajpath in New Delhi on June 21, 2015.

The World Health Organization (WHO) mentions yoga as a means to improve health in its Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018–2030: More active people for a healthier world.

This year, due to social distancing measures adopted by most countries, the theme set by the United Nations is “Yoga for Health – Yoga at Home”.

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.

The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.