The International Day of Yoga
International Yoga Day 2024 was celebrated on Tuesday, June 21, 2024. The International Day of Yoga has been celebrated annually on 21 June since 2015, following its inception in the United Nations General Assembly in 2014.Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice which originated in India. The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in his UN address suggested the date of 21 June, as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and shares a special significance in many parts of the world.
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.
Theme: Yoga for self and society
The theme “Yoga for Self and Society” perfectly encapsulates the essence of yoga as a transformative practice. On this 10th International Day of Yoga, we recognize how yoga nurtures individual well-being while fostering community connections.
Yoga promotes self-awareness and emotional balance, allowing individuals to cultivate inner peace and resilience. This personal growth naturally extends to societal relationships, encouraging compassion, understanding, and empathy. As we deepen our practice, we become more equipped to contribute positively to our communities.
By integrating mindfulness and physical health, yoga serves as a tool for social change, promoting wellness not just for ourselves, but for those around us. Celebrating this day reminds us that when we nurture ourselves, we also have the capacity to uplift others, creating a ripple effect of positivity in society. Let’s embrace yoga as a means to enhance both our individual lives and the collective well-being of our communities.
The link for downloading Common Yoga Protocol is
Photographs of International Day of Yoga – 2024
Digital Resources for Yoga
A) CYP Videos (Hindi, English and 14 Regional Languages)
B) Links of MoA’s Website, Social Media Platforms and Institutions
| S. No. | Ministry Of Ayush/ Institutes | Website Links |
| 1. | Ministry of Ayush Website | https://main.ayush.gov.in/ |
| 2. | Yoga Portal – Ministry of Ayush | https://yoga.ayush.gov.in/yoga/ |
| 3. | Ministry of Ayush – YouTube Channel | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqRR2gs-I3zrNcE4so4TpgQ |
| 4. | Ministry of Ayush – Facebook Page | https://www.facebook.com/moayush/ |
| 5. | Ministry of Ayush – Twitter | https://twitter.com/moayush |
| 6. | Ministry of Ayush – Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ministryofayush/?hl=en |
| 7. | Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) | http://www.yogamdniy.nic.in/ |
| 8. | Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN) | http://ccryn.gov.in/ |
| 9. | National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), Pune | http://punenin.org/index.htm |