International yoga day 2023 |
Brief information on International Yoga Day:
The International Day of Yoga is observed globally on June 21st each year. You might be shocked by knowing the fact that it was first proposed by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. The proposal received unanimous support from UN member states, leading to the establishment of this special day.
The purpose of the International Day of Yoga is to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being through the practice of yoga. Yoga is an ancient Indian discipline that combines physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), Kundalini Yoga, meditation, and ethical principles. It aims to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit, fostering balance, flexibility, strength, and inner peace.
You can also read What are the different types of the holistic yoga to know more about holistic benefits of it.
Amazing Benefits of Yoga:
Yoga offers a wide range of benefits for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here are some key benefits of practicing yoga:
Physical Health:
Yoga promotes flexibility, strength, and balance. Through various asanas (poses) and sequences, it improves flexibility by stretching as well as elongating muscles and joints. It even builds strength as different poses engage and tone different muscle groups. Yoga postures that focus on balance enhance stability and coordination. Additionally, yoga can help improve cardiovascular health, respiratory function, and overall body awareness.
Stress Reduction and Mental Clarity:
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Yoga incorporates mindfulness and deep breathing, which can reduce stress and anxiety. The practice encourages being present at the moment, letting go of distractions, and cultivating a calm and focused mind. The combination of physical movement, breath control, and meditation can help in managing stress, enhancing relaxation, and improving mental clarity.
Relaxation and Sleep:
Yoga promotes relaxation and can help with sleep-related issues. Certain yoga practices, such as gentle stretches, deep breathing, and restorative poses, activate the parasympathetic nervous system, inducing a relaxation response in the body. Regular practice can lead to improved sleep quality and a sense of overall relaxation and rejuvenation.
Mental and Emotional Well-being:
Yoga has been evident to have positive effects on mental health. It can help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. The combination of physical movement, breathing exercises, and meditation in yoga practice can contribute to improved mood, increased self-esteem, and a greater sense of well-being.
International yoga day 2023 theme:
The main theme of this International yoga day 2023 is to aware people around the globe about yoga by using different approaches like practising yoga in different cities and showing some ultimate benefits of it through some live examples. You can find the ultimate yoga theme presented by the govt. of India in the given below points.
100 days, 100 cities, 100 organizations:
The National institute Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, under the Ministry of Ayush, is conducting a campaign of 100 days, 100 cities, and 100 organisations from March 13th to June 21st, 2023, throughout the world to commemorate the 9th International Day of Yoga-2023. The programme aims to promote and distribute information and practice of Yoga among the general public on a nationwide scale in order to improve their health and well-being.
Ocean Ring of Yoga –
On June 21st, IDY-2023 will see a new programme called ‘Ocean Ring of Yoga,’ in which, with the assistance of the Ministries of Defence, External Affairs, and Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Yoga demonstrations will take place in many ports, on many ships, and in many places.
The Ocean Ring of Yoga programme, which is aligned with the topic of ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam’ for this year, strives to demonstrate the transforming potential of yoga in creating global peace and joyful coexistence.
From the Arctic to Antarctica –
Yoga demonstrations will take place all across the world, from the Arctic to the Antarctic. Countries located along or around the Prime Meridian will actively engage in these protests. Furthermore, the flight decks of the INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya will serve as magnificent platforms for demonstrating yoga in perfect unison. Yoga classes will also be held in the remote regions of the North and South Poles. Yoga classes will also be given in the Indian Research Base in Svalbard, Arctic, and Bharati, India’s third research base in Antarctica. These unusual and isolated locales will provide tranquil settings for yoga practises, demonstrating the ancient discipline’s worldwide reach and adaptability.
Bharatmala Yoga
Yoga The Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, and Border Road Organisation will organise yoga demonstrations along borders, coasts, and islands as part of this programme, establishing a Yog Bharatmala. This coordinated effort intends to demonstrate the uniting potential of yoga in a variety of geographical regions, as well as to develop a sense of well-being and harmony among the soldiers and populations stationed in these vital sites. Yog Bharatmala aims to promote yoga as an intrinsic part of the nation’s cultural fabric and to improve general physical and mental health.
Har Aangan Yog –
Har Angan Yoga |
Panchayats, Anganwadis, Asha/ANM workers, and local communities will all be involved in the Yoga demonstrations at the grassroots level. These vital community outreach pillars will actively participate in exhibiting yoga at various levels. Furthermore, the Health and Ayush Ministries’ Health and Wellness Centres, which number over 150,000 across the country, as well as the countless Amrit Sarovars (about 50,000), will offer Yoga demonstrations. This year, we can look forward to the immersive ‘Har Aangan Yog,’ which will capture the full essence and spirit of this holistic practise.
Prime Minister’s Yoga Awards (PMYA) – Awarded by the Prime Minister for exceptional contributions to the promotion and growth of yoga.
IDY Quiz Contest –
The Ministry of Agriculture is hosting a quiz contest on MyGov for the general public to participate in the quiz. The questions were based on publicly available data on previous IDY festivities and Yoga.
Common Yoga Protocols:
The Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) is a set of guidelines, rules & practices developed by the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) of the Government of India. It was created to provide a standardized and accessible framework for the practice of yoga on the International Day of Yoga and other occasions.
The CYP actually consists of a sequence of yoga practices that are designed to be accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. It includes a combination of asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), relaxation techniques, and meditation. The aim of the CYP is to provide a comprehensive and holistic yoga practice that addresses the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of well-being. You can learn more about Common Yoga Protocols on the official govt Website of AYUSH CYP.
Conclusion:
International yoga day 2023 |
The International Day of Yoga has gained significant popularity and participation since its inception. Numerous events and activities are organized worldwide, including mass yoga demonstrations, public gatherings, educational programs, and cultural performances, all dedicated to promoting and celebrating the practice of yoga.
Overall, the International Day of Yoga is an opportunity to appreciate and embrace the ancient wisdom of yoga and to recognize its real positive impact on an individual’s well-being as well as collective well-being. It encourages people to adopt a healthier & more mindful lifestyle, fostering harmony, peace, and unity among all communities worldwide.