International Day of Yoga 2025: A Global Celebration
This marks the 11th International Day of Yoga, commemorated annually on the summer solstice, a day of balance and renewal.
“After 11 years, Yoga has now become a part of the lives of crores of people around the world,” says PM Modi in Visakhapatnam on International Yoga Day. – June 21, 2025
Theme 2025: Yoga for One Earth, One Health
Focuses on the vital link between personal well‑being and planetary health.
Encourages practices that nurture both individual wellness and the Earth’s sustainability.
Guinness World Record Attempt in Visakhapatnam & Kurukshetra
- Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh:
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Stretching over 26 km from Ramakrishna Beach to Bheemili, the main event led by PM Modi aims to set multiple world records, including one recognized by Guinness.
- Kurukshetra, Haryana:
A planned mass yoga session of 100,000 participants led by Swami Ramdev aims to create another Guinness benchmark.
- Akshar Yoga Kendra at Palace Grounds:
Attempting 12 distinct Guinness records with 2,500 participants from 30+ countries.
History of International Day of Yoga
- 2014: PM Narendra Modi proposed the idea at the UNGA on September 27.
- December 11, 2014: UN adopts the resolution with a record 177 co‑sponsors.
- June 21, 2015: 1st celebration in New Delhi including a Guinness record for the largest yoga session (35,985 participants) and 84 nationalities.
Past Themes:
2020: Yoga at Home and Yoga with the Family
2021: Yoga for Well‑Being
2022: Yoga for Humanity (main event in Mysore)
2023: Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (UNHQ, New York)
2024: Yoga for Self and Society (main in Srinagar & Guinness at Bengaluru)
A Rich Descent: History of Yoga
Yoga, derived from Sanskrit “yuj” (to unite), is much more than physical postures. Its origins include:
1. Vedic Roots: Early philosophical foundations in the Rig‑Veda around 1500 BCE. You will find more clarification and descriptive mention of Yoga in Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. Also find detailed explanation of Karma Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Yoga Maya, etc.
2. Pre‑Classical Era: Emergence of Upanishads exploring meditation and mindful living.
3. Classical Yoga: Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras (circa 400 CE) the Eight Limbs (Ashtanga) of ethical living and self‑realization.
4. Post‑Classical and Hatha Yoga: Focus on physical purification; Hatha texts like Hatha Yoga Pradipika (~15th century).
5. Modern Yoga: Revival in 20th century by gurus like B.K.S. Iyengar, T. Krishnamacharya, and Tao Porchon‑Lynch, who brought yoga worldwide.
6. In Present time: A holistic system integrating posture (asana), breathing (pranayama), meditation, and ethical living.
Yoga has transcended borders practiced by astronauts in space (Rakesh Sharma), in cities like New York, Paris, and atop Mt. Everest, honoring its universal appeal.
Inspiring Quotes on Yoga
Patanjali (Yoga Sutras): “Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.”
Wayne Dyer: “You cannot always control what goes on outside. But you can always control what goes on inside.”
Guru Ravi Shankar (on UN recognition):
“It is very difficult for any philosophy, religion or culture to survive without state patronage… Now, official recognition… would further spread the benefit of yoga.”
Why Yoga Matters in Life
1. Physical Health: Improves flexibility, strength, posture, and circulation.
2. Mental Peace: Reduces stress, calms the mind, enhances focus and resilience.
3. Holistic Harmony: Integrates body, mind & spirit; connects us with nature, aligning with “One Earth, One Health.”
4. Cultivates Virtue: Promotes compassion, discipline, balance inspiring healthier societies.
5. Global Unifier: Across cultures, yoga fosters unity, understanding, and solidarity.
Your Call to Yoga
This June 21, join millions from Visakhapatnam’s shores to local parks on the journey of unity and wellness. Whether you’re new or experienced, take part:
- Set the intention.
- Roll out your mat.
- Breathe, stretch, and ground practice yoga for yourself, your community, and the planet.
Happy International Day of Yoga 2025!
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