International Day of Yoga

The idea of a world yoga day was promoted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He suggested the date chosen be the longest day of the year, at least, in the Northern Hemisphere.

Yoga derives from Hindu and Eastern religious practices as a form of meditation and exercise meant to unite mind and body. However, it has spread all over the world even among those not following Eastern religions. Yoga has become very popular, and it was made a UN observance to promote “health, harmony, and peace”.

Around the time of International Day of Yoga, there is public promotion of Yoga and education about Yoga in national media, as well as special Yoga events in some countries stressing its benefits.