International Yoga Day 2021:
Yoga is the dance of every cell with the music of every breath that creates inner serenity and harmony. International Yoga Day 2021 will be observed on June 21 this year to highlight the importance of Yoga and the pivotal role it plays in rejuvenating our mind and the body, leading to a healthier lifestyle.
Yoga not only provides physical and
mental relaxation but also develops strength and resilience. The numerous
benefits of Yoga make it a popular practice for people across the globe,
especially in times of a pandemic when mental and physical health is under
stress.
History of International Yoga Day:
Yoga is believed to have originated in
India thousands of years ago and also finds mention in ancient mythological
books like the Rig Veda. On 27 September 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
during his speech at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, proposed the
idea of practicing 'Yoga Day'.
In his speech, Modi termed Yoga as an
'invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition' and highlighted the importance
of yoga for maintaining 'harmony between man and nature'. The draft resolution
passed by India was backed by 177 nations and the first International Yoga Day
was celebrated on June 21, 2015.
Theme for International Yoga Day 2021:
According to the UN website, the theme
for International Yoga Day 2021 is 'Yoga for well-being', i.e. how the practice
of Yoga can promote the holistic health of every individual. With the COVID-19
pandemic exacerbating psychological suffering and mental health problems, many
people have been embracing Yoga to stay healthy and to fight isolation and
depression.
Yoga plays an important role in the
psycho-social care and rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients in quarantine and
isolation. As per the website, the message of Yoga in promoting both the
physical and mental well-being of humanity has never been more relevant. The
World Health Organisation (WHO) has also asked its member states to practice
Yoga and has included it in its Global Action Plan for physical activity
2018-30.
Significance of Yoga Day:
Yoga Day is celebrated across the
globe to highlight the importance of Yoga and how it has been beneficial in
keeping the body and mind in sound health. Considered as a holistic approach
and targeting the different systems of the body and the mind, Yoga renews the
mind with confidence. It calms the mind and improves concentration and
patience. Practicing asanas and pranayama regulates the purification of the
internal system of the organs. The energy generated in the body through these
physical exercises is then channelled into meditation for peace, stability and
calm.
Yoga in the times of pandemic:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the
mental and physical beings of individuals came under dire stress and Yoga came
to their rescue. Various media reports suggest that many people after
recovering from COVID-19 were left in psychological suffering, depression, and
anxiety. Yoga has proved beneficial to those dealing with such mental crises
and has been useful in allaying fears.
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