Every year 21 June is being observed as International Day of Yoga (अंतर्राष्ट्रीय योग दिवस) across the globe to spread awareness about practicing yoga.
2017 Theme: ‘Yoga for Health,’ hopes to highlight yoga’s holistic approach to both physical and mental well-being and its ability to create a balance between body and mind.
Considered the yoga capital of the world, Mysuru will be celebrating the International Day of Yoga in a fittingly high-profile way, by attempting to create a new Guinness Record for the largest number of people taking part in a yoga class.
The city aims to bring together 50,000 yogis on the day to break the record set in New Delhi on International Day of Yoga 2015 when 35,895 yogis participated in the event.
Mysuru is also attempting to break a second record of the largest yoga chain, hoping that 5,001 participants will overtake the record set in 2014 when a chain was formed with 3,849 yogis.
About Yoga
Yoga is a physical, mental or spiritual practice attributed mostly to India.
The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit language which means to unite or to join, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. Maharishi Patanjali is considered as the Father of Yoga.
He had compiled 195 Yoga Sutras which had become the foundation of Yoga philosophy.
The commentary on these sutras is called Bhasya and the core essence of Patanjali’s yoga philosophy is the eightfold path of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga) that focusses upon healthy living through Yoga.
It has been attributed that Yoga balances body and soul, mental and physical well-being.
It promotes harmony among people and between ourselves and the natural world.
Background
The idea of celebrating the International Yoga Day was pitched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2014.
In December 2014, UNGA had unanimously adopted India-led resolution to observe 21st June as ‘International Day of Yoga’. This resolution was adopted under the agenda of ‘Global Health and Foreign Policy’.
21st June was selected because it represents summer solstice (one of the two solstices) and it is the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere which has special significance in many parts of the world.
Join The Discussion