International Yoga Day; 21 June

Word "Yoga" is originated from Sanskrit word "Yog". Yoga is a Sanskrit word meaning "To unite symbolizing the union of body and consciousness".

Yoga originated in India. It is an ancient, spiritual, physical practice.

The draft for the establishment of International Yoga Day was proposed by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, which was accepted by the United Nations on 11 December 2014 (Resolution 69/131)  and announced to celebrate International Yoga Day on 21 June every year. The concept of celebrating International Yoga Day was conceived on 21 June because the Northern Hemisphere is the biggest day of 21 years.

The purpose of International Yoga Day is to create awareness among the people about the importance of yoga all over the world.

Photo: un(dot)org

Word of Resolution 69/131 (From un(dot)org)

Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 11 December 2014 

[without reference to a Main Committee (A/69/L.17 and Add.1)] 

69/131. International Day of Yoga 

The General Assembly, 

Recalling its resolutions 66/2 of 19 September 2011 on the Political 

Declaration of the High-level Meeting of the General Assembly on the Prevention 

and Control of Non-communicable Diseases and 68/98 of 11 December 2013 on 

global health and foreign policy, 

 Reaffirming General Assembly resolutions 53/199 of 15 December 1998 and 

61/185 of 20 December 2006 on the proclamation of international years, and 

Economic and Social Council resolution 1980/67 of 25 July 1980 on international 

years and anniversaries, 

 Noting the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices 

and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health, 

 Underscoring the fact that global health is a long-term development objective 

that requires closer international cooperation through the exchange of best practices 

aimed at building better individual lifestyles devoid of excesses of all kinds, 

 Recognizing that yoga provides a holistic approach to health and well-being, 

 Recognizing also that wider dissemination of information about the benefits of 

practising yoga would be beneficial for the health of the world population, 

 1. Decides to proclaim 21 June the International Day of Yoga; 

 2. Invites all Member and observer States, the organizations of the United 

Nations system and other international and regional organizations, as well as civil 

society, including non-governmental organizations and individuals, to observe the 

International Day of Yoga, in an appropriate manner and in accordance with national 

priorities, in order to raise awareness of the benefits of practising yoga; 

 3. Stresses that the cost of all activities that may arise from the 

implementation of the present resolution should be met from voluntary contributions; 

 4. Requests the Secretary-General to bring the present resolution to the 

attention of all Member and observer States and the organizations of the United 

Nations system. 

69th plenary meeting 

11 December 2014.