National Yoga Day

Person doing a yoga pose outdoors in a serene natural setting, wearing comfortable workout clothes, surrounded by blooming flowers.. — National yoga day illustration

Let's take a deep, calming breath and lean into the wonders of National Yoga Day! This is not just another excuse to post your tree pose on Instagram, people. It's a day to appreciate the mind-body connection, discard the unnecessary tension, and yes, probably still post your tree pose on Instagram... because c'mon, you nailed it, didn't you?

When is Yoga Day?

It's national yoga day on the 21st June.

The Rise of National Yoga Day

First things first, what's with the Yoga poses flooding your social media feeds on 21st June? Ah, it's nothing but the world bending, stretching, and chanting in unison to celebrate National Yoga Day! Our digital sleuthing shows an impressive 3320 online mentions of this day, with the most mentions recorded on 21st June 2017. Now, that's what we call a downward trending dog!

Roots and Routes of Yoga

This stretchy celebration is a lot more than some fancy flexibility. Yoga, an ancient practice originating from India, isn't just your regular, run-of-the-mill exercise. It's about the harmony between mind, body and spirit, not to mention boosting your cool points when you finally nail that crow pose!

Why June 21?

Why does the summer seem more bearable on June 21? Glad you asked! National Yoga Day is celebrated on this date to mark the summer solstice. In yogic tradition, this day is considered to be a promising moment of the year to practice yoga and experience its life-changing benefits.

The Power Pose and Prose of Yoga

From helping manage stress, improving flexibility, to enhancing overall well-being, Yoga has scorched a sun salutation right into people's hearts across the globe. No wonder it merits a Day of its own. So, get out your yoga mat, or borrow one from your neighbor, and let's join the global bend-bandwagon!

History behind the term 'Yoga'

3000 BCE

Ancient Origins

Yoga is believed to have its roots in ancient India, with the earliest evidence dating back to approximately 3000 BCE. The term 'yoga' comes from the Sanskrit word 'yuj,' which means to unite or join. In its early stages, yoga was primarily a meditation practice aimed at achieving spiritual enlightenment and a union between the individual self and the divine.

200 BCE - 200 CE

Yoga Sutras

The foundational text of yoga, known as the Yoga Sutras, was compiled by the sage Patanjali between 200 BCE and 200 CE. This text provides a systematic and philosophical framework for practicing yoga. It consists of 196 aphorisms, or concise statements, that outline the principles and techniques of yoga. The Yoga Sutras are still widely studied and considered a valuable guide for both physical and spiritual aspects of yoga.

19th Century

Yoga Gains Popularity

In the 19th century, yoga started gaining popularity outside of India. Influential figures such as Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda played pivotal roles in introducing yoga to the Western world. Swami Vivekananda's lectures at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893 sparked significant interest in yoga and Hindu philosophy. Yogananda's book, 'Autobiography of a Yogi,' published in 1946, became immensely popular and contributed to yoga's spread in the United States.

Late 20th Century

Modern Yoga Boom

During the late 20th century, yoga experienced a boom in popularity, becoming a mainstream health and fitness practice. Various yoga traditions were introduced, adapted, and combined with different exercise techniques to meet the needs and preferences of practitioners. This period witnessed the development of yoga styles such as Hatha, Ashtanga, Bikram, and Iyengar. Yoga studios and retreat centers started sprouting worldwide, offering classes for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Present Day

Global Reach and Recognition

Yoga has become a global phenomenon with millions of dedicated practitioners across the world. It is recognized for its numerous physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. Yoga classes, workshops, and retreats are widely available in countries worldwide, catering to individuals seeking improved well-being and stress reduction. International Yoga Day, officially recognized by the United Nations, is observed every year on June 21st to celebrate and promote the practice of yoga worldwide.

Did you know?

Did you know that the largest Yoga class ever consisted of over 100,000 participants? It was conducted in India by instructor Baba Ramdev in 2015. Imagine the sea of downward dogs!