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Introduction
It is the Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi who came up with the idea of celebrating International Yoga Day. By way of this he wanted to share this holistic approach of living that originated in India with the whole wide world. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) liked the proposal and 21st June was recognized as the International Yoga Day. It was celebrated for the first time in the year 2015.
The Origin of Yoga
Yoga is believed to find its roots in the Indian mythological era. It is said that it was Lord Shiva who gave birth to this art. Also known as Adi Yogi, Shiva is known to be the inspiration for all the yoga gurus around the world.
More commonly, it is believed that it was the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in the Northen India that initiated this brilliant art as many as 5,000 years ago. It is the Rig Veda that is said to have mentioned this term for the first time. However, the first systematic presentation of yoga is said to be done by Pantanjali in the classical period.
Reason Why International Yoga Day Celebrated on 21st June
Indian Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, who proposed the idea of celebrating Yoga Day also suggested that it should be celebrated on the 21st June. This was not just a random date suggested by him. There are certain reasons why this date was proposed to celebrate this occasion.
21st June is the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and is referred to as summer solstice. It marks a transition to Dakshinaya which is believed to be a period that supports the spiritual practices. It is thus considered a good period to practice the spiritual art of yoga.
Besides, legend has it that it was during this transition period that Lord Shiva enlightened the spiritual gurus by sharing knowledge about the art of yoga with them.
All these points were considered by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and 21st June was finally recognized as International Yoga Day.
Conclusion
The good part is that Mr. Modi and UNGA did not only mark 21st June as International Yoga Day but also made efforts to make this day a success when it finally arrived. The first yoga day was celebrated at a large scale in India. Many notable personalities from around the world participated in it. Since then it is celebrated with equal zeal and enthusiasm in the country as well as in other parts of the world.