International Day of Yoga

Yoga is a 5,000-year-old physical, mental and spiritual practice having its origin in India, which aims to transform both body and mind. On 11 December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared 21 June as the International Day of Yoga. The declaration came after the call for the adoption of 21 June as International Day of Yoga by Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi during his address to UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014 wherein he stated: "Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature." In suggesting June 21, which is the Summer Solstice, as the International Day of Yoga, Narendra Modi had said that, "the date is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and has special significance in many parts of the world."

Benefits of Yoga

• All-round fitness. Yoga helps with postures, pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation and is a holistic fitness package.
• Weight loss. Sun Salutations and Kapal Bhati pranayama are some ways to help lose weight with yoga. Moreover, regular practice of yoga, help keep a check on weight. 
• Stress relief. A few minutes of yoga during the day can be a great way to get rid of stress that accumulates daily - in both the body and mind.
• Inner peace. Yoga is also one of the best ways to calm a disturbed mind.
• Improved immunity. Yoga poses massage organs and strengthen muscles; breathing techniques and meditation release stress and improve immunity.
• Living with greater awareness. Yoga and pranayama help create that awareness and bring the mind back to the present moment, where it can stay happy and focused.
• Happy Mind. Yoga and meditation work on keeping the mind happy and peaceful.
• Increased energy. A few minutes of yoga everyday provides the secret to feeling fresh and energetic even after a long day.
• Better flexibility & posture. Regular yoga practice stretches and tones the body muscles and also makes them strong. It also helps improve your body posture when you stand, sit, sleep or walk.
• Better intuition. Yoga and meditation have the power to improve your intuitive ability so that you effortlessly realize what needs to be done, when and how, to yield positive results.