Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Health
Why in News?
Recently, 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was celebrated worldwide, organized by the various organisations in collaboration with national and global stakeholders.
- Yoga – Yoga is an ancient discipline originating in India, which unites –
- Body – Movements, or Postures (asana)
- Mind - Breathing (pranayama)
- Consciousness - Meditation (dhyana).
- History – Yoga spans 2,500–5,000 years ago, firstly mentioned in Rigveda.
- It evolved through Hinduism and Buddhism, and modernized into fitness‑focused practice after colonial interest.
- UN Declaration – On 11 December 2014, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 21 June as International Day of Yoga.
- Celebrated on – June 21 since 2015.
- UNESCO – Yoga inscribed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (2016).
International Yoga Day, 2026
- Theme, 2026 – Yoga for Healthy Ageing.
- Global Participation – Celebrated in 190+ countries, with events at 2,500+ locations via Indian Missions abroad.
- Supports WHO’s Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) goals
- Guinness World Record – Over 4 lakh participants in a synchronized yoga session.
- Cultural Integration – Celebrations at 100 iconic heritage sites (Red Fort, Konark Sun Temple, Mahabalipuram).
Digital Initiatives
- Yoga 365 – Promotes yoga as a daily lifestyle choice.
- Yoga Samavesh – Inclusive routines like chair yoga for senior citizens.
References
- PIB | IDY
- Mednews | IDY
