International Yoga Day: Enthusiasts twist and stretch in 'Yoga for the heart' in 2019

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. Adopted under the agenda of ‘Global Health and Foreign Policy,’ resolution 69/131 recognised that Yoga 'provides a holistic approach to health and well-being.'

Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity. Recognizing its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131.

The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.

Events are held across the world to mark the day. The United Nations declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014 .

PM Modi called for the day to be adopted as a global celebration of yoga, an ancient practice that began in India more than 5,000 years ago. Yoga Day 2019 theme is "Yoga for the heart".

Indian school students sit in formation as they depict the cricket world cup, ahead of World Yoga Day in Chennai on June 19, 2019. 

On the occasion of 4th International Yoga Day, India broke its world record of 55,000 people performing yoga at one place at the same time. On the 3rd International Yoga Day, 55,000 people of Mysore had set a record performing yoga at one place at the same time.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the International Day of Yoga from Ranchi with all arrangements being in place at the Prabhat Tara ground.

Since 2015, the International Day of Yoga is celebrated annually on June 21.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has set up a yoga ministry to popularise the ancient practice around the world and to reignite interest in its country of birth.

Developed by Swami Baba Ramdev, Ramdev Yoga is popular in India for its many proclaimed healing benefits. A strong emphasis on breathing exercises (pranayama) is the foundation of this practice for good health. Ramdev Yoga is often paired with the healing art of ayurveda to provide the most extensive health effects.

Baba Ramdev has made it to the Guinness Book of World Record by presiding over the largest crowd practicing yoga in Kota, Rajasthan. Two observers of Guinness World Records confirmed this, however, the exact official figure is not available yet.

The High Commission of India in Islamabad celebrated the fourth International Day of Yoga last year as a festival of health and well being.

The morning event at the High Commission premises saw over 100 guests, including members of the diplomatic community and Pakistani citizens from different walks of life. 

High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria welcomed the guests, describing the genesis of the UN’s IDY and the immense benefits of the practice of yoga. It was followed by guided yoga and meditation sessions led by Air Adviser Group Captain J.T. Kurien and the High Commissioner. 

China too celebrated the fourth International Yoga Day last year with hundreds of people participating in a yoga event.

More than 500 yoga enthusiasts performed various poses of the ancient physical discipline of India at the old premises of the Indian embassy in Beijing.

Participating in the event, Indian envoy Gautam Bambawale said yoga is acting as a bridge between India and China.
 

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and thousands of yoga enthusiasts celebrated 4th International Day of Yoga at Independence Square in Colombo in 2018.

President Sirisena practiced several yoga asanas and thanked yoga institutions in Sri Lanka for their excellent efforts.

High Commissioner of India Taranjit Singh Sandhu welcomed the President to the event. The Yoga celebrations started with a video message from Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.