Celebrating the Global Power of Yoga
Origins of International Day of Yoga
Founder of The Art of Living, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, shared a stage and gave a call to the UN to declare 21 June as World Yoga Day.
“There is World Toilet Day, but no World Yoga Day. We will write to the UN to recognise 21 June as World Yoga Day,” Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said speaking at the International Yoga Summit held at The Art of Living International Centre in 2011. He signed the petition at the valedictory function of the summit. A delegation from the Yoga Portuguese Confederation participated in the summit and sought the support of yoga gurus.
The United Nations proclaimed this day in 2014, recognising the universal appeal of yoga, a practice originating from ancient India that has benefited millions across the globe.
The International Day of Yoga is a global event that is observed on 21 June, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. It aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practising yoga and celebrates the physical, mental and spiritual benefits it brings to people of all ages and backgrounds.