HIghlights

*Sixth International Yoga Day

*History of Yoga day

*Yoga and Coronavirus Pandemic

Tomorrow is 21 June – the sixth International Yoga Day (IDY). This year, the focus is on `Yoga at Home’ with family members. After its inception at the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, Yoga Day has been accepted across the world.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic looming large, with studios and gyms shut, people will be celebrating Yoga day at home. There will be no mass gatherings at public places unlike the past.

Over the last five years, (IDY) has been celebrated at Indian embassies’ premises and at iconic places like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Opera House in Sydney, Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia, Times Square in New York and Victoria Falls Bridge in Zimbabwe.

History of the International Yoga Day

International Yoga Day was proposed by Prime Minister Modi on September 27, 2014 during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly. The date June 21 was chosen as it is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. It received the support of 177 nations, the highest number of co-sponsors for any UN resolution.

The aim is to celebrate the physical and spiritual prowess that this 5000 year old tradition brings to the world. Yoga can help us connect mind, body and soul to lead a mindful and stress free life.

In the run up to the Yoga day, the central government has launched an event – ‘My Life My Yoga’.  Prime Minister Modi in his ‘Mann ki Baat’ has   encouraged people to stay active and fit during the Coronavirus lockdown.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, International Yoga Day will be observed at home. “Due to the contagious nature of COVID-19, no mass gathering would be advisable this year. Hence, this year the ministry is encouraging people to practice yoga at their homes, with participation from the entire family,” the AYUSH Ministry said in a statement.

The video blogging competition has invited citizens to participate in it and post their videos. ‘My Life, My Yoga’ contest is a joint effort by the Ministry of AYUSH and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.

1 Day to Go! #InternationalYogaDay

"Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family"

Hon'ble Union AYUSH Minister, Shri @shripadynaik encourages everyone to participate in "My Life My Yoga", Video Blogging Contest on the occasion of 6th IDY 2020. pic.twitter.com/o6Jm9vPD2A

— Ministry of AYUSH (@moayush) June 20, 2020

Yoga during the Coronavirus Pandemic

Yoga takes a holistic approach and targets all the different systems of the body. The Asanas make the body strong and flexible, as health improves; the mind too is renewed with confidence. The practice of Pranayama increases our oxygen intake. This rich oxygenation blood to the brain, heart, lungs, and digestive systems vastly improves our overall health. Kriyas are cleansing processes which flush out toxins from our body.

Dhyan, mindful breathing and meditation helps us towards stability, peace and calm. Like a Yoga expert said, “Yoga takes you into the present moment. The only place where life exists.”

In the Covid -19 scenario, experts believe that Yoga and Ayurveda can help us boost our immunity

Practicing yoga daily for 50-60 minutes helps maintain a balanced metabolism, increases flexibility, muscle strength and tone and improves respiration, energy and vitality. There are other benefits of yoga too.