The idea of International Yoga day
was first proposed by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, during his
speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on 27 September 2014. He stated:
Yoga is a useful gift of India's ancient tradition.
When proposing 21 June as the world yoga day, that the date was the longest day of the year in the mass northern hemisphere (shortest in the southern hemisphere), having special significance in many parts of the world. From the attitude of yoga, the June 21 marks the transition to Dakshinayana as international yoga divas.
2021 International yoga day
The word 'Yoga' springs from the Sanskrit
root 'Yuj', meaning 'to join' or 'to yoke' or 'to unite'. As per Yogic
scriptures the practice of Yoga results in the union of individual consciousness thereupon of the Universal Consciousness, indicating an ideal harmony between the
mind and body, yoga physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines
which originated in ancient India.
Yoga is one among the six Āstika (orthodox) schools of Hindu philosophical
traditions. There is a broad sort of yoga schools, practices, and goals in Hinduism, Buddhism, and
Jainism.
The development of
yoga are often traced back to over 5,000 years ago, but some researchers
think that yoga could also be up to 10,000 years old old. Yoga's long rich history can be
divided into three main periods of innovation, practice and development as per
Classical Yoga, Post-Classical Yoga, Modern Period
The eight limbs of
yoga are yama (abstinences), niyama (observances), asana (yoga postures),
pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), dharana
(concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (absorption)."
International yoga
day 2021 is observed on 21st June per annum to spread awareness about the importance and effects of yoga
on the health of the people. The word 'yoga' springs from Sanskrit which suggests to
hitch or to unite.
All aspects
of yoga into a particular format referred to as the Yoga Sutras. This is a collection of 196 verses or sutras
on yoga. And so, Patanjali is understood because
the father of recent yoga.
B.K.S. Iyengar was
the founding father of the design of yoga referred to as "Iyengar Yoga" and was considered one among the foremost yoga teachers within the world Clearing
Misconceptions: for several , the practice of yoga is restricted to yoga and Asanas
(postures)
The first
International Day of Yoga was observed round the world on 21 June 2015. Theme for International Yoga Day
2021 is Climate Action and it'll be celebrated at the United Nations on Thursday (June 20) with "Yoga with Gurus,"
International Yoga
Day 2020: theme will be 'Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family'.
Leh, the capital of
the Union territory of Ladakh are going to be the venue for the most event for world yoga day on summer solstice
Important facts related to Yoga
- The biggest yoga
gathering
and therefore he largestmixture of nationalities. Diplomats have been invited, as have dozens of other foreign guests for the 7am event at Rajpath - pursuit of two Guinness World Records. - The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh last year passed a resolution calling for yoga to be made compulsory in schools and universities.
- The foreign office is hosting Yoga Day events in 192 countries
- All Central Board of Secondary Education schools have been asked to submit reports on Yoga Day celebration.
- The AYUSH Ministry puts the expenditure at Rs 30 crore.
- Intensive campaign
launched by Prasar Bharti
and therefore the information and broadcasting ministry being unofficially pegged at Rs 100-odd crore - Four experts, including Baba Ramdev, will be present at Rajpath to exhibit asanas, which will be projected through 32 big screens.
- AYUSH Ministry has launched a mobile application to enable people to locate yoga events and centres providing training and instructors.
Maintaining a regular yoga practice can
provide physical and mental health benefits it can be used as a tool to help
you stay healthy.
Swami Ram Dev's contribution to yoga
In modern days Ramdev is a well known name to promote yoga, he has spent long years promoting the importance of yoga in the country.
Due to his contribution, the government of haryana has made Ram Dev Baba the brand ambassador of yoga, his contribution encourages people towards Pranayama which has reduced the difficulties of many people.
Physical benefits
“The relaxation techniques incorporated in yoga can lessen
chronic pain, like lower back pain, arthritis, headaches and carpal tunnel
syndrome,” Yoga also can lower vital sign and reduce insomnia.”
Other physical benefits of yoga include:
- Increased flexibility
- Increased muscle strength and tone
- Improved respiration, energy and vitality
- Maintaining a balanced metabolism
- Weight reduction
- Cardio and circulatory health
- Improved athletic performance
- Protection from injury
Mental benefits
Incorporating meditation and breathing in yoga can help improve a person's mental health.
Regular yoga practice produces mental clarity and calmness; Raises body awareness, relieves chronic stress patterns, relaxes the mind, concentrates and intensifies concentration.
Do’s and Don’ts of Yoga Practice
DO'S:
- Cleanliness - an important prerequisite for Yoga practice. It includes cleanliness of surroundings, body and mind.
- Asanas should be practiced on an empty stomach. Consume small amounts of honey in lukewarm water if you feel weak.
- Bladder and bowels should be empty before starting Yogic practices.
- Practice sessions should start with a prayer or an invocation as it creates a conducive environment to relax the mind.
- Yogic practices shall be performed slowly, in a relaxed manner, with awareness of the body and breath.
- A Warm up or loosening exercise and stretches before asanas is mandatory to avoid injuries.
- Asanas should be done slowly and one should move to advanced postures with practice.
- Try to eat Satvik food (Avoid meat, eggs, onion, garlic and mushrooms from diet).
- Stay hydrated before going into yoga practice
- Wear supportive and comfortable clothing. Light and comfortable cotton clothes are preferred to facilitate easy movement of the body.
- Yoga should be practiced in a well-ventilated room with a pleasant draft of air
- Use a mat with a good grip to do Yogasanas
- Be aware of breathing while doing Yogasanas.
- Complete the yoga session with relaxation techniques to cool down
- Do not hold the breath unless it is specially mentioned to do so during the practice.
- Breathing should be always through the nostrils unless instructed otherwise.
- Do not hold the body tight or give undue jerks to the body.
- Yoga sessions should end with meditation/ deep silence etc.
DONT'S:
- Yoga should not be performed in a state of exhaustion, illness, in a hurry or in an acute stress condition.
- Women should refrain from regular yoga practice especially asanas during their menses. Relaxation techniques and pranayama can be done instead.
- Don’t perform yoga immediately after meals. Wait until 2 to 3 hours after a large meal.
- Don’t shower or drink water or eat food for 30 minutes after doing yoga.
- During illness, surgeries, or any sprains or fractures, one should refrain from Yoga Practice. They can resume yoga after consulting experts.
- Don’t do strenuous exercises after yoga.
- Don’t practice yoga in adverse and extreme weather conditions (too hot, too cold or humid)
*Consult health experts if you have any health condition or
you are pregnant before doing yoga practice- source Ministry of auysh
Conclusion
Stress can manifest itself in some ways including back or neck pain, sleep problems, headaches, substance abuse and inability to concentrate.
Yoga is often very effective in developing skills and reaching a more positive attitude towards life. Incorporating meditation and breathing in yoga can help improve a person's mental health.
Regular yoga practice brings mental clarity and increases peace, awareness of the body relieves chronic stress patterns, calms the mind and intensifies concentration.
