Globally every year on June 21 since 2015, the day is celebrated as the “International Day of Yoga”.
With Indian Prime Minister endorsing Yoga for global recognition, 177 nations had supported the intiative in the UN General Assembly with related resolution being passed unanimously in 2014.
The first ever International Day of Yoga was celebrated around the world including megacities like New Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Bangkok, Beijing, Paris and New York.
This year marks the 10th International Day of Yoga and each year a global theme is given to the celebration with 2024’s theme being “Yoga for Self and Society”.
The word “Yoga” comes from a Sanskrit word “Yuj” which means “to join”, “to yoke” or simply “to unite”.
The practice of Yoga is believed to lead an individual into the union of one’s consciousness with that of the Universe thus creating a harmony between mind and body, man and nature.
The one who practices “Yoga” is known as “Yogi” and is believed to elevate the person into self-realization overcoming sufferings ultimately leading to “Moksha” or “Kaivalya”.
With its orgins found in Ancient India, long before the rise of organized religions, Yoga has its beginnings attributed to Shiva, revered as the very first yogi and guru.
Legend holds that Shiva imparted his profound wisdom to the seven sages by Lake Kantisarovar in the Himalayas, setting in motion a journey that carried yoga’s transformative power across continents.
These sages, known as the Saptarishis, shared this sacred knowledge widely, influencing cultures far and wide, yet it was in India where yoga found its deepest resonance and fullest expression, shaped by luminaries like Agastya.
Today, the benefits of yoga are celebrated globally for their profound impact on physical health, enhancing flexibility, strength, and balance.
Equally important are its contributions to mental well-being, offering tools to manage stress, reduce anxiety, and foster relaxation.
Yoga also nurtures spiritual growth by fostering inner peace and self-awareness, integrating mind, body, and spirit for holistic healing.
Moreover, through mindful breathing practices, yoga teaches vital techniques that enhance overall wellness and vitality, affirming its enduring relevance in modern life.
In a recent interview with Sikkim Chronicle, Dr. Sumiran Tamang from AYUSH Division of STNM Hospital Gangtok, had spoken in length over the profound legacy and vibrant celebration of yoga.
AYUSH Division of STNM Hospital is entrusted with Yoga Day celebrations and its preparation in Sikkim annually.
“Yoga is a holistic science which elevates one’s mental, physical and spiritual well-being leading to self-realization”, said Dr Tamang.
“Before practising Yoga, one must perform a basic self-assesment for injuries and comorbidities and practice Yoga under the direction of Yoga specialist”, Dr Tamang added.
“To mark the International Day of Yoga on June 21 we are organizing a mega session of Yoga at Paljor Stadium which will be attended by Legislative and Executive heads with participation from various institutions”, said Dr. Tamang.
He had also highlighted AYUSH’s extensive preparations over the past two months which included countdown events in diverse venues including army headquarters, rehabilitation centers, orphanages, and schools.
(The author Tezika Chettri is a final semester student of SRM University Sikkim pursuing BA in Journalism and Mass Communication. Contact: tezikachettri@gmail.com)
