Ready, Set, Stretch! The World Celebrates Yoga In The Most Glam Way ~ International Day of Yoga 2016
New York celebrates International Yoga Day June 21, 2016, Photo credit: Kevin Gregor from Bikram Yoga NYC
The word, yoga (from the root yuj) means “to unite” and the ultimate goal of yoga is moksha, liberation from worldly suffering.
Contributing Writer Suzanne Dooley explores and answers your questions about this world event.
What Is International Day of Yoga?
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, proposed the adoption of an international yoga day in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2014: “[Yoga] embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help in well being. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.” On December 11, 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21st as the International Day of Yoga. A total of 175 nations, including the United States, Canada and China co-sponsored this UNGA resolution, which was the highest number of co-sponsors ever for any resolution of this nature.
London celebrates International Yoga Day, near the iconic Tower Bridge in London (Photo courtesy: PTI)
Why June 21st?
Summer solstice marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and it can fall on different dates from year to year, between June 20-22nd. The name, solstice, comes from the Latin solstitium meaning “sun stands still,” as it is the day the exact moment when the sun reaches its northernmost point from the earth’s equator. Summer solstice is celebrated in many parts of the world as being symbolic of fertility, renewal and harvest. To have the International Day of Yoga coincide with the day of summer solstice seems more than apt: the world stands still to unite together and embrace the world’s renewal. World peace in action.
Paris celebrates International Yoga Day, Courtesy of Vikas Swarup, Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, India,@MEAIndia
And this year’s summer solstice coexists with the “strawberry moon,” a blush-colored full moon that was given its name by the Algonquin tribes because that moon marked the beginning of the strawberry harvesting season. The summer solstice and strawberry moon have not occurred simultaneously in decades. According to AccuWeather.com, these two events coincided back in 1967 and won’t do so again until 2062. In some folklore, strawberries symbolize spring and rebirth, as well as righteousness and love. With the rarity of the summer solstice and strawberry moon occurring on the same date -and with each of these two events historically representing rebirth and renewal- the 2nd International Yoga Day seems to take on an even more meaningful significance: Nature’s and the world’s embracing global renewal in the year 2016.
People practice yoga at a tourist spot ahead of the International Day of Yoga, on the outskirts of Beijing (Photo courtesy: Reuters)
People practice yoga at a tourist spot ahead of the International Day of Yoga, on the outskirts of Beijing (Photo courtesy: Reuters)
Celebrations Around The World
In commemoration of International Day of Yoga 2016, Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, took part in a large-scale yoga session in the northern city of Chandigarh, while other celebratory yoga events also took place across India and throughout the world: from Afghanistan and Iraq to Latin America to Europe to the United States of America and so many, many more places.
Solstice In Times Square: Mind Over Madness Yoga. Each year, thousands of yogis from around the world travel to Times Square to celebrate the Summer Solstice in the heart of New York City. Photo credit: Kevin Gregor from Bikram Yoga NYC
New York Celebrates Yoga, Photo credit: Kevin Gregor from Bikram Yoga NYC
This morning over 30,000 people joined Prime Minister for 2nd International Yoga Day at Capital Complex in Chandigarh. (Courtesy of Vikas Swarup, Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, India,@MEAIndia).
By Suzanne Dooley
