Yoga, which originated in India, is an ancient practice that includes mental, physical, and spiritual aspects. The Sanskrit word ‘yoga‘ means ‘union of body and consciousness,‘ highlighting the harmony between the two. International Day of Yoga 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the global event. The theme for this year is ‘Yoga for Women Empowerment,‘ focusing on enhancing women’s health and wellbeing. Yoga Day 2024 theme aims to address health issues that women face at any age, including stress management and health conditions like PCOS/PCOD. In this article, let us take a look at the and various themes assigned to the International Day of Yoga over the past five years.

In 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea of Yoga Day to the UN General Assembly. His proposal was widely supported and eventually, June 21 was declared International Yoga Day. Since then, every year on June 21, International Day of Yoga is celebrated worldwide with a unique theme. Let’s look at the themes from previous years and how they have impacted people.

International Day of Yoga 2024 Theme: Yoga for Women Empowerment

The official theme for International Yoga Day 2024 is ‘Yoga for Women Empowerment.‘ The goal is to turn yoga into a widespread movement, with a special emphasis on promoting women’s wellbeing.

International Day of Yoga 2023 Theme: Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

The theme for International Day of Yoga 2023, ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,‘ promoted global harmony, unity, and universal wellbeing. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is an ancient Indian philosophy that views the entire world as one large family and this aligns with yoga, as the word ‘yuj‘ means union, emphasising unity.

International Day of Yoga 2022 Theme: Yoga for Humanity

In 2022, following the pandemic, the theme ‘Yoga for Humanity‘ was chosen to highlight how yoga helped alleviate human suffering. Special programmes were designed for people with disabilities, the transgender community, women, and children to support and promote wellbeing. 

International Day of Yoga 2021 Theme: Yoga for Wellness

Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, the theme for 2021 was ‘Yoga for Wellness,‘ focused on incorporating yoga into daily life for better mental and physical health. Though the celebrations were held virtually, the goal was to promote overall wellbeing during a time of widespread suffering.

International Day of Yoga 2020 Theme: Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family

The 2020 International Day of Yoga theme was ‘Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family.‘ It highlighted the importance of practising yoga with family while maintaining social distance amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Held virtually, millions of people in India and around the world participated in the event.

International Day of Yoga 2019 Theme: Yoga for Climate Action

The theme for 2019, ‘Yoga for Climate Action,‘ highlighted how yoga can help address climate change while also benefiting people’s lives. Regular yoga practise builds a sense of respect for Mother Earth, encouraging individuals to adopt environmentally friendly behaviours at home and work. This helps to contribute to building a better future.

Yoga includes a wide range of contemplative and self-disciplinary practises. It is incredibly beneficial to our overall health. So, this International Yoga Day, let’s promise to practise yoga every day and contribute to our wellbeing.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 11, 2024 12:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).