Why do we celebrate International Yoga Day on June 21? Know its significance

International Yoga Day, also kwn as World Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21, every year, since 2015. Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that has benefited people across world to maintain a state of physical and mental well-being. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2014 dressed UN assembly and discussed essence of Yoga, he said that June 21 is longest day of year in rrn Hemisphere and has special significance in many parts of world. 

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Why is June 21 celebrated as International Yoga Day?

Initially on, December 11, 2014, Asoke Mukherji, India's Permanent Representative introduced draft resolution in United Nations General Assembly. draft was supported by 177 Member States who sponsored text, which was opted without a vote. International Yoga Day proposal gained support from many global leers, 177 nations co-sponsored resolution, which is highest number of co-sponsors ever for any UNGA Resolution of such nature.

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While presenting proposal to  United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dressed and discussed essence of Yoga. He ded, "Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient trition. It 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 t about exercise but to discover sense of oneness with you", in UN General Assembly. 

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On December 1, 2016, practice of yoga was listed as an intangible cultural herit by UNESCO. impact of yoga on physical and mental well-being has always been a topic of methodical studies, with evidence that regular yoga practice yields benefits for low back pain and stress. In 2017, a Cochrane review found low‐ to moderate‐certainty evidence that yoga improved back function compared to n-exercise. 

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first International Yoga Day was witnessed around world on June 21, 2015. In India, 35,985 people, including Modi and dignitaries from 84 nations, performed 21 asanas for 35 minutes at Rajpath in New Delhi. This event became largest yoga class ever held, and with largest number, 84 of participating nationalities. Similar days have been held in cities in India and around world each year since n.