Yoga was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. The UN celebrates the 10th International Day of Yoga Culture and Education
This year, on June 21, the world celebrates International Yoga Day for the tenth time. The 2024 theme, “Yoga for Self and Community,” emphasizes the role of this practice in finding harmony with oneself and the world around us.
Yoga offers a holistic approach to health and wellness. This ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice originated in India. The word “yoga” comes from Sanskrit and means “union” or “connection”, symbolizing the union of body and mind. Today, there are several different styles of yoga that are practiced around the world and continue to gain popularity.
Recognizing the universal significance of yoga, on December 11, 2014, the UN General Assembly in its resolution 69/131 declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. It aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of yoga.
Yoga is more than a physical activity. According to one of the most renowned yoga practitioners, Sri B. K. S. Iyengar, “Yoga, this ancient yet perfect branch of knowledge, is concerned with the evolution of humanity. This evolution encompasses all aspects of existence, from the health of the body to Self-realization. Yoga means the union of the body with the mind, and of the mind with the soul. Yoga provides ways to maintain a balanced approach in our daily lives and empowers a person to take correct actions.”
Yoga was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. Based on ancient Indian philosophical teachings, the practice of yoga has influenced many aspects of Indian society in the fields of health, medicine, education and the arts. Yoga aims to achieve harmony between body, mind and soul to improve physical, spiritual and mental well-being, using various postures, meditation, controlled breathing, recitation and other methods.
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