International Yoga Day Celebrations From Srinagar To New York

Yoga is an ancient practice which finds its roots in India. The word “Yoga” is derived from a Sanskrit word “Yuj” which means “To Unify” or “To Join.” In simple words, Yoga means, “Yujyate anena iti yogahaa,” i.e., “Union of oneself with the divine or the supreme one.” Yoga as such has existed in India for a long time but it gained a global identity only recently. International Yoga day is celebrated each year on 21st June to create awareness among the people about its benefits. PM Modi had proposed to observe this day globally in the 69th session of the UNGA in 2014.

What’s Special This Year?

Each year the International Yoga day adopts a theme. The theme for this year is, “Yoga for Self And The Society.” This year PM Modi is celebrating and voicing for Yoga’s greater adoption from the lap of Himalayas i.e., Srinagar. PM Modi led the international Yoga day celebrations from Sher-i-Kashmir International conference center in Srinagar.

This morning, around 6-6:30 a.m., he led a Yoga session in Srinagar.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets participants of the Yoga session at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar in J&K.

He led the Yoga session here this morning. pic.twitter.com/8QiAaDwSBC

— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2024

After the Yoga session, PM Modi interacted with the public and even posted Yoga selfies.

Interacting with the yoga practioners in Srinagar, J&K. Do watch. https://t.co/WCkPgtiSGx

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 21, 2024

Post Yoga selfies in Srinagar! Unparalled vibrancy here, at the Dal Lake. pic.twitter.com/G9yxoLUkpX

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 21, 2024

As a part of his two day visit to Srinagar, PM Modi had earlier (20th June) laid the foundation stones of around 84 development projects worth Rs.1,500 crores. He had also distributed appointment letter of government jobs to more than 2000 people in the state.

Celebrations In Times Square…

Around 10,000 yoga enthusiasts participated in the day-long Yoga celebrations observed at Times Square, New York. The event, known as “Solstice at Times Square,” featured seven Yoga sessions. Thereby, showcasing the widespread enthusiasm for Yoga in the U.S.

Consulate General of India in New York, in partnership with Times Square Alliance, celebrated the 10th International Day of Yoga at the iconic Times Square of New York City, on June 20, 2024.

The day-long celebration of Yoga, also known as ‘Solstice at Times Square’, featured… pic.twitter.com/F4PX25HJn4

— DD India (@DDIndialive) June 21, 2024

Celebrations In London…

The Indian High commission organised hosted a Yoga event at Trafalgar Square which saw over 700 people participating. Mr. Vikram Doraiswami, Indian High Commissioner said, “It was a great pleasure to be able to have well over 700 people here in this central spot in London. With the iconic statues all around it. And of course, to have multiple yoga schools come here and lead us in the practice of yoga.”

Yoga lovers and enthusiasts from London gathered at #TrafalgarSquare to celebrate the 10th International Day of Yoga today. #YogaForSelfAndSociety #YogaForAll #InternationalYogaDay2024 #IDY2024 #YogaAtTrafalgarSquare pic.twitter.com/68k94WbjM2

— DPO Ayush (@PIBAYUSH) June 20, 2024

Celebrations In Delhi…

On the occasion of International Yoga Day, people did Yoga at the lawns of Kartavya Path in front of the India Gate. The Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was seen practicing Yoga at the Lodhi garden.

Union Minister for Railways, Electronics & Information Technology and Information and Broadcasting @AshwiniVaishnaw along with I&B Secretary Sanjay Jaju participated in the #Yoga session on the occasion of #InternationalDayOfYoga at Lodhi Garden, New Delhi.… pic.twitter.com/24zuaTS3QG

— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) June 21, 2024

On this occasion Mr. Shombi Sharp, the United Nations resident coordinator in India, greeted everyone and expressed his delight.

#WATCH | Delhi: Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India says, " Greetings to everyone on International Yoga day. It has been a wonderful morning invigorating here, celebrating the 10th anniversary of International Yoga Day…UN sees this as a path towards health and… pic.twitter.com/aMMEkzaooa

— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2024

Celebrations In Tamil Nadu…

The Governor Ravi practiced yoga with Yoga enthusiasts in the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. In his address the Governor recalled that the greatest proponents of Yoga, i.e., Thirumoolar and Patanjali who were from the sacred land of Tamil Nadu. He said that today under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, this heritage of Bharat is being embraced globally, transcending national, ideological and religious boundaries. He urged the people, particularly the youth, to adopt yoga as a way of life, explore the dimensions of Yoga entrepreneurship, and build a healthy and fit India.

On the 10th International Day of Yoga, Governor Ravi practiced yoga with thousands of enthusiasts and energetic youth from across Tamil Nadu at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, celebrating our timeless tradition of yoga for holistic health and universal well-being. pic.twitter.com/zWzSkmQwug

— RAJ BHAVAN, TAMIL NADU (@rajbhavan_tn) June 21, 2024