Introduction
On June 21, 2024, the world came together to celebrate the 10th International Yoga Day, a milestone in promoting global health, wellness, and unity. This year’s theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” highlighted yoga’s profound impact on individual well-being and community health. Despite a few disruptions, the celebrations showcased yoga’s enduring relevance and its ability to bring people together across different cultures and geographies.
Yoga Day 2024 in Srinagar: A Rainy Start with a Resilient Spirit
This year, the main event was schedule to take place on the picturesque banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. However, heavy rains force the celebrations indoors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was set to perform yoga at the lake, led the session at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC). This mark his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since commencing his third consecutive term in office, underscoring the importance he places on this annual event.
Prime Minister Modi’s participation in Yoga Day 2024 at SKICC was significant not just for the local community but also as a message of unity and resilience. Despite the rain, the spirit of the event remained undampened. The change of venue did not deter the enthusiasm of the participants, reflecting the adaptability and enduring appeal of yoga.
The Global Celebration of Yoga
Since its inception in 2014, the International Day of Yoga has grown into a global phenomenon. The United Nations, recognizing yoga’s universal appeal and benefits, declared June 21 as International Yoga Day following Prime Minister Modi’s proposal at the United Nations General Assembly. The resolution received overwhelming support, reflecting a shared acknowledgment of yoga’s contributions to global health and harmony.
Yoga, with its origins in ancient India, encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual practices aimed at uniting the body and consciousness. The Sanskrit word ‘yoga’ itself means to join or unite, symbolizing the integrative nature of the practice. Over the years, Yoga Day has been celebrate at iconic locations worldwide, from Delhi’s Kartavya Path to the United Nations Headquarters in New York, emphasizing its universal relevance.
Prominent Figures and Celebrations Worldwide
Yoga Day 2024 saw participation from various political leaders and dignitaries in India and abroad. Union Health Minister JP Nadda urged everyone to integrate yoga into their daily routines, emphasizing its holistic benefits. “On this occasion, I want to appeal to everyone to make yoga a part of your daily life. Yoga is the combination of our physical, mental, and spiritual self,” he stated.
Several other union ministers, including S Jaishankar, Anurag Thakur, Mansukh Mandaviya, and Nitin Gadkari, were also seen performing yoga. In Delhi, the Ministry of Culture organized celebrations at the historic Purana Quila, with Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat leading an event at the Sun Dial Lawns of Qutab Minar. The Chief Justice of India, D Y Chandrachud, along with other Supreme Court judges, also participated in the celebrations, highlighting yoga’s broad acceptance and appeal across different sections of society.
Internationally, the day was marked by significant events. In Israel, over 300 participants performed yoga at the Peres Centre for Peace and Innovation in Tel Aviv. In the United States, hundreds of yoga enthusiasts gathered to celebrate, with India’s Deputy Ambassador to the US, Sripriya Ranganathan, addressing the participants. These global events underscore yoga’s role as an agent of global good, fostering peace and well-being across borders.
Yoga Day 2024 Messages and Wishes
The essence of Yoga Day 2024 was capture in the numerous messages and wishes share by people around the world. These expressions highlighted the transformative power of yoga in achieving physical fitness, mental peace, and spiritual growth. Wishes like “Happy International Yoga Day! May your mind be calm, your body be fit, and your spirit be strong,” and “Embrace the power of yoga to achieve physical well-being, mental peace, and spiritual growth,” reflected the holistic benefits of yoga.
Inspirational Quotes for Yoga Day 2024
Yoga Day 2024 also inspired many to share quotes that capture the essence of yoga. Quotes like “Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self” from The Bhagavad Gita, and
“Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees” by B.K.S. Iyengar, served as reminders of the deep wisdom and transformative power of yoga. These quotes were widely share on social media, inspiring many to embrace yoga and its teachings.
The Road Ahead: Yoga’s Growing Influence
As Yoga Day 2024 draws to a close, it is clear that yoga continues to grow in influence and relevance. From its roots in ancient India to its current status as a global practice. Yoga has demonstrated its ability to bring about positive change in individuals and communities. The theme “Yoga for Self and Society” is particularly pertinent in today’s world. Where individual well-being and social harmony are deeply interconnected.
Looking ahead, the challenge and opportunity lie in making yoga accessible to even more people. Especially in rural and underserved areas. The event in Srinagar aimed to boost grassroots participation. A crucial step in ensuring that the benefits of yoga reach all sections of society. As Prime Minister Modi emphasized, the world is increasingly looking at yoga as an agent of global good. A testament to its universal appeal and effectiveness.
Conclusion
Yoga Day 2024 was a celebration of resilience, unity, and the transformative power of yoga. Despite the rain in Srinagar, the spirit of the event shone brightly, reflecting the enduring appeal of yoga. As the world continues to face various challenges, yoga offers a path to holistic well-being and social harmony. The celebrations and messages of Yoga Day 2024 remind us of the profound impact yoga can have on our lives, encouraging us to embrace this ancient practice for a healthier, more harmonious world.
