The 9th International Day of Yoga (IDY) is to be commemorated on June 21, 2023, with the national celebration led by the Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, taking place in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. This significant event will witness the presence of esteemed dignitaries such as Governor Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Sarbananda Sonowal, MoS for Ayush Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai, and several other state dignitaries. The highlight of the event will be the performance of the Common Yoga Protocol by around 15,000 participants. The theme for this year’s IDY is ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ which reflects India’s rich socio-cultural heritage.
Global Reach of Yoga
Yoga, thanks to the initiatives led by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, has spread to every corner of the world over the past nine years. As a testament to its global impact, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lead the yoga session at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA. This event is expected to witness participation from more than 180 countries, demonstrating their commitment to the practice of yoga. The choice of the UNHQ as the venue holds special significance, as it was the very location that supported India’s proposal in December 2014 to establish an International Day of Yoga.
Preparation and Countdown
The preparations for IDY 2023 commenced on March 13, 2023, with the launch of a 100-day countdown by the Hon’ble Minister of Ayush. Since then, every day has been observed as part of the countdown by various stakeholders, including government bodies. This collective effort has transformed the International Day of Yoga into a mass movement, culminating in the grand celebration on June 21, 2023.
Unique Features of IDY 2023
This year’s International Day of Yoga will showcase several distinctive features that enhance its global significance. The “Ocean Ring of Yoga” will witness the Indian Navy and Merchant ships organizing Common Yoga Protocol demonstrations at ports and vessels of friendly countries across different oceans. Additionally, the “Yoga from Arctic to Antarctica” initiative will see the Ministry of External Affairs coordinating with the Ministry of Ayush to organize Common Yoga Protocol sessions in countries falling near the Prime Meridian line, as well as other UN member countries. Yoga sessions will even take place at the North Pole and South Pole regions in coordination with the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) at the Indian research bases in the Arctic (Himadri) and Antarctica (Bharati).
National Level Participation
At the national level, the International Day of Yoga aims to achieve “Har Aangan Yoga” by enabling the observation of yoga at the village level. Prime Minister Modi has urged village Sarpanchs (heads) to celebrate International Yoga Day on the 21st of June with their villagers in full strength. The observation can take place at various venues, including Anganwadis (childcare centers), health and wellness centers, schools, and approximately 2 lakh Common Service Centers, AYUSH Health and Wellness Centers under the National AYUSH Mission, and AYUSH Gram. Around 50,000 individuals will gather at the Amrit Sarovar to perform yoga.
Photography Contest and Y-Break at Workspaces
To encourage active participation, the Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Ministry of External Affairs, is hosting a photography contest called “Yoga My Pride” on MyGov.in platform. Participants from both national and international backgrounds can upload photos of themselves performing Yogasanas (yoga postures) along with an appropriate caption. Prizes will be awarded in three categories. Additionally, this year’s IDY introduces the concept of the Y-Break at workspaces, where employees are encouraged to practice yoga in their chairs to destress and re-focus during work hours.
Whole Government Approach
The International Day of Yoga is celebrated with a comprehensive approach involving key ministries of the Government of India, state governments, national and international yoga institutes and organizations, universities, armed forces, National Service Scheme (NSS), and Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK) volunteers, and other stakeholders. Indian missions and embassies, along with UN member countries, also actively participate in the International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2023.
The 9th International Day of Yoga is set to create a harmonious and inclusive environment that celebrates the ancient practice of yoga, not only in India but across the globe. As millions of individuals unite in performing yoga, it signifies the transformative power of this holistic discipline and its ability to foster physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
