This Sunday, 21 June, marks the first International Day of Yoga, and the world is taking notice of the 5,000-year-old practice.
The United Nations General Assembly declared 21 June the International Day of Yoga in December 2014, when a record 175 member states endorsed the resolution. The resolution notes “the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health.”
Across the globe, yoga enthusiasts and newbies alike are planning to take part in yoga activities on 21 June, which coincides with the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere.
Most notably, an estimated 45,000 people in new Delhi will attempt to break the world record for the single largest yoga session.
At the UN, simple yoga poses will be demonstrated at the Visitors Plaza Entrance, while in Times Square, New York – which has had a yoga event timed with the solstice for the past 13 years – the celebration will include 12 hours of free yoga classes in the iconic landmark.
And at Indian budget airline SpiceJet, yoga will take to the skies, with yoga instructors and crew members undertaking a “High on Yoga@35000 Feet” initiative, wherein passengers aboard select flights will be encouraged to participate in yoga exercises from their seats.
