The upcoming fifth International Yoga Day is expected to take place on none other than June 21. This important date has been celebrated as the International Day of Yoga annually since its founding in 2015 by the United Nations.
Origination of International Yoga Day
The unique idea to commemorate a day solely dedicated to Yoga was first proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an impactful speech given at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27, 2014. Following his proposal, a draft resolution titled ‘International Day of Yoga’ attracted strong acceptance and was introduced by India’s Ambassador to the UN. This resolution received a remarkable level of support, with 177 nations co-sponsoring it, a record number for any UNGA resolution. Consequently, the United Nations officially declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, marking a significant milestone in the recognition and global acceptance of Yoga.
Looking Forward to International Yoga Day 2019
The year 2019 marks the fifth observation of the International Yoga Day, which this time has chosen the theme ‘Yoga for Heart’. All eyes will be set on Jharkhand’s capital Ranchi, which proudly hosts the main event this year. Strikingly, the International Yoga Day coincides with the summer solstice, a crucial astronomical event known for being the longest day of the year. Notably, Yoga enjoys a reputable spot on the list of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of India, solidifying its status and importance in the country’s cultural heritage.
Table of Facts
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| International Yoga Day | June 21st |
| Founded in | 2015 by the UN |
| Proposed by | Prime Minister Narendra Modi |
| Number of co-sponsors for the resolution | 177 nations |
| 2019 Theme | ‘Yoga for Heart’ |
| Main Event Location | Ranchi, Capital of Jharkhand |
The Significance of Summer Solstice
The summer solstice, which happens to fall on June 21, marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. On this day, the Northern Hemisphere is typically tilted towards the sun, leading to the sun’s rays falling directly on the Tropic of Cancer. Due to this solar arrangement, areas exposed directly to the sun’s rays receive extra heat, while those near the poles receive less heat due to the rays’ slanting pattern. The result is that a large area of the Northern Hemisphere receives sunlight, making it summer in the regions north of the equator and marking the day with the longest daylight and shortest night at these places on June 21.
