Why is yoga day celebrated on June 21? The science behind the date

International Yoga Day is celebrated annually on June 21, a date chosen for its unique scientific, cultural, and mythological significance. This day, also known as the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, is the longest day of the year, symbolising light, awareness, and vitality. The selection of June 21 for Yoga Day was proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in September 2014, and the proposal received unprecedented global support, with 177 countries co-sponsoring the resolution that the UN adopted unanimously in December 2014.advertisementScientifically, June 21 marks the summer solstice, when the Earth's axial tilt is most inclined toward the sun, resulting in the longest period of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere. This natural phenomenon has been celebrated in many cultures worldwide as a time of renewal and energy. For yoga, which emphasises harmony between body, mind, and nature, the solstice represents a powerful symbol of unity and balance.From a yogic and mythological perspective, June 21 holds special importance. According to Indian tradition and yogic lore, this day marks the transition known as Dakshinayana, when the sun begins its southward journey.
It is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva, revered as Adiyogi or the first yogi, began imparting yogic wisdom to his disciples. Legend has it that seven seekers performed intense sadhana (spiritual practice) for 84 years until Shiva acknowledged their dedication on the summer solstice and transformed into Adi Guru, the first teacher of yoga.advertisementThis connection imbues June 21 with spiritual significance, linking the ancient origins of yoga to the rhythms of nature.The International Day of Yoga aims to promote the holistic benefits of yoga worldwide, encompassing physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual harmony. Yoga, rooted in ancient Indian philosophy and practices such as asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation, fosters a balance between mind and body.The day encourages people globally to adopt yoga as a lifestyle for improved health and a deeper connection with the environment.Since its first celebration in 2015, International Yoga Day has grown into a global event with millions participating in yoga sessions across countries. The day not only honours the ancient Indian tradition but also promotes a universal message of peace, wellness, and unity.The choice of June 21 as the date underscores the symbolic harmony between nature's cycles and human well-being, making it an ideal day to celebrate yoga's timeless wisdom.In summary, Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21 because it coincides with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, symbolising light and balance.This date also holds deep yogic and mythological significance as the day when the first yogi, Lord Shiva, began teaching yoga.The United Nations' adoption of this date reflects a global recognition of yoga's benefits and its role in promoting holistic health and harmony between humanity and nature.Must Watch

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Economic Times

an hour ago

• Economic Times

This one food habit could shield you from arthritis, obesity and diabetes. Science backs what Indian kitchens always knew

Fermented foods like idli, curd, and kanji aren't just staples of Indian kitchens—they're emerging as powerful allies in the fight against arthritis, diabetes, and inflammation. Packed with probiotics, these gut-friendly foods improve digestion, boost immunity, and regulate metabolism. Studies confirm that incorporating them into your diet can significantly reduce chronic health risks and promote long-term wellness. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Good Bacteria You Need More Of Why India's Age-Old Recipes Deserve a Comeback Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Anti-Inflammatory, Diabetes-Defying Diet Shift Not Just a Food, But a Lifestyle Fix In a world where fast food dominates and lifestyle diseases rise unchecked, the cure to many modern ailments might already be simmering in Indian kitchens. From the spongy idli to the humble chaas, fermented foods are gaining scientific validation for their transformative effect on health. A recent report by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health now confirms what ancient Indian culinary wisdom always hinted at: fermented foods aren't just delicious—they're disease-fighting foods are made or preserved using yeast, fungi, or beneficial bacteria—elements that might sound off-putting at first but are crucial for maintaining a healthy gut. According to the report, our digestive tracts host trillions of microorganisms, and feeding them right can influence everything from digestion to immunity. Fermented foods, rich in probiotics and prebiotics, help boost microbial diversity, reduce inflammation, and support the gut's ability to fight off believe this microbial harmony could be key to preventing chronic conditions like arthritis. The journal explains that fermented foods can lower oxidative stress and systemic inflammation—two markers often linked to the onset of autoimmune and degenerative kitchens have long relied on fermentation—not just as a preservation method but as a cornerstone of everyday meals. Dishes like dahi (curd), kanji (a tangy drink made from fermented carrots or mustard seeds), idli and dosa batters, pickles, fermented bamboo shoots from the Northeast, and even drinks like chaas and lassi are natural probiotic powerhouses. These are the very staples that modern research is now spotlighting for their health processed probiotics or supplements, these foods come integrated with taste, tradition, and tangible results. They naturally introduce helpful bacteria into the gut, helping regulate digestion, fight bad bacteria, and enhance nutrient absorption—all while staying true to your cultural plate.A separate study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences further revealed that fermented foods could play a role in managing obesity. Their ability to improve metabolic function, control blood sugar, and even lower cholesterol and blood pressure suggests a compelling role in diabetes prevention and metabolic disorders like diabetes surge in India, this dietary insight couldn't come at a better time. Rather than eliminating food groups, the smarter strategy may be to reintroduce age-old ones that the modern diet has gradually promoting healthy weight loss to lowering the risk of autoimmune issues like arthritis, the evidence is stacking up: fermentation isn't just a culinary technique—it's preventative medicine. These foods also boost mental well-being, skin health, and immunity, thanks to their influence on the gut-brain axis and inflammation makes this resurgence in fermented food all the more compelling is its accessibility. No fancy ingredients, no complicated methods—just your grandmother's recipes, revived. And in that revival lies the potential to heal a India grapples with the double burden of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases, it may be time to rethink what's on our plates. Fermented foods offer a solution that's cost-effective, deeply cultural, and scientifically the next time you sip your lassi or scoop out a spoon of homemade curd, remember—you're not just feeding your body. You're fortifying your future.

The Hindu

an hour ago

• The Hindu

Paryaya Puthige Mutt Seer leads Yoga Day session in Udupi

The Paryaya Puthige Mutt seer Sugunendra Tirtha Swami led a one-hour long Yoga session in the Sri Krishna Mutt premises on the occasion of International Yoga Day on Saturday at Udupi. The yoga session was conducted under the directions of Yoga trainer Mamata Shettigar. 'I am taking part in the whole session only to make people aware that seers also do Yoga. I have been doing Yoga for a long time,' the seer said. The ancient concept of Yoga, which is a resource for physical and mental well being, should be spread across the world, the seer added. The session started with warm-up exercises that included the neck and shoulder rotations, which were followed by twisting of waist. Then 'Tadasana', 'Vrukshasana', 'Padahastasana', 'Ardhachakrasana', 'Bhadrasana', 'Vajrasana', 'Ustrasana', 'Bhujangasana', 'Mandookasana', 'Uttana Mandookasana', 'Sethubandhasana', and 'Shavasana' were done. Then 'Kapalabhati', 'Nadishoodhana Pranayama', 'Sheetali Pranayama', and 'Brahamari Prayanama' were done. Yoga has helped Udupi District in charge Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar on Saturday said it was because of regular yoga practice for over two decades that she was in a position to work 15 hours a day. Ms. Hebbalkar said she was going about 20 surya namaskars every day. Recent motor vehicle accident in which she was injured has constrained her from doing Yoga every day. She was now doing Yoga fives days a week. Yoga brings mental joy and promotes a healthy lifestyle, she said. Apart from Ms. Hebbalkar, Yashpal Suvarna and Gurme Suresh Shetty, Udupi District MLAs, Ashok Kodavoor, District Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee Chairman, T.K. Swaroopa, Deputy Commissioner, Prateek Bayal, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer, Ganapathi, Kundapura Divisional Forest Officer, and Satish Acharya, District AYUSH officer took part.

Hindustan Times

an hour ago

• Hindustan Times

Well-rounded diet for older adults: 5 nutrients that improve muscle strength, gut balance and overall health

Older adults may require a well-rounded diet that covers all the nutritional requirements of old age. As the body undergoes natural changes due to ageing, like muscle loss, slower metabolism, and reduced bone density, it becomes crucial to prioritise foods that support health in a holistic manner, taking care of all the key functions of health, from cognition to metabolism. Older adults require well-rounded nutrition to stay healthy.(Shutterstock) Khushboo Jain Tibrewala, SME & Advisor - Nutrition, Meru Life, shared with HT Lifestyle the vital nutrients required to help older adults stay healthy, targeting all the essential pillars of ageing, from bone health, gut balance, to cognitive health and muscle strength. She said, 'For most active seniors, the focus shouldn't be on restriction, but on nourishment that supports strength, cognition, and metabolic health. A well-balanced Indian diet, when thoughtfully planned, can help maintain energy, mobility, and clarity for years to come.' Khushboo shared a guide, listing out the important nutrients and their food sources that can help older adults maintain strength, mobility, and overall well-being: 1. Prioritise protein at every meal With age, muscle loss happens. Including two protein sources per meal, dal with curd, eggs with vegetables, or a paneer salad, helps support strength, blood sugar control, and immune function. 2. Support bone and joint health Calcium and Vitamin D are important, but so are magnesium and Vitamin K2. These nutrients help bones stay strong and reduce the risk of stiffness or injury. Add Ragi, Til, leafy greens, fermented foods, and natural fats like Ghee and Mustard oil to your diet. Leafy greens should be added to the diet to support bone and joint health.(Shutterstock) 3. Gut-healthy foods A diverse gut microbiome supports digestion, immunity, and even mood. Simple meals with cooked vegetables, lightly spiced dals, curd, seasonal fruits, and the occasional kanji or pickle can go a long way in keeping digestion smooth. 4. Protect cognitive health with brain-friendly foods Fatigue, forgetfulness, and brain fog are not just part of ageing; they're often signs of poor blood sugar control or missing nutrients. Add good fats (nuts, seeds), colourful vegetables, turmeric, and herbs like curry leaves or brahmi to meals. Stay hydrated and avoid long gaps between meals. 5. Support metabolic health with fibre-rich foods Even active seniors may have early insulin resistance. Regular, balanced meals, good-quality fibre, and moving after meals can help maintain metabolic stability. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.