June 21 — International Yoga Day: history and traditions of the holiday
Every year on June 21, the summer solstice, dozens of countries celebrate International Yoga Day, which unites millions of people of different cultures, ages and worldviews. In 2025, it falls on a Saturday. How it is celebrated in Russia and the world, and what significance the holiday has today, read the Izvestia article.
By whom and when was the International Yoga Day established on June 21
The International Yoga Day was established by the UN General Assembly in December 2014. The initiator was Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his speech, he emphasized that this ancient teaching is not just a set of physical exercises, but a holistic path to harmony between man, nature and oneself.
The date of the holiday was not chosen by chance — June 21 is considered the longest day of the year and symbolizes the beginning of a new life cycle. It was first celebrated in 2015, when 175 countries took part in the events. Since then, it has become an annual tradition. The UN's support for the celebration is no coincidence — it reflects the recognition of yoga as an instrument of global humanism and sustainable development.
International Yoga Day - 2025: the history of the origin and spread of the teaching
Today, yoga is perceived as a universal path to inner balance, but the origins of this tradition go back to the pre—Aryan cultures of Hindustan and the sacred texts of the Vedic era. The first mentions of yoga are found in the texts of the Rig Veda, one of the oldest monuments of Indian literature, dating back to the second millennium BC. The Vedic tradition presented yoga as a tool for gaining inner concentration and union with the Divine.
However, yoga as it is known today began to take shape later — during the Upanishads (VIII–III centuries BC). In these philosophical treatises, the idea of breathing practices, mind control and meditation as a way of liberation from samsara, the circle of rebirth, appears.
The key stage in the development of the teaching was the work "Yoga Sutras" attributed to the sage Patanjali (II century BC). This text laid the foundation for the so-called raja yoga, the "royal path," where the discipline of mind and body is subordinated to the goal of self—knowledge.
Patanjali's eight-step system (ashtanga yoga) included moral principles (yama and niyama), physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), concentration and meditation leading to a state of samadhi — complete fusion with Higher Consciousness. It was from this period that yoga began to acquire the features of a systematic spiritual school.
Yoga has become an integral part of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. In Hinduism, it developed in four key directions: karma yoga (the path of action), bhakti yoga (the path of love and devotion), jnana yoga (the path of knowledge) and Raja yoga (the path of self-discipline). In Buddhism, meditative yoga practices were used to achieve nirvana, and in Jainism — to purify consciousness and liberate the soul.
In the XI–XV centuries, a trend of hatha yoga emerged in India, a system focused on the body as a tool for spiritual growth. The basis of this stage was laid by the texts "Hatha yoga-pradipika" and "Geranda-samhita". They paid special attention to asanas, pranayama, cleansing techniques (shatkarmas) and the awakening of kundalini energy. Hatha yoga has become a link between the body and consciousness, emphasizing that the path to enlightenment lies through bodily discipline.
In Western countries, interest in Eastern philosophy increased in the 19th century. The first public ambassador of yoga in the West was Swami Vivekananda, who gave lectures in Chicago in 1893. However, yoga became really popular in the 20th century with the arrival in Europe and the USA of such masters as Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar, Pattabhi Joyce and Swami Sivananda. They adapted it to the needs of Western society, focusing on the healing and therapeutic potential of the practice.
How is International Yoga Day celebrated in Russia and the world?
The International Yoga Day quickly gained the status of a large-scale cultural event. In many countries, outdoor festivals, asana marathons, and master classes are held on June 21.
The practices are combined with meditation, music, and lectures on a healthy lifestyle. The atmosphere of these events is far from formal — there is no division into beginners and masters, everyone can gain experience appropriate to their level.
In Russian cities, the holiday takes place in parks, squares, and reservoirs. During the day, participants can get acquainted with various styles of yoga, chat with teachers, attend classes on qigong, breathing practices, and relaxing meditations. Special attention is paid to accessibility — participation in events is mostly free, but you can make voluntary donations that go to charity.
Yoga today – the modern benefits of an ancient practice
In the context of today's dynamic world, overloaded with information and stress, yoga has ceased to be just a set of physical exercises, it is perceived as a means of restoring mental balance. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, yoga classes (both at home and in rehabilitation centers) They have become a tool of psychological and physical support, helping recovery from illness.
The World Health Organization has officially included yoga in the list of effective means of increasing physical activity and strengthening mental and emotional health. In a number of countries, this ancient system is included in practices in medical institutions, as well as in school schedules. It helps children develop mindfulness, stress tolerance, and physical activity.
UNESCO has recognized yoga as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, noting its importance for health, art and education.
Earlier, Izvestia reported on when and how International Sports Day is celebrated.
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