International Yoga Day 2022:
The Vedas explain how Shiva's second teaching as an Adiyogi was devoted to the Saptarishis. It is said that Shiva was sitting in blissful meditation for years, many people flocked to him out of curiosity but left as he never paid attention to anyone.
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The International Day of Yoga has been celebrated annually on June 21 since 2015, following its inception in the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in India. The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in his UN address in 2014, had suggested the date of June 21, as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and shares a special significance in many parts of the world.
Origin
The idea of an International Day of Yoga was first proposed by the current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on 27 September 2014. He stated:
Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover a sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and nature. Changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, can help in well-being. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.
Narendra Modi, UN General Assembly
Following this initial proposal, the UN adopted the draft resolution, entitled "Day of Yoga", in 2014. The consultations were convened by the delegation of India. In 2015 Reserve Bank of India issued a 10 rupees commemorative coin to mark the International Day of Yoga. In April 2017, UN Postal Administration (UNPA) issued 10 stamps on Asanas on a single sheet to mark the International Day of Yoga.
Significance
According to Hindu mythology, Shiva is considered to be the originator of yoga. He is said to be the Adiyogi, the first yogi (Adi ="first"). Summer solstice holds importance in the yogic culture as it is considered to be the very beginning of yoga. Yoga was brought to the people by the "Saptarishis". The Vedas explain how Shiva's second teaching as an Adiyogi was devoted to the Saptarishis. It is said that Shiva was sitting in blissful meditation for years, many people flocked to him out of curiosity but left as he never paid attention to anyone. But seven people stayed, they were so determined to learn from Shiva, that they sat still for 84 years. After this, on the day of the summer solstice, when the sun was shifting from the northern to the southern run, Shiva took notice of these 7 beings - he could no longer ignore them. On the next full moon, 28 days later, Shiva turned into the Adiguru (the first teacher), and transmitted the science of yoga to the Saptarishis.
