World Yoga Day
World Yoga Day is a holiday that’s observed annually on the 22nd of February to harness the innate power of yogis across the planet to help victims of human rights violations. It should not be confused with the International Day of Yoga, which falls on June 21st each year and is designed to raise public awareness about the peace and harmony that comes through the practice of yoga.
This day is designed to help people reach out beyond themselves to connect with the world in a more meaningful way. Yoga teachers, schools, and studios donate a portion of their time and space to support human rights causes.
The History of World Yoga Day
This holiday was created by Samira Radsi, a yoga teacher who was living in Berlin, Germany. The purpose of creating this holiday was to encourage yoga teachers and yogis around the world to do their part to alleviate the suffering of those afflicted by human rights violations. Samira contacted yoga schools everywhere to try to coordinate them for this holiday. Eventually, the holiday caught on and is now observed all over the world.
Some Fun Yoga Facts to Ponder
While we’re on the subject of yoga, we thought it would be fun to list some facts that we’ve learned about this ancient practice while researching World Yoga Day. Let’s delve into the following points as we prepare to observe this holiday.
- There are “8 Limbs” of Yoga. These include abstinences, observances, postures, breathing, withdrawal, concentration, meditation, and absorption.
- Yoga can boost a person’s self-esteem.
- Yoga has been practiced for over 5,000 years.
- Yoga can help ease the symptoms of arthritis.
- Yoga also improves balance and posture.
- Yoga can reduce the symptoms of migraines and skin breakouts.
- Currently, there are over 100 different types of yoga in the world.
- Over 300 million people worldwide practice yoga.
- Anyone can start and practice yoga.
Observing World Yoga Day
All around the world, yoga teachers and schools donate their time and space to human rights causes. There is a 120-minute yoga session organized at each school, and each of these sessions is dedicated to those who have suffered from human rights violations.
Students are also encouraged to donate their time and money to these causes on this day. On social media, people can use the hashtag #WorldYogaDay to spread the word about this day.