21 June International Yoga Day: Empowering Personal and Societal Well-being

• Movement
• 3 Min
• June 21, 2024
• Mindfulness, Yoga & Meditation

Reviewed By: Dr. Vadivel Dhatchanamoorthy, BNYS

“Yoga is the golden key that unlocks the door to peace, tranquility, and joy.” – B.K.S. Iyengar

June 21st – “International Yoga Day” a powerful reminder to us to slow down, pause, breathe and reconnect with ourselves and others in a society where things frequently move at a fast pace. This year’s theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” highlights how yoga can improve personal health and well-being and help foster a peaceful community and global peace.

Yoga is a practice that brings together the body, mind, and spirit, leading to inner peace, clarity, and vitality. Whether you are experienced or beginner to yoga, yoga day celebrated on 21 June as International Yoga Day is a wonderful chance to learn about its numerous benefits and adopt a more balanced, mindful way of living.

The word “yoga,” from the Sanskrit “Yuj” meaning “to unite,” or “to join” or “to yoke”. As per Yogic scriptures the practice of Yoga leads to the union of individual consciousness with that of the universal consciousness, indicating a harmony between the mind and body, Man & Nature. Yoga helps one become calmer, reduce stress, improve quality of sleep, enhance mental clarity, intellect, increase flexibility, ease the stiffness or tightness of the body, and energy.As Guru Ravi Shankar says, yoga is a gift to humanity, guiding us through tough times. Let’s celebrate the balance and well-being yoga brings to our lives.

In September 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed International Yoga Day at the UN, highlighting yoga’s unifying impact. On December 11, 2014, the UN declared yoga day celebrated on June 21 as International Yoga Day, aligning with the summer solstice to symbolize light and prosperity.

• Improvement in Physical Health: Lowers the chance of chronic diseases by improving strength, balance, and flexibility.
• Improves Mental Clarity: Promotes mental peace by improving focus, memory, and cognitive performance.
• Handles Stress: Enhances the body’s ability to withstand stress by lowering hormones linked to stress and encouraging relaxation.
• Improves Psychological Wellness: Reduces stress and anxiety, elevating mood, and promoting peace of mind. 
• Supports mindfulness, ego-awareness, and a closer relationship with both the self and the wider world. This leads to increased spirituality. 

• Warm-up: For preparing the body and mind, start by doing light stretches or pranayama.
• Begin Slowly: If you’re a newbie, start off with light sets and work slowly up to more intense exercises. 
• Asana (position): pay focus to the proper alignment and stability for every posture. 
• Consistency: To improve flexibility and muscle tone, continue practicing on a regular basis.
• Maintaining consciousness and focus when practicing mindfulness involves developing a peaceful state.
• Hydration: To keep yourself hydrated, sip on lots of water both before and after practice.
• Diet: Three hours minimum before practice, avoid eating anything. Maintain a light, well-balanced diet to enhance both your general health and yoga activity. 
• Rest: To avoid injuries, give yourself enough time to recover and rest in between workouts.
• Clothes: Dress in loose-fitting, airy apparel that lets you move freely.

Events on 21 June International yoga day

The real significance of 21 June International Yoga Day is in its ability to transcend boundaries and bring people together in the common goal of achieving harmony and to transcend national boundaries. A lively tapestry of yoga studios (online & offline), health communities and expert individuals are joining together in Bangalore to celebrate the 10th anniversary of International Yoga Day with a wide range of events and programs.

1.Event: AntarPrerana Yoga for Entrepreneurs 

• Register link:https://events.tie.org/AntarPreranayoga
• Date: June 22, 2024 
• Time: 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM 
• Venue: Seshadripuram College, 4th Block, VV Giri Colony, Seshadripuram, Bengaluru-20 

2.Event:All India Online Seven Yogasana Challenge

• Date: 21 June to 23 june 2024
• Time: Anytime (Online event)
• Outcome:e-Certificate to every participant 

• Timing: 5:30 am to 8 am 
• Date:21 june 2024
• Registration: Link (Free)
• Venue:Indiranagar club

• Event: 3 hour workshop 
• Ticket:2000 per person( Book Now)
• Location:HeyBrewty Wellness Studio, Hotel Ajantha, 22/A, Craig Park Layout, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001, India, Bangalore

5. Free Yoga + Pilates session

• Date: 21 june to 23 june 2024
• Timing : 8am 
• Registration: Link (Free event )
• Venue :3rd Floor, No 1 and 2 Survey no 22, Hennur Bagalur Main Road, Visthar, Byrathi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560077, India

6. Event:Meditation Inner Yoga Live Music 

• Sahaja Yoga Meditation
• Location: Online
• Date:Sunday, June 23 · 5:30 – 6:30 am GMT+5:30
• Registration:Link

Centers in Bangalore – Offline

1.Vivekananda School of Yoga

• Venue-Vivekananda School of Yoga
• Date:21 June
• Time- 9:00am-11:00am
• Provide:​​Free workshop to learn acupressure, yoga therapy, Pranayama, and mudras for managing diabetes, thyroid issues, arthritis, and back pain.

2.Bodhi School of Yoga- Special offers( Till 22 June)

• Any certificate course Rs. 7499/- only
• Online yoga classes Rs.999/- only; Duration-3 months
• Studio Yoga Classes Rs.1999/- only;Duration-3 Months
• Advanced yoga classes Rs.3999/- only;Duration-3 months
• Offer valid only till 22 June

• Celebration for their annual Yoga in the park session in Cubbon Park on Saturday
• Date:21 June to 22nd June
• Time:7:00am to 8:30 am 
• Two special sessions on 21st and 22nd June.

Session1: 21st June(Friday) 7:00am to 8:30 am in Absolute Yoga Studio,HRBR Layout and online.

Session 2: 22nd June Saturday. Open air community Yoga in Cubbon Park.

4. Sri Krishna Wellness, Yoga & Cultural Centre 

• Special International Yoga Day class on Friday 21st June,2024. 
• Morning Session: 7:00 am to 8:00 am
• Evening Session: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Classes are open for all. Attend for free and free snacks boxes will be given.

5. Akshar Power Yoga Academy-

In celebration of International Yoga Day official attempt to create 7 Guinness World Records.

• The asanas that will be attempted are: Naukasana|Boat Pose, Koundinyasana | Sage Kaundinya Pose, Hanumanasana | Lord Hanuman Pose, Chakrasana |Wheel Pose, Natarajasana | Lord Shiva Pose, Ekapadasana | One-legged Pose, Surya Namaskar | Sun Salutation
• Date: June 21st, 2024
• Time: 9:00 am onwards
• Venue: Tripura Vaisini, Palace Grounds, Bengaluru

6.Isha Hatha School of Yoga

• 21 day Yoga Challenge; offered free on Sadhguru app.
• Registration open till 30th June.

On this 21 June International Yoga Day, let us remember that true wellness extends beyond the individual self. By cultivating inner peace and harmony, we pave the path for a more compassionate, sympathetic and interconnected society. Yoga encourages us to embrace diversity, expand our consciousness, and improve the well-being of all humanity.

It’s common to get some aches or soreness after the yoga class, if you’re beginner or non – regular to yoga and just practice on yoga days. Worry not—pain is a vital part of the journey. Just adopt the following tips to improve both your practice and overall health.

• Cool Down Gradually: Allow your body to cool down slowly.

• Gentle Stretch or Rest: Perform gentle stretches or rest (Hold savasana for at least 10 minutes)

• Hydrate Smartly: Drink water slowly after 15 minutes or try lemon or coconut water.

• Wait Before Eating: Wait at least 30 – 45 minutes before eating a balanced meal.

• Practice positive affirmations: Choose a positive affirmation to set the tone for your day.

• Take a Warm Bath: Soak in a warm bath or hot compress to relax muscles.

• Listen to Your Body: Rest if feeling dizzy or tired.

For Experienced Practitioners:

• Hydrate Properly: Drink water and consider electrolytes.

• Nourish with Light Foods: Opt for protein-rich snacks or a salad.

• Rejuvenate with Ayurveda: Try an Ayurvedic massage or warm bath.

• Active Recovery: Engage in light activities like walking or yoga Nidra.

• Reflect and Reconnect: Meditate or journal to reflect on your practice.

• Take a Refreshing Shower: Warm shower to cleanse and relax your muscles.