Yoga is a centuries-old practice that combines physical, mental, and spiritual elements to promote overall well-being and harmony. The word means – “to join”. It joins mind and the body. Rooted in ancient Indian philosophy, yoga has gained immense popularity worldwide as a holistic approach to health and self-discovery.
Yoga describes a series of postures, known as asanas. It also includes various controlled breathing techniques. Yoga aims to cultivate strength, flexibility, and balance in the body while calming the mind and reducing stress.
The postage stamp-set from 1991 (has four poses – Ustrasana (Camel pose), Bhujanga Asana (Cobra pose), Trikonasana (triangle pose), and Dhanurasana (Bow pose). The poses in Yogasanas are often named after animals, birds, plants, objects and states of human existence.
Yoga becomes international
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Indian spiritual leaders like Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda introduced yoga to the West. They shared its principles and practices with curious seekers in the United States. Over next century, yoga gained recognition as a system of exercise, relaxation, and spiritual exploration.
Many Yoga studios opened up across the world. In 1960s, many followers from the West, came to India to learn its techniques. These newly inspired Yogis organised various yoga festivals, retreats, and teacher training programs.
A mudra refers to a symbolic hand gesture or position in Yoga. The word “mudra” originates from the Sanskrit language, where “mud” means joy or delight, and “ra” means produce or bring forth. By bringing different fingers and hands into specific configurations, mudras stimulate specific energy pathways in the body.
International Yoga Days
By 2014 the popularity of Yoga was well established. Hence, in December 2014, when India proposed “International Yoga Day” to the United Nations – the resolution was supported by 175 countries. Thus, 21st June was marked as the International Day of Yoga. First such day was held in the year 2015
21 June is a special day
21st June holds significance as it marks the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, which is the longest day of the year. The choice of this date reflects the symbolism of the summer solstice, a time when the sun is at its highest point and represents the journey from darkness to light.
Surya Namaskar postage stamps on 2nd International Yoga Day
Surya Namaskar, also known as Sun Salutation, is a popular sequence of yoga asanas (postures. It is traditionally practiced facing the rising or setting sun. In 2016, India Post issued a miniature sheet to depict the sequence of these postures. This sequence has also become a feature of various subsequent special covers.
Third International Yoga day 2017, A UN stamp
Beyond its physical benefits, yoga is also a pathway to self-awareness and inner peace. It provides practitioners with a means to connect with their inner selves. We practice it as a form of exercise, meditation, or as a means of self-exploration.
International Yoga Days have a theme
As International Yoga days became popular, so were their themes. In 2017 the theme was “Yoga for Health”. Next year in 2018 it was “Yoga for Peace” and on 5th International Yoga day in 2019, it was Yoga for the heart.
Yoga for Well being, Be with Yoga Be at Home: 2020-21
The years 2020-21 were years of COVID-19 infection. Theme “Be with Yoga and Be at Home” was chosen keeping the prevalent pandemic in mind. In these years the events were conducted online, as gatherings were not feasible.
Yoga for humanity: Theme for 2022
This year, was 8th Yoga Day. The main event was led by our Prime minister Mr Narendra Modi, at Mysore Palace grounds.
Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbukam: Theme for 2023
In 2023, International Yoga day turned nine. On international Yoga day, our Prime minister Mr Narendra Modi led a Yoga session at UN Headquarters in New York. Theme of the year was Yoga for our Global family (Vasudhaiva Kutumbukam).
Yoga for Self and Society: Theme for 2024
In the year 2024, we observed 10th International Yoga Day. Theme for the year had an aim to popularize Yoga across societies.
In the year 2025, we have a theme – “Yoga for one health, one Earth”. This years theme truly identifies itself with our cultural export to the world.
A related blog: Traditional systems of Medicine
Very good information shared Sir
Excellent read ! Thank you 🙏
Wonderful
Yoga began as a spiritual practice but has become popular as a way of promoting physical and mental well-being. Although classical yoga also includes other elements, yoga as practiced in the United States typically emphasizes physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation (dyana). Every one should do atleast for 15 minutes’daily.
Sir the information is really useful and fantastic.
Nicely written Sir.
Yes… 21st june and yoga for all.
We should not lose on our ancient therapies and meditation in combination to modern medicine . Beautiful write up.
Wonderful sir
Cultural export – innovative title.Its heartening to see acceptance of Yoga by mainstream medical science as a therapy for physical and mental ailments as this writeup in this august blog would imply.However as the claims made by yogic practitioners for curi ng a wide spectrum of diseases needs scientific validation it is hoped in the near future we come across philately representations of established /successful yoga based therapies.
International Yoga Day is India’s pride & gift to humanity. The blog covers this aspect of global impact of Yoga & more through wonderful stamp & informative narrative as usual. Looking forward to the decade celebrations & International stamps.
Your writeup beautifully intertwines the history of International Yoga Day with your unique stamp collection, offering a captivating perspective. Thanks for sharing this very informative blog Sir
Good information sir
Well organised sir with full of new information👌👌👏